2016 was a strange year for hip-hop. It was at once the pinnacle of the slurred, codeine-soaked trap music that rose in popularity around 2011 as well as a huge resurgence of boom-bap. Boom-bap is essentially the polar opposite of the high-production based voice-as-instrument styles of trappy hip-hop: it relies on a minimal, percussion based beat and as much clever lyricism as a rapper can bring to the table. In maintaining some kind of cosmic balance between these often at odds forces, it follows that at the close of a big year for crooners like Young Thug, Lil Yachty, and Travis Scott, the remaining members of A Tribe Called Quest would release their mythical final album.
Phife Dawg, born Malik Taylor, was an icon. He was one of the most highly regarded MCs of all time and remained never waned before his death due to complications of diabetes in March of this year. Along with Q-Tip and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Tribe put out three impeccable albums and two that were very good. In October of last year, a few months before his death, Phife and all of the original members, along with many of their associates met in the studio and started work. They were fueled by a last performance together on The Tonight Show, as well as sorrow in the aftermath of the Paris Bombings, and they quickly started recording what they do best, funky, clever, politically charged bars that bounced from member to member as if it were their freshman album.
The album is so incredible because it does not rely on nostalgia for quality. It would have been easy for the Tribesmembers to lean on their old tropes and put out a samey attempt at replicating The Low End Theory, but they veered towards slightly more modern production and themes skewering gentrification and using outlandish samples of Elton John to an accompanying Jack White on acoustic guitar.
The showstopper on this album that is packed full of incredible features from André Benjamin to Kendrick Lamar is the track The Space Program. The track is built on an organ and barebones percussion beat and opens with a quote from the 70’s blaxploitation film Willie Dynamite. The track follows a loose narrative of a US space program taking off and leaving without black people. The space program is of course a metaphor for systemic gentrification and Q-Tip and original Tribe member Jarobi take turns lambasting the state of treatment of black Americans in every form from housing to police brutality.
In the middle of the first verse, after boasting about their lyrical prowess and how they cannot be fooled by the system, Q-Tip rails against the Voting Rights Act, rapping “They planning our future//None of our people involved.” He elicits the frustration of lack of representation in government due to oppressive redistricting and the de facto poll taxes of in person voting, particularly on a Tuesday.
He goes on to bemoan the systemic practices going on in Flint Michigan and Standing Rock of minorities being forced to bear the burden of white ecological destruction with the lyrics, “They’d rather lead us to the grayest water poison deadly smog//Mass un-blackening, it’s happening, you feel it y’all?” This mass un-blackening relates both to the destruction of lives through poisoned water as well as the gentrification of historically colored neighborhoods with the influx of wealthy white people (see: Pilsen, and ironically, Pilson’s large Latinx population only got there after being gentrified out of the UIC area).
Toni Morrison has written extensively on the idea of flight as a mode of freedom for black Americans, both in novels like Song of Solomon as well as in interviews and essays. It comes from the folk tale of the flying African. A story which in turn stems from the mass-suicide of captured Nigerian Igbo people who killed themselves as opposed to returning to slavery. The myth followed that the people actually sprouted wings and flew back to Africa. Songs of flight spread and grew into a mythology of their own.
Ironically, in The Space Program, the idea of flight is reimagined as a white flight from the problems associated with black Americans. This shift serves to show how the attempt at freedom is deemed impossible within a system designed to oppress black Americans. Instead, flight, once deemed a freedom dream for many is co-opted by the oppressors.
So where does that leave the members of Tribe? The answer lies in the hook. A resoundingly positive Phife Dawg repeats to a bouncing beat as the song fades,
Time to go left and not right
Gotta get it together forever
Gotta get it together for brothers
Gotta get it together for sisters
For mothers and fathers and dead n—–
For non-conformers, won’t hear the quitters
For Tyson types and Che figures
As the hook fades into the outro, a trippy sample of Gene Wilder (another great who passed away in 2016) in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, we are reminded that this is an uphill battle and “they’re certainly not showing, any signs that they are slowing!”
So on behalf of all people, let’s make something happen.
