The truth is We Got It From Here, Thank You 4 Your Service should have happened years ago, when Phife was alive. And while hypotheticals do nothing other than rouse the spirit into ‘what if’ scenarios that question looms heavily over the album. Luckily Q-Tip and Jarobi contain the angst with delicate hands, transforming that energy and redirecting it into something powerful. Lyrically it runs the gamut, everything from politics and history to battle raps. And with a convoy of young guest artists in the bullpen the Tribe spirit has found new legs.
The production sets a somber tone, but just when it’s about to get too thick Tribe hits the reset button with some wild, bugged out beats. The contrast is enough to wet the ears and makes every track unravel with a natural flow. Fans have waited decades for this, and the wait was worth it. The key is that instead of running on nostalgia Tribe (as they’ve always done) looks forward, bridging the gap between the past and the future with an album that is rooted firmly in the present. A not so easy task, pulled off flawlessly.
‘The Space Program‘
Rolling out the gate like a dense fog, the chosen ones return with a fury of mystifying lyrics. They bounce back and forth with nimble wordplay, announcing their return to the throne. The call to action is clear, and the groove is never comprised. They are walking proof that socially conscious rap doesn’t have to be boring, that it’s anything but. A rousing start full of strength and ambition:
‘We the People…‘
The beat hits like a sonic riot, which sets the stage for another charge at the system. The vocal treatment has them sounding like demigods or spokesmen in a glorified public service announcement. Phife sets his focus on the rap industry and how it perpetuates nonsense; distracts that deter people from the truth. With just one verse the smallest man in the room suddenly becomes the biggest:
‘Whateva Will Be‘
Buoyant basslines and snapping breaks brings the beat back to the olden days when diggin’ was an art form. With the proper digs in place tribe settles into a steady flow. they’re taking a look at the mainstream consensus and its view of Black America. The views are starting and spot on with what’s been a gross mishandling of justice. The three wise men relentless in their pursuit of truth:
‘Solid Wall of Sound‘
An eclectic beat shows off the rhythmic versatility of Tribe and Busta. They dance through with grace, unleashing textbook rhymes that every young rapper should take note of. The tone is not steeped in politics, instead it’s a lesson in music making. They’re bringing artistry back to the game, and doing it one fresh joint at a time. A solid declaration with just the right amount of fury:
‘Dis Generation‘
The silky groove creates a space where each lyricist has room for improvisation. Like a seasoned ensemble they shift tempos and build off one another in ways that show how deep their understanding of one another goes. They’re paying respects to the younger generation of lyricists who operate with integrity and understand that the written word is sacred. An M.O. that separates the good from bad:
‘Kids‘
Andre 3000 enters the fray and inflates the room with an off-kilter, speakeasy vibe. Tip quickly follows suit and laces the beat with his own quirky take on the style. Both alter their delivery in such a way that turns their voices into one-of-a-kind instruments. Lyrically there is a more grave tone. They’re calling for the lost souls who have been seduced by the hopes of being rich and famous:
‘Melatonin‘
Tip explains how the world is bewitched, caught under a spell that has left the majority asleep at the helm. He uses the theme of Melatonin to analyze the stagnant state that is crippling America’s initiative. He goes on to analyze the influence it’s had on him, and how he had to pull himself out and break free. By criticizing himself he’s asking listeners to invoke their own self-analysis:
‘Enough!!‘
Breaking away from politics and adopting a more laid back approach. It’s barbershop talk, banter with the homies, a chance to talk smack and relay stories of conquests. Both Jarobi and Tip are no strangers to love, and as a rule of thumb they give the song a five star treatment. It’s all fun and games and a chance to breathe during a tumultuous run. A sizzling track dedicated to the ladies:
‘Mobius‘
Tip steps back and lets Busta and Consequence wreak havoc on the beat. The two contrast one another well; one taking the causal, walk-in-the-park approach, the other screaming through the air like a scud missile. There is no lyrical thread to tie the theme together, but that’s just as good. It allows each lyricist to move in their own direction with each verse hitting like a hammer to the dome:
‘Black Spasmodic‘
Phife Dawg is the tiniest giant to ever pick up the mic. His staccato delivery feels like a swarm of bees with each verse stinging with venomous intent. Lively and inspired by the rap gods, he attacks the beat with a steady dose of braggadocio. The slow reggae-inspired vibe, suits his style perfectly as he’s able to move at his own clip. Marinating on his words is a lesson on rap perfection:
‘The Killing Season‘
Jarobi takes the helm and steers the ship back towards the mainland. The album has been rife with political banter, which is par for the course as far as Tribe is concerned. He advances with fearless reproach and addresses pertinent issues that have been plaguing the black community for generations. No parlor tricks or slight of hands, just straight talk that hits the heart of the issue:
‘Lost Somebody‘
A song that pays respects to those who have come and gone. The passing of Phife immediately comes to mind and both Tip and Jarobi pay homage. The mood is understandably somber and the hook helps establish a mournful but not altogether sad effort. The beat marches forward dutifully and establishes a feeling that offers up a dose of hope and reconciliation. If Phife was here he’d certainly approve:
‘Movin’ Backwards‘
Tribe invites a like-minded soul in Anderson .Paak to discuss the ups and downs of success. Unlike most rappers, these pontiffs understand that the path to stardom is hardly smooth. In fact there are more losses than victories. The idea is to persevere and move forward when the world is telling you to go backwards. It’s sage advice from both seasoned vets and a greenhorn on the rise:
‘Conrad Tokyo‘
Kendrick Lamar is a natural fit in the Tribe way of life. His verse flows like air and breathes new life into an old school sound. Rapping alongside Phife creates a dynamic that gives golden-era fans hope for the up and coming generation. Phife is still top dog with a verse that lambastes all the doubters out there. The force is flowing, and with a young Jedi on the rise the future looks bright:
‘Ego‘
With the help of Jack White, Tip draws a circle around the ever-present ego. The beat moves with an exotic allure, the bassline wrapping itself around the percussion like a snake. It creates a moody atmosphere, which gives Tip the avenue to get as abstract as he wants. When he emerges at the end he hits the beat with a verse that explains what it’s like to live inside the mind of an artist:
‘The Donald‘
The rhymes are like ancient Sanskrit and the beat, a call from the ancestors. Phife embodies the Tribe movement, his heart immeasurable in its tenacity. He’s like Muggsy Bogues, running the show with fire and tenacity, dishing dimes through cracks that to others would seem to defy the laws of physics. He’s an untouchable force and he’s letting the world know that it was always about the flow:
