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.
5,335 Comments
good job for making this website to us thx jago368
Iran Tours & Travel Packages: Classical Iran 8 Days, Beauties of the Desert & Traditional Scenery 14 Days, Visit All Iran Tour Packages Tours to Iran
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. bocoran rtp slot
https://slotdepositcepat.id/?okegas=ebony88%20slot
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
https://slotdepositcepat.id/?okegas=ebony88
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
well, monetizing websites and stuffs should be great. making money on the internet is a great way to earn money“ ดูหนังใหม่
Aw, i thought this was a really nice post. In thought I have to put in writing this way additionally – taking time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what / things I say… I procrastinate alot by no indicates seem to get something accomplished. webcam anal sex show
Can I simply say what a relief to search out somebody who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the way to carry an issue to gentle and make it important. Extra folks have to read this and understand this facet of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular since you undoubtedly have the gift. Sugar Defender
Welcome Viral99 kami memberikan cara bermain Viral 99 dengan mudah dan akses paling aman, kunjungi menggunakan link resmi kami. viral99
I just additional this particular feed to be able to my book marks. I need to say, I seriously take pleasure in reading your own sites. Keep it up!
Hi! I just wanted to drop quickly a friendly comment here. Do you mind We’ve bookmarked this page? Thank you so a lot for this helpful content! برنامج زيادة المتابعين
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail. شرکت سولیکو کاله
I just couldn’t leave your website before telling you that I truly enjoyed the top quality info you present to your visitors? Will be back again frequently to check up on new posts. Paket outbound bogor
Many thanks to you for sharing these kinds of wonderful content. In addition, the best travel plus medical insurance plan can often ease those considerations that come with visiting abroad. Your medical emergency can in the near future become too expensive and that’s likely to quickly slam a financial problem on the family finances. Setting up in place the best travel insurance package deal prior to setting off is well worth the time and effort. Thank you book lists
Maglaro ng Fun Bingo online at maranasan ang kilig ng bingo games mula sa kaginhawahan ng iyong tahanan. Sumali na ngayon at masiyahan sa mga kamangha-manghang bonus at premyo! Fun Bingo online
sobat777 dikenal memiliki tingkat kemenangan yang tinggi atau sering mengalami “gacor”.
sobat777 Jangan lewatkan kesempatan terbaik bermain disini
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful idea of promoting company and its products and services on the internet. Of late, the number of internet users has been increased to the great extent so that it has become important to get your products and services promoted on the net. Aura derm dermatology new jersey
Well done. I i never thought I would personally accept as true with this opinion, but I???m commencing to view things at a different view. I must research more about this simply because it seems fascinating. Another thing I don???t understand though is the way things are all related together. หลังคา สกายไลท์
One more important issue is that if you are a mature person, travel insurance for pensioners is something you need to really look at. The more mature you are, a lot more at risk you’re for getting something bad happen to you while abroad. throw blanket
Ciao a tutti, faccio riferimento a chi ha scritto il terzo commento,quello che hai scritto si potrebbe anche fraintendere… Acompanhantes Goiânia
if you are in an apartment that is confined, then folding tables would be very well suited for you,, poker88
Wonderful blog. I learn a little something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It’s stimulating to read through articles from other writers. I’d like to use some of the content on my website if you don’t mind. For sure I’ll give you a backlink to your blog. Nice one for sharing. 債務整理 ランキング
you do not need to buy very expensive SEO books because there are some very good free seo books on the net too“ SLOTGACOR
AI Tools are software systems powered by artificial intelligence designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI tools list
HarumSlot adalah pilihan tepat bagi para penggemar slot online yang menginginkan transaksi kilat dan aman, serta garansi pembayaran tuntas atas setiap kemenangan. Dengan berbagai fitur unggulan dan komitmen terhadap keamanan dan kepercayaan, HarumSlot menjadi situs slot via Dana yang amanah dan terpercaya.
Bergabunglah dengan HarumSlot sekarang dan nikmati pengalaman bermain yang aman, cepat, dan menguntungkan!
Daftar : https://3riversproud.com/
I definitely wanted to compose a quick comment to be able to express gratitude to you for all of the amazing advice you are writing on this site. My time-consuming internet search has now been honored with excellent insight to share with my co-workers. I would suppose that we website visitors actually are truly endowed to be in a fantastic community with very many outstanding people with insightful secrets. I feel somewhat fortunate to have come across your entire web site and look forward to some more amazing times reading here. Thank you once more for everything. exposiciones en barcelona
I delight in, result in I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye 8080sport
I believe one of your ads caused my web browser to resize, you may well want to put that on your blacklist. batikpoker
Some truly great content on this web site, appreciate it for contribution. brovegas
https://www.cendanahitam.desa.id/?okegas=bandar%20slot%20dana
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
We still cannot quite feel like It was not respectable often be those checking important points situated on your blog post. Our family i are sincerely thankful for your own generosity nicely giving me possibility pursue our chosen profession path. Basically information and facts I obtained on the web-site. cosmetic tattooing nyc
sobat777 situs dengan RTP yang tertinggi dengan kemenangan yang akan di berikan
nhà cái 2q
https://www.cendanahitam.desa.id/?okegas=slot+dana+10+ribu
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
https://www.bukitpermata.desa.id/?okegas=agen%20slot%20dana
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
Situs Judi Bola dengan kemenangan terbesar setiap hari.
sobat777 Dengan deposit 5000 kita bisa menikmati kemenangan yang luar biasa
sobat777 memberikan kemenangan tiada henti bagi setiap pemainnya
https://www.bukitpermata.desa.id/?okegas=agen%20slot%20dana
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
https://www.cibogo-bandungbarat.desa.id/?okegas=slot%20qris%20dana
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
We got to learn a lot of new things from your post and keep sharing such good knowledge with us.
Tata Yodha
mouth to optimize the release of their Slimms Gummies ingredients. They must be chewed well before being swallowed. even if an overdose is unlikely. To maximize the effect of the gums, they must be taken regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Continuous intake of Slimms Gummies is necessary to obtain long-term results.However, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended dose, even if an overdose is unlikely. Forto maximize the effect of the gums, they must be taken regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Permanent intake of Slimms Gummies is necessary to obtain long-term results. Slimms gummies have a natural effect that promotes weight reduction. They are particularly known for their ability to promote fat loss quickly and effectively. Additionally, teddy bears
https://www.meine-news.de/eichelsbach/c-sport/slimms-gummies-2024-zuletzt-aktualisierte-bewertung_a180653
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I’m pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. honda sidoarjo
“Premier Car Service to LaGuardia Airport from NJ: Ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and timely airport transfer experience.” Premier Car Service to LaGuardia Airport from NJ
https://www.cibogo-bandungbarat.desa.id/?okegas=slot%20qris%20dana
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
https://www.cibatu.desa.id/?okegas=bo%20slot%20gacor
EBONY88 👑 Situs Deposit 10000 Slot Online Gacor Hari Ini
aviator game by SPRIBEwOn
ProZone Air Conditioning and Heating provides top-quality AC repair and AC installation in Las Vegas. Call us to see the ProZone difference at 7029356360 Ac repair las vegas
I am very happy to read this. This is the type of details that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc. playbet788