1,763 Comments
An interesting discussion may be worth comment. There’s no doubt that you should write on this topic, it will not be a taboo subject but generally folks are inadequate to speak on such topics. Yet another. Cheers rhinoplasty iran
Selera303 salah satu situs judi yang sudah prepare dari dulu, dengan menyediakan link alternatif merupakan langkah yang sangat inovatif agar member kami tidak kesulitan ketika ingin melakukan login di situs terbaik selera303. selera303
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this prior to. So nice to locate somebody with original thoughts on this subject. realy we appreciate you beginning this up. this amazing site is a thing that is required on the web, a person with a little originality. beneficial purpose of bringing interesting things to your internet! شراء متابعين فيسبوك
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this prior to. So nice to locate somebody with original thoughts on this subject. realy we appreciate you beginning this up. this amazing site is a thing that is required on the web, a person with a little originality. beneficial purpose of bringing interesting things to your internet! | شراء متابعين فيسبوك
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this site requirements additional consideration. I’ll likely to end up again to see additional, thank you for that info. daftar idr168
There are a couple of intriguing points at some point on this page but I do not determine if they all center to heart. There’s some validity but I will take hold opinion until I check into it further. Great post , thanks and then we want a lot more! Added onto FeedBurner too daftar idr168
زيادة متابعين انستقرام, زيادة متابعين تويتر, زيادة متابعين تيك توك, زيادة متابعين سناب شات, زيادة متابعين فيسبوك, زيادة لايكات انستقرام, زيادة مشاهدات انستقرام, زيادة لايكات تويتر, زيادة ريتويت تويتر, زيادة لايكات تيك توك, زيادة لايكات فيسبوك, زيادة لايكات يوتيوب, زيادة مشاهدات يوتيوب, زيادة مشتركين يوتيوب, شراء متابعين انستقرام, شراء متابعين تويتر, شراء متابعين تيك توك, شراء متابعين سناب شات, شراء متابعين فيسبوك, شراء لايكات انستقرام, شراء مشاهدات انستقرام, شراء لايكات تيك توك, شراء لايكات يوتيوب, شراء مشاهدات يوتيوب, شراء مشتركين يوتيوب , زيادة متابعين انستقرام , زيادة لايكات ومشاهدات انستقرام , زيادة تعليقات انستقرام , زيادة مشاهدات ستوري انستقرام , زيادة مشاهدات بث مباشر انستقرام , زيادة حفظ انستقرام , زيادة انطباعات انستقرام , زيادة وصول انستقرام , زيادة منشن انستقرام , زيادة متابعين انستا , زيادة لايكات , زيادة متابعين عربي خليجي , شراء متابعين انستقرام , شراء لايكات انستقرام , شراء مشاهدات انستقرام , شراء تعليقات انستقرام , شراء مشاهدات بث مباشر , برنامج زيادة متابعين انستقرام , شراء متابعين انستا , شراء متابعين instagram , زيادة متابعين instagram , زيادة المتابعين , كيفية زيادة المتابعين , ارخص سيرفر زيادة متابعين
The the very next time I just read a blog, I hope that this doesnt disappoint me around this place. After all, It was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have some thing intriguing to mention. All I hear is usually a number of whining about something you could fix in the event you werent too busy in search of attention. strictionbp
There is noticeably a lot of money to understand this. I assume you made certain nice points in functions also. golbos
I am frequently to blogging i truly appreciate your content. Your content has truly peaks my interest. My goal is to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new details. Bioma Probiotic review
Hire Outsystems Developers!
Prometheas Technologies boasts a team of seasoned OutSystems developers who harness the platform’s full potential to deliver enterprise applications tailored to both present and future market demands. We champion personalized enterprise solutions, offering clients an array of customization and scalability options to ensure solutions align perfectly with their unique needs. Our mastery of OutSystems extends to every phase, from consultancy to final app development, and ongoing support and maintenance services. Count on our unwavering expertise for your success. Visit- https://prometheastech.com , mail- hello@prometheastech.com
Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality used to be a enjoyment account it. Glance complex to more introduced agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate? fortune mouse estrategia
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this prior to. So nice to locate somebody with original thoughts on this subject. realy we appreciate you beginning this up. this amazing site is a thing that is required on the web, a person with a little originality. beneficial purpose of bringing interesting things to your internet! bola88
Thanks for taking the time to post this data. I am recently one of your most passoniate followers. I have your RSS feed in my iphone and will check back regularly. phenomenal me gummies
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this site requirements additional consideration. I’ll likely to end up again to see additional, thank you for that info. lightning link free coins
I your writing style truly enjoying this website . The Crimson Books
Thanks for some other magnificent article. The place else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info. bola88
you have got a great blog here! do you want to cook some invite posts on my own weblog? situs toto
Musik4D situs slot online gacor dan togel terpercaya, musik4d togel dan permainan yang lengkap serta tersedia link alternatif untuk mempermudah akses member, qris proses deposit sangat cepat. musik4d login
mesin22 sebagai situs judi slot online resmi & terpercaya di indonesia. slot online
Since “Independence Day” there has not been another great alien invasion flick… until now. ageless knees side program
Tax services for Canadian doctors. We can help residents, fellows and established physicians. We provide simple, transparent pricing and high value services. Tax accountant for MDs
Online video game stores in Australia, we’ve Playstation 4 PS4, PS5, Xbox one, Nintendo Switch video games, Yugioh TCG and Pokemon TCG on sales Playstation 5
Most interesting place for dance enthusiasts in San Francisco nightclubs
The best Tijuana dentists in Mexico for implants and cosmetic treatments. Save 70% On Dental Implants By Coming To Mexico! all on 4 dental implants in mexico
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! india lottery
This could be the appropriate blog for hopes to check out this topic. You already know a great deal its almost tricky to argue with you (not that When i would want…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin using a topic thats been discussing for many years. Wonderful stuff, just fantastic! Tuercas Remachables
در میان انواع لولهها با متریال مختلف لوله استنلس استیل یکی از کاربردیترینها به شمار میرود که برای جابجایی گاز، آب، مواد نفتی و… مورد استفاده قرار میگیرد. این لوله انواع مختلفی دارد و هر نوع آن به واسطه ویژگیهای متمایز و منحصر به فردش، در صنایع گوناگون به کار میرود. در این مقاله به طور کامل به معرفی لوله استیل و کاربردهای آن در صنعت میپردازیم.
