This track was most definitely a change of pace. But the small interlude at the end of Push it Along gets me pumped for the song to start. Breaking from the beat right into something that sounds almost like a super-hero tune, of course maybe that is just me. A song that would seem to be intense at first, but that is only the beat. The song is just tons of fun. From the flow of Q-Tip's rhymes, or the dialogue from "Lucien". Following the story of a french man, as Q-Tip goes to help him with him adjusting to America. This little story coupled with some light humor and a faster pace than most Tribe songs, this one is a classic.
Q-Tip most certainly delivers fast on this one. He tells the story so well in this one, as you can visualize the whole journey this french man takes to America. Just a fun story to tell. The background vocals are from a man named, Lucien Revolucien. Q-Tip flows on this one without a flaw. Smoother than ever, bouncing right along with the beat.
The beat is just classic. With a bassline cool as hell. And the drums giving it that fast sound. Then that breakdown during the breaks between each verse. Like I said it just has that superhero feel to it.
As for the samples:
"Forty Days" by Billy Brooks (from the 1974 album "Windows of the Mind")
"All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles (from the 1967 album Magical Mystery Tour) (the sampled portion is La Marseillaise, the national anthem of France, which The Beatles sampled themselves)
This songs starts off quite weird. In fact I still wonder what the intro was all about. The first time I heard it I was actually disturbed believe it or not, it really just scared me more than anything. However, in no time the drums kick in, and then the bass plays. The beat is just so smooth and relaxing. Then Q-Tip introduces himself right off the bat. Now at first I would think that this guy just couldn't rap very well, however I was quite ignorant. Just because he wasn't talking a mile a minute doesn't mean he didn't have skill. However, by the 2nd verse I was in love with this song. There are different degrees of good rapping I thought to myself. And it is all in the flow right here. Different flows for different songs and styles. And this style was brilliant. Remember, I was still new to this style. And it grew on me, they were like butter on this track, and that would be the same story for every song they made.
Another important part of their music is a lot of the imagery. Through their verses many lines just sound nice. They are very laid back, and so you are never lost in their verses. Everything is quite vivid, when Q-Tip mentions a glass of orange juice. Then Phife mentions chicken, sure it may seem silly. But they killed the verses. All this imagery just comes together, all these simple pleasures just coagulate into something positive. Nothing in their music is violent, and they never scream into the microphone. They did a terrific job. You will notice in other songs by them, that their verses contain lots of playful rhymes. It is so wonderful to take a break from all other artists, and cool off with the Tribe.
The best quality is they don't try to number 1. They are just there to have a good time, which becomes refreshing after all these other artists trying to climb the charts, or make the most money. However, I don't enjoy listening to those artists, unless they make the good music I can listen to, than by all means. My point is, these guys are having a good time, and more people should to. Hell, the whole world should just chill out for awhile.
After the verses, my favorite part comes. The introduction to everyone, Jarobi, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg, and Q-Tip. They start to chant, and it was just terrific. They were practically making music as they went, which was really just fun to hear. Feeling like you are in the studio is always a great way of immersing yourself in music, maximizing the enjoyment. At this point I was already in love with Quest, if you will.
Now for the samples:
"I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Babe" by Jimmy Smith (from the 1973 album "Black Smith")
"Loran's Dance" by Grover Washington, Jr. (from the 1979 album "Reed Seed")
"Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Junior Mance (from the 1970 album "With a Lotta Help from My Friends")
"Gonna Love You (Skit)" by J. Smith
"Jagger the Dagger" by Gene McDaniels (from the 1971 album "Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse")
A good list to keep you busy I suppose, ha ha. Up next, the Luck of Lucien.
In this album review, I will be exploring all of tracks this album has to offer.
Discussing the unique sounds throughout the songs, and exploring the style of rap the Tribe made me fall in love with. Mentioning any samples along the way, and hoping to discuss what every song has to bring to the table.
Just know that every song brings a smooth vibe and a smile to my face. A smile of pure happiness. These guys really know how to make life seem simpler, which is what makes the music so great. That is what I love about some music, the ones that make everything seem, just right.
Before I go into the 1st track I would like to introduce A Tribe Called Quest. What the Tribe has done for me in hip-hop is incredible. The first track I heard from them was Can I Kick It? At this point I was still new to a lot of hip-hop and frankly, I still am. It must have been last year, when I heard it, it was just so smooth. The lyrics from both rappers; which at that point I couldn't distinguish; were so light and heart-warming. I had never heard such a sound in hip-hop. It just sort of amazed me, and I had to find out more. After months of youtubing, I finally bought there first 2 albums. 1990's People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, and 91's The Low End Theory. These two albums would continue to amaze me as everything was still quite new to me. I find once I get hold of the album the songs stand out to me more than a video on the internet would. And at this point, I have the next 2 albums from the Tribe. In my library, they have become a favorite of mine. Everything that I hear from them is just beautiful. Whether it be that there lyrics are always clever and playful, or that the beats are always in my taste. Sure I love all sorts of instrumentals; loving the soul beats from J Dilla and Kanye West; but Q-Tip and Ali did some great work. Every beat just has that taste of funk and jazz, which is great to listen to with such fun lyrics. My point is, the Tribe has such positive vibes that I hadn't seen yet in hip-hop. This has made them my favorite hip-hop group. Still new to Wu-Tang if that explains anything. In fact my friend Stevie recommended this album from other works I selected to review. So without further a due, let's Push it Along and explore People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
This song is perhaps the best song of off Mac Miller's Jukebox. It takes a sick beat and his clever lyrics. Still new to most of his music, I didn't expect a track like this from Mac. So this was a very pleasant surprise from him. Considering I didn't find the majority of the songs on the Jukebox anything special, this made the track even better. His voice just flows perfectly, and his attitude comes off as aggressive, and having listened to K.I.D.S., I would've never expected something like this. Any way he rhymes it just catches, and stays with me.
The production on this is top notch, just a simple bass-heavy beat with some trumpets thrown in. This beat makes it even easier to chill out to. Soul Theory gave a tough beat a touch of jazz. Absolutely beautiful. And the DJ intro at the beginning might be the only one that I didn't mind hearing. All the others on that album really broke the feel from all the songs. However, this one had me laughing every time. "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" Ah, the actual name of the instrumental is apparently "So Gangsta" by Soul Theory Productions. If you noticed he threw that piece of old school soul at the very end. No information as to what that piece is, although it is beautiful.
As for Mac, this is a master rap. Every other line is hot, and is so catchy. Definitely a fun song to rap along too. The flow is top notch on this beat, almost perfect. Now for my favorite lines. Whether he says it just right, or it is clever, or he goes off like crazy.
Like any given friday I roll up to ya drive way rock u in tha face have u lookin sideways
So quit ya back talk I ain't haven it boyy
I'm lookin fresh right now straight dazzlen boyy
Light a swisher now I'm gone
When my minds on, 5's on, laced up, headed out the time bomb
Get your life right size truck whit a white light
Triple x tee and a fresh pair of white nikes
I wright like nobody you've seen
Cause my weed is purple and my money is green
See I'm hungry for cream with my fitted on lean
If you wanna talk shit, I'm a shit on your teaam
The kid raps like lasers, sharp like rasors
Rollin up my weed in some Garcia vegas (yuup)
Fuck a cop tryna chase me with tasers, I'm runnin out my crib and I'm dippin through the neighbors, garden
High homie marvin the martian
Specifics is never gimics, I rip it just how I live it, you wanna it I'll go and get, I'm kickin it so escuisit
The wickedest mothafucka on the block I live at
Shit talk on hip hop I'm pealing your wig back, yuup
The delivery on this track has me amazed. Definitely gonna be a favorite from Mac always. Just killing it!
Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza this a work of art I ain't talking Mona Lisa
Awesome rhyme and there is many more to come, according to Mac. On this track Mac explains his plans for becoming a better rapper, and his plan to succeed. Basically a nice little autobiography telling us all sorts of things, whether it be his dreams, his status as a rapper, and what he will do with that success. And a lot of it kinda leaves me interested and waiting to hear more. As for the quality of the rap, well damn, I absolutely love it. He flows great and has some pretty hot lines that are quite catchy. The beat is very chilled and laid back produced by Lord Finesse. Let's see what this team did.
Lord Finesse produced a hell of a track, and it sounds great. Hard to identify most of the sounds, but you can definitely hear those shouts in the background of the track, most likely sampled, but I can't be sure. Those voice and "you know what?" are actually a nice touch. The beat is quite catchy, going right along with those keys. The keys play nice and slow really easing your mind. It seems every other track on K.I.D.S. I review, I need to find the producers other beats. I am just amazed at all this unbelievable production from the K.I.D.S. mixtape. Fantastic job Lord Finesse. And if you didn't know it is actually an old beat called "Hip 2 da game". Check it out!
As I said before Mac Miller practically writes his auto-biography which is great. He certainly had some cool stuff to tell. As you hear him rap, he tells you he hopes it is his last shot, as he was simply a guy who "used to go to school hand with friends and play sports". He admits that there was something missing from life. And thus he started rapping, climbing up that great wall of success. He may be new and people may think he is a mirage but he guarantees he will go hard. His line about the music stores was very interesting, seeing as I had no idea what he was really saying. Ha, oh well he certainly has a future in rapping. Doesn't take to much to understand these lyrics, so go get your 2 cents from this song.
