The Spaceship as Metaphor, White Flight versus Black Freedom

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.

7,566 Comments

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    On paper, Horrible Bosses seems like a ripoff of Throw Momma from the Train or Strangers on a Train, the Hitchcock film of which this film and Throw Momma take inspiration from. 間仕切工事

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Crypto Recovery Services: Regain access to lost or stolen cryptocurrencies. Trusted solutions for retrieving digital assets. Get back what's rightfully crypto recovery no upfront fee

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Discover IPTV4CHEAP – Your Source for Cheap IPTV with Multiconnections. Experience top-notch quality at an unbeatable price. iptv with multiple connections

  • seo commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Thanks for this one of the best blogs i visit regularly. Keep it up. mawarslot daftar

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Thanks for the post. I really enjoyed reading it and I was very interested in what you have to say! تفسير الاحلام

  • a commented on April 15, 2024 Reply
  • mariya commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Thanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work. film izle

  • cardarine866891 commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Welcome to Cardarine.com, where we specialize in top-notch Cardarine SARMS tailored for those who are serious about pushing endurance and fat loss to a new level. Here, we're more than just a store guys! we're a community dedicated to sharing the latest insights, user experiences, and scientific findings to help you understand how GW-501516 can fit into your SARMS cycle. click and read about gw

  • adamham39976 commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Mixue88 adalah salah satu situs slot gacor dengan minimal deposit 10k menyediakan game slot gacor gampang menang dengan bocoran rtp slot tertinggi hari ini 2024 mixue88

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    Dunia perjudian online kini semakin berkembang pesat, terutama dalam hal taruhan bola. Salah satu situs judi bola resmi terbesar di dunia yang banyak diminati oleh para pecinta taruhan adalah Parlay. Namun, tidak semua orang berhasil meraih kemenangan di situs judi bola ini. judi bola

  • peter commented on April 15, 2024 Reply

    ASR Sports Medicine is Miami’s premier practice for physical therapy and chiropractic services . Get back to doing what you love pain free. chiropractor

  • peter commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Very good blog post! Thought about valued all the looking at. I hope to find out alot more of your stuff. I presume you might fantastic information and furthermore prospect. I am just exceptionally satisfied utilizing this type of critical information. Magic Shower Head Products

  • peter commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Nice post. I learn something more difficult on various blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to learn to read content off their writers and exercise something from their store. I’d prefer to apply certain while using content in my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll supply you with a link with your web blog. Many thanks for sharing. Wholesale Plain Trolley Supplier

  • peter commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Someone essentially lend a hand to make severely articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular submit amazing. Fantastic activity! Best Premcore Plus Plywood Distributors

  • peter commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks. 1.5 Flexible Drain Hose

  • zeus slot commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    The examples you provided really helped clarify the points you made.
    zeus slot

  • شركه صيانه عامه الإمارات commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    في دولة الإمارات، تلعب شركة الصيانة العامة دورًا حاسمًا في ضمان صيانة وتشغيل العقارات السكنية والتجارية. تقدم هذه الشركات مجموعة واسعة من الخدمات، بما في ذلك أعمال السباكة والكهرباء وصيانة أنظمة التدفئة والتهوية وتكييف الهواء والطلاء والإصلاحات العامة. في ظل الظروف الجوية القاسية التي تشهدها دولة الإمارات، تعد الصيانة الدورية أمرًا ضروريًا لمنع الأضرار وضمان طول عمر المباني والمعدات. توظف شركة الصيانة العامة ذات السمعة الطيبة فنيين ماهرين وتستخدم مواد عالية الجودة لتقديم خدمات فعالة وموثوقة. من خلال تكليف شركة محترفة بصيانة ممتلكاتهم، يمكن للمقيمين والشركات في الإمارات الاستمتاع براحة البال عندما يعلمون أن ممتلكاتهم يتم الاعتناء بها جيدًا وصيانتها وفقًا لأعلى المعايير.
    https://www.eama0.com/

  • Arizona commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Salt and pepper diamond jewelry features uniquely speckled gems that embrace natural imperfections, offering a striking alternative to traditional clear diamonds. Each piece is a testament to individuality, blending raw, earthy tones with sophisticated designs for an effortlessly chic, modern look. Salt and pepper diamond jewelry

  • peter commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    There is noticeably big money to understand this. I assume you’ve made specific nice points in functions also. luxury dog harness

  • Bisajitu commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    hahaha… I can’t imagine it anymore..
    Bisajitu