https://www.saat24.news/news/629017/%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%84%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%84-%DA%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF
در میان انواع لولهها با متریال مختلف لوله استنلس استیل یکی از کاربردیترینها به شمار میرود که برای جابجایی گاز، آب، مواد نفتی و… مورد استفاده قرار میگیرد. این لوله انواع مختلفی دارد و هر نوع آن به واسطه ویژگیهای متمایز و منحصر به فردش، در صنایع گوناگون به کار میرود. در این مقاله به طور کامل به معرفی لوله استیل و کاربردهای آن در صنعت میپردازیم.
https://www.saat24.news/news/629017/%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%84%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%84-%DA%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF
With more than 26 years of experience, we are leading in composite FRP production. Besides our main products, composite roofing, our other OEM products such as composite bins, composite chairs… have been delivered to customers from all over the world: USA, Japan, Holland, Canada. Myanmar… FRP panels in Vietnam
Last month, when i visited your blog i got an error on the mysql server of yours.*’.*- Mumbai Pune Taxi
inkheart has great graphics but the story is not that very impressive., 津田沼 整体 猫背
Strumming my pain with his fingers. Singing my life with his words.|chantalmeNOTHIN| 1xbet giriş
Generally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post. 1xbet giriş
vanity leads to more plastic surgery procedures. people are becoming more conscious about their appearance:: 1xbet giriş
most brands of kids shoes are using synthetic leather which is sometimes hard for a kid’s feet“ music industry blog
Marquis (ponazuril) Antiprotozoal Oral Paste is used for the treatment of EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) in horses. ponazuril cost
Musik4D situs slot online gacor dan togel terpercaya, musik4d togel dan permainan yang lengkap serta tersedia link alternatif untuk mempermudah akses member, qris proses deposit sangat cepat. musik4d
The fastest wat to get your handicap parking permit is to apply online at get health or handicapplacard.org, you can visit their site here. These handicap parking permits allow you access to handicap parking anytime that you need it. visit their site here
To apply for a disability sticker really quickly the best option is to do it online at the website in the link. At the website you can apply for your own disabled parking permit for access to the disabled parking that you need. To get handicap parking permits visit their site here at go health or handicapmd.com. go health
I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. Monthly SEO
french translation is kind of hard at first but if you get used to it, then it is easy’ جزیره فی فی
it is sometimes kinda sad to watch some episode of Army Wives specially when there is a dead soldier** growth matrix reviews
i never miss bachelor parties because i love to party” growth matrix reviews
i am a movie addict and i watch a lot of movie in just one night, the greatest movie for me is Somewhere In Tome, the growth matrix reviews
i do a lot of heavy exercise twice a week and it really helped my health to be on excellent condition” bearded dragon for sale
Why It Must be Panama for Dental Surgery? The factors for obtaining your dental surgical procedure accomplished in Panama are numerous, like: Most of your training dental surgeons in Panama speak English Panama has exceptional arrangements for diagnosing, screening and providers. There is no shortage of USA-trained doctors It costs far less to have your surgery carried out in Panama than in US or any other Western nation US dollar can be utilized And above all, your postoperative care is complimented by a visit on the pure beaches and pure forests of Panama. Athletic footwear collections
This may be the correct blog for really wants to be made aware of this topic. You understand so much its nearly tricky to argue together with you (not too I really would want…HaHa). You certainly put a different spin on a topic thats been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just excellent! linkcuan
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!! فوائد العسل
Very nice info and straight to the point. I dont know if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks dallas landscaping ライブハウスおすすめ