I smoke herb and I make music
I don't even talk about it boy I just do it
Just thought I would let you know that part is so damn smooth. Lots of other hot lines, which makes the track even better. The track is smooth like butter baby.
Now one of my favorite tunes for summer, probably the second track I heard from Demps as well. He starts off on the right foot, and just lets you soak the beat up. And perfectly in sync with it. The production is simply amazing. As he mentions the beat is by Kanye West.
Before this song I had not heard this beat. This beat is practically the definition of summer chilling. I just can't think of a beat I like more than during the summer. From the smooth bass, and those soft drums, to that soul sample. It is so perfect in every way, the way it goes from slow and smooth, carrying to more intensity, almost effortlessly on Mr. West's part, that just makes it too damn good. You will also notice some trumpets play at one point. This beat just makes you want to sit back and watch the sunset. Ah puts your mind in a state of sedation, where the only thing around you in this song. And for awhile it will be up there will my favorite instrumentals.
As for the rap, well it is interesting. Quite a few clever lines. But for the overall image of it, it really puts you in for that summer feel. Just going place to place to chill out with other people, the perfect summer days are like that. The lyrics tell us he is just a simple guy on his mission to be somebody. Telling the stories of himself in a small town making the best of it. On his quest to be forever known.
You just have to listen to this one. That is all I have to say.
A terrific song to relax to on a rainy day. From the fun filled lyrics, to the "playful" beat, this song has all you need to put a smile on your face. Like any other track from K.I.D.S., it really can be appreciated by the younger crowd and students. This being because they will appreciate the lyrics the most. After all who doesn't like not going to class?
Mac Miller was a master on this track, whether on purpose, or just maybe the way I analyzed it made it that much better to me. A lot of simple fun lines can mean a lot. The title of course is appropriate, rapping about Senior Skip day, no less. Lots of lazing around, and just trying to have a good time. The song opens with him rapping with a soft whisper, and some thunder in the background. His flow works perfectly when the beat drops, after that intro of playful synths. This works excellently. The song is full of positivity, and I receive it with a warm welcome. Whether he references chores, class, or the lack of ingredients to a most dope breakfast, he tells you don't sweat it.
I'm just high why they hatin on me
People tend to think all the dranks on me
I don't even have the money to spend
To buy patron for you and all your friends
Baby I be on my grind
Rain sleet snow
Rollin up good every place we go
Cause we tryin to get high get high get high
Know the bullshit and all the problems
But we to gone to see
Little bit of this and a little bit of that
We proceed to give them what they need
He asks himself why do people hate him? He is right though, he is just an average guy just trying to relax and have a good time. He gets high to escape the problems, and we all have an escape from life. Perhaps you listen to a certain song to help cover those troubles. I know I do, that is in fact why I started writing, I love songs so much and I love to talk about them. Moving on now.
This is where that simple imagery becomes so damn good, and relatable. After all who can't relate to having waffles? And hey if you can't afford waffles, don't worry. This next part of the verse explains all those situations, as does the "patron" line up above.
Just wakin up and gettin stoned
Rub my eyes and check my phone
Open up the fridge to make some waffles
But no more syrup up in my bottle
Damn, but it's okay
I top it off with scrambled eggs
Aye gotta work with watcha got
Aye gotta work with watcha got
Any situation, maybe you needed something. What he is saying with these fun breakfast foods, is that there should be some solution. And just don't stress. And that lead right into the chorus which just feels great, and you always have those moments on lazy days when you wish people would just hang out longer. Bringing us to the next verse.
Ain't tryna get out of my bed till noon
Neighbors smell the perfume smoke in my room
And I got the door closed can't be sure though
Amsterdam weed spending euro's
Get the herb rolled
Let's relax
Take your shoes off and kick it back
We escaped the world
Escaped the stress
But I don't give a fuck if the house a mess
Cause we gonna handle that later
We gonna handle that later
Right now let's get that paper and smile for all them haters
Aye cream cheese and a bagel
Have a glass of milk and an ego
I'm rockin pjs and no shirt
I smoke weed eat yogurt
Enjoy the best things in your life
Cause you ain't gonna get to live it twice
They say you waste time asleep
But I'm just tryna dream
This verse is just so much fun, flows really well on this particular verse. The middle (in bold), is my favorite. Really kicking the stress right out with some really tight rhymes. Let's just leave those responsibilities alone for awhile, and stay positive for everybody that hates. Because that is what we should do, stay positive despite the others. An excellent message, given an excellent delivery. Especially in that 2nd pair of lines Also, those last lines, plain and simple, are just wonderful to here. Very clever Mac, very clever.
And what could make a rap even better? Well the beat, which was produced by Wally West. The pitter-patter of synths is absolutely terrific to listen to. Makes you feel like a KID again, very interesting. Then the maraca sound comes in with the bass. My goodness the bass is brilliant, and has an incredible affect. It is used sparingly throughout the song, making it oh so appreciated when it rolls around. As does those brass pieces. And that clap just makes the beat easy to bob your head to with the synths. This one beat has gotten me intersted in Wally West. I look forward to seeing his name in future productions.
What I got out of the song:
Put those responsibilities to your side when you put those headphones on.
A track like this is welcome, I feel like not many tracks such as Senior Skip Day come out often enough. Really good vibes from this track, that share us the simplest forms of fun. Which can sometimes be forgotten, and Mac Miller reminds us of those joys. Another reason I like him as an artist, you can just put the arguments aside, and just respect his music.
Don't imagine Flight Mac will be landing any time soon.
One of the smoothest tracks on the K.I.D.S. mix-tape. Oh yeah, and one of the smoothest tracks I have heard in my library. Hear I like to explore music libraries, and when I found this I wasn't expecting this gem to appear. This is a track that I will always remember.The track is another one I could put in the same category of We Major. It makes you feel successful and helps you to finally calm down, and just live life easy.
I heard this track, the first I had heard from Mac Miller. I never knew how much I would like this guy, but we will get into him as an artist later on, ha you know me and my long speeches. And what a 1st track it was. This was earlier in late fall of 2010, and I was just getting used to the concept of mixtapes. At this point I was still working on getting artists' albums. But Traffic in the Sky is just one reason K.I.D.S. feels like an actual album. A lot of terrific tracks that feel quite professional. Yet, Mac brings a smooth style similar to other kids, not a surprise or difference in hip-hop, but he does a better job of it.
Traffic in the Sky brings simpler success, that other teenagers would relate to. Whether just feeling cool and accepted with all their friends, or getting lifted all the way to the clouds. However you live it up, Tecknowledgy really made it possible to chill with any method. Simple because the beat has that smooth feel to it. With a soft beat and some beautiful jazz it really helps you mellow out. The good touch of brass is just so damn good I almost can't get over it. And usually when a rapper "sings" the hook is doesn't quite come out strong. Yet, Mac has the ability to float right along and brings that soft touch that anyone can appreciate on this beat. So I will certainly be on the look out for more work from Tecknowledgy.
As for Mac, well he does his thing. With other tracks, he has that laid back style and really helps you to just blow the stress away. While many of us aren't living the life, we certainly a song that puts us in that puts our mind in a state of sedation. With just a few simple words, he reaches to everyone. As I may have explained several times that if an artist uses the right words they can send the same message to many, getting them the same mood the artist wanted to convey. And Mac Miller can put that feeling in kids so easily. It clearly helps as he is a kid himself, making him a guy who is relatable. Always a plus to have. So let us get to some of the lyrics. Has some clever lines and has a butter flow on this cool track.
Get laid in California when the weather gettin colder
or honeys by the pool and I'm sippin on mimosas
chillen on the beach house, lounging on the sofa
riding with a chauffeur, on my way to blow up
roll up, fishing, champagne sipping
5-star chefs stay cooking in the kitchen
4th line really sums up a big part of the song. It would be something you might listen to when you know you got something locked down, and you know that your chances of high. A premature celebration if you will.
got my Louie shades on ain't no damn thing wrong
fill enough cups til the bottle all gone
we just coolin coolin ,feel the breeze
had to give you something you can sang off key
Saying there ain't a damn thing wrong is about as straight forward as it gets to relaxation. Then he puts some others feelings in there. That last line really works well also, we are all here for this track to relax , and singing off key invited everyone to get that positive energy that Mac has.
Earlier this week I was listening to this song, up at a nice view in the woods after a hike up there. I lied back and watched the clouds go by, just as he says that. Song was very effective at that point and I absolutely loved it. So just watch the clouds go by, and just cool out.You can look at any of his lyrics and see his style in this song perfectly, giving that positive fun-guy vibe. That is why I have become a fan of his work. And hopefully with this song you will to. I am sure a lot of kids out there already have heard this song. But whether this is your first track from him, or your 10th, hopefully you enjoy it. I will be doing some more tracks from him, any recommendations just comment.