  • toto commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    im sure this website can help you please follows
    toto38

  • Carding Solano commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    In a world saturated with countless blogs, this one stands out as a delightful haven of engaging content and thoughtful insights. Offering a fresh perspective on a wide range of topics, the blog’s posts are always well-written and thought-provoking. With a user-friendly layout and consistent updates, this blog is an excellent resource for anyone seeking informative and entertaining reads. Highly recommended!

    vavecasino.in

  • jhon commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Really Curious site this is.. I really Enjoy a lot reading your Blog.. I will Bookmark your site for more remark. pafikebasen

  • jhon commented on April 16, 2024 Reply

    Great post, you have pointed out some superb points , I as well think this s a very wonderful website. https://pafikebasen.org/

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck. custom phone cases

  • 카지노사이트 commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    It’s a game. Five dollars is free. Try it It’s not an easy game..
    ->-> 카지노사이트 .COM

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! sex doll Australia

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Sbobet88 melayani daftar sbobet resmi Indonesia, menyediakan fitur terbaru link alternatif sbobet dan login sbobet mobile. Agen Euro 2024 terpercaya. sbobet88

  • PETER commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website Deneme bonusu veren siteler

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Hi there, I discovered your website by the use of Google whilst looking for a comparable topic, your site came up, it appears good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. Bonus veren siteler

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Arg! Youd think I would have noticed that! Thanks for pointing it out, its been corrected. Bahis siteleri

  • jasoniki commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    “Bergabunglah dengan ribuan gamer lainnya di dewagg dan nikmati pengalaman bermain game yang tidak terlupakan. Klaim bonus Anda hari ini!”

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Hi Jessi. I dont see any sense, because Mccampbell has explaned everything in details. Just read the upper comments! blockdag weebly

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I just couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the usual info a person provide in your guests? Is gonna be again often to investigate cross-check new posts. Prodentim Reviews

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    What your declaring is entirely true. I know that everybody should say the similar thing, but I just consider that you put it in a way that absolutely everyone can understand. I also really like the pictures you put in right here. They match so nicely with what youre trying to say. Im sure youll attain so numerous men and women with what youve obtained to say. Uniktoto

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I am no longer sure the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or working out more. Thank you for magnificent information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission. Link alternatif macaudewa

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I am no longer sure the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or working out more. Thank you for magnificent information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission. | Link alternatif macaudewa

  • movieuhd91521 commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    เข้าดูหนังออนไลน์ กับเราได้ไม่ยากอย่างที่คิดเพียงแค่เข้ามาที่เว็บไซต์เรา https://movie2uhd.com แล้วเลือกหนังที่ท่านชื่นชอบจากนั้นก็กดปุ่มเพลย์ เพียงเท่านี้ก็รับชมหนังได้อย่างสนุกสนาน ง่ายๆ แค่ไม่กี่คลิก. ดูหนังใหม่

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply
  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Hey! Fantastic blog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your site (somewhat more like addict ) of this website. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for more! ดูหนังฟรี

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    El objetivo de Amperis es ofrecer una completa gama en equipos de medida eléctrica, instrumentación de mano y equipos de ensayo y diagnóstico de subestaciones, … circuit breaker tester

  • blockdag92296 commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    BlockDAG is a Layer 1 proof of work consensus mechanism that evolves the crypto sphere with a cutting-edge Directed Acyclic Graph structure building on the foundations of Bitcoin & Kaspa top presale crypto 2024

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    […]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[…]… simpenas.universitasbumigora.ac.id/sgacor/

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    You have a few helpful ideas! Perhaps I should think of trying to do this myself. Respectfully berkas.pn-buol.go.id/sgacor/

  • john commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I couldn’t be more in agreement. By the way, do you see more of the same for the days and months ahead? I am very intrigued by your positions and your posts. Quick loan

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Hiya! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good info you have here on this post. I can be coming back to your weblog for more soon. Quick loan

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    F*ckin’ awesome things here. I am very glad to look your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail? pamelapoker

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Yay google is my world beater aided me to find this outstanding website ! . pamelapoker

  • peter commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    I have read a few excellent stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you put to make the sort of fantastic informative web site. pamelapoker

  • Frank commented on April 17, 2024 Reply

    Cheap Replica Handbags You guide me by sharing this toolbox i face problem whenever i exploit this promotion reading your blog i am able to easily use. slot gacor hari ini

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *