Anghellic
- Thread starter triple 3
- Start date
please, you get to choose 4 albums and you choose all rap?
what the fuck?
how bout some Miles Davis?
or some Living Colour?
or BB King?
if that was my project, i'd dig in to listen to all this shit i dont normally listen to. (cus im too lazy to do that other wise. lol) but if you gonna do something for school, you might as well actually do something thats beneficial to you.
what the fuck?
how bout some Miles Davis?
or some Living Colour?
or BB King?
if that was my project, i'd dig in to listen to all this shit i dont normally listen to. (cus im too lazy to do that other wise. lol) but if you gonna do something for school, you might as well actually do something thats beneficial to you.
Listen, I love the work of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Robert Johnson, and other pioneers. I chose to review influential or complex rap albums. Is Dead Prez influential? Is Kweli influential? Maybe you don't realize the depth these albums have. The pay homage to those who have come before them, musically and spiritually. I am well aware of the broad scope of albums that I could have chosen. I chose to do hip-hop for a reason.
That's funny. I know exactly what you're talking about. I was like... 9 or 10 then, and damn if Bon Jovi couldn't rock... LoL.
I remember returning that cd to The Wall.
I don't think the general listening public is listening to Dead Prez in the same way they listened to Miles Davis. Even when groups out there have somethin worthwhile to say, people either don't listen to it or never get the opportunity to hear it.
If I were you, I'd do a report on how after emancipation, the music world embraced the black culture and essentially "stole" the style... From Elvis to Eminem.
But then again I just come up with the ideas.. I don't gotta follow through.
I remember returning that cd to The Wall.
I don't think the general listening public is listening to Dead Prez in the same way they listened to Miles Davis. Even when groups out there have somethin worthwhile to say, people either don't listen to it or never get the opportunity to hear it.
If I were you, I'd do a report on how after emancipation, the music world embraced the black culture and essentially "stole" the style... From Elvis to Eminem.
But then again I just come up with the ideas.. I don't gotta follow through.
It's a good thought. You're an "ideas" man. Basically, at this point I don't have time for ideas. These four papers are due tomorrow. All I have is rough versions of three of them. I got some work to do.
Anybody who wants a copy (Nick) I can send you one if you let me know how. However, this isn't pullitzer prize shit.
“Tech N9ne is the Charlie Parker of rap.” At least according to Quincy Jones, Tech N9ne should be a significant force in the hip-hop industry. Tech N9ne’s first major release, Anghellic is a somewhat complex work. There is a dominant focus on the struggle between good and evil, and heaven and hell. With interludes entitled: “Hellevator,” “Purgatory,” and “Heaven” this is made quite clear. After these points is where the interpretation of Tech N9ne’s (or Aaron Yates) work must begin. The “Hell” section is made up, primarily of stories of self-destruction and struggle. The “Purgatory” and “Heaven” sections bring the listener into a more recognizable area with songs about everyday struggle and success. Anghellic spins artistic tales while documenting the struggle for good in Aaron Yates’ life.
The last two tracks of this album entitled “Heaven” and “Twisted” could not quite be considered heavenly. The choice of only one song in heaven can be limited to the fact that Tech does “not have a lot of heaven in [his] life.” He mentions in the “Heaven” interlude that he had the pleasure to work on “Twisted” with the late Roger Troutman, who had gained a large amount of notoriety in hip-hop circles as one of the pioneers of “G-Funk,” and with other circles due to his background in funk music. In addition to bridging the gaps between hip-hop and other forms of music via special guests, Tech N9ne also pays due respect to a few of his hip-hop ancestors. In his song “P.R. 2K1” Tech N9ne refers to “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation. In an early version of Tech’s song there is a sample from the original “Planet Rock,” however, in this remixed version this has been cut out. The topic of sampling versus stealing has come up in many essays and discussions. In the song “It’s Alive” Tech N9ne uses an almost identical rhyme scheme as the D.O.C. used in his 1989 song “It’s Funky Enough.” This form may be criticized, yet I believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, especially in cases pertaining to music. In this case Yates was simply paying homage to some of hip-hop’s forefathers. Anghellic is a very different album compared to what most mainstream rap albums are today.
The “Hell” portion of Anghellic focuses on the stories that make up the negative aspects of Aaron Yates’ life. Of these, the most telling are “Real Killer,” and “Suicide Letters.” The song “Real Killer” focuses on Yates’ trouble with extra-marital affairs and abortion: “She called and said she needed me to help her get rid of what?/ A baby.” As the song progresses the listener sees the struggle that Yates begins to feel over the concept of abortion: “But then I started to ponder/ On what was coming up yonder/ Baby by a fling/ Made days seem really somber.” He is torn between concealing his infidelity through abortion, or presenting his infidelity to the world. The song; however, illustrates clearly his views on abortion: “Thinking of killing it/ Make me almost fall to the cement…Were we wrong?/ Hella wrong…I took a life but I ain’t tweaking/ God probably thinking I should die.” These feelings of murder clearly affect Yates and his relationship with God, therefore, placing this song in the “Hell” section. One last phrase near the end of the song sums up Yates’ disappointment with himself: “So I murdered five kids of mine/ I’m ‘bout to sit in Hell a lifetime/ Bid for mine/ Cause of abortion.” Tech N9ne has an intricate relationship with God and religion. Like most people, he realizes that he has committed sins, and he wants to change himself for the better, but he cannot seem to. The song “Suicide Letters” is a beautifully constructed melancholy song. The second verse begins with Yates addressing his wife: “I made your life a living hell/ With my infidelity/ Remember you telling me/ All I give a damn about is/ Weed stems and melodies/ Remember you spent thirty minutes in the parking lot crying/ When the blood test read the baby of another woman was mine.” Again Yates confronts the issue of his infidelity and attempts to seek forgiveness. In this song Yates’ attitude approaches that of clearly depressed individual: “This is the letter to my homie/ My friend who put up with me for eight/ So now to take me really quickly is my fate/ I’m sorry for making it hard/ I know you’re scarred/ I’m losing my mind/ So now it’s time/ Sincerely signed N9ne.” Clearly Aaron Yates has gone through an immense amount of struggle in his lifetime. Depression is a very serious disease, and can never be fully understood unless one has gone through it. This sense of helplessness can also be seen in some of the work of Tupac Shakur, so fatalistic views are not necessarily new to hip-hop. Dark times surround the “Hell” portion of Anghellic, yet later on the album takes on a more common feel.
The “Purgatory” portion of this album has a more mainstream vibe. Despite the commonplace rap about partying, pride, and women, a few tracks in this section are worthwhile and contain serious messages. Another track about Yates’ struggle with infidelity is “This Ring.” This song traces the difficult situations that a popular entertainer must face in terms of relationships: “Songs we sing/ Make ‘em fiend semen and green things/ Clinging/ Dreaming/ Thinking of being Mrs. Thing/ With this ring/ But if I wasn’t Tech N9ne/ Bitches wouldn’t even want to be with Tech N9ne/ If I did no music would you respect mine/ This wedding band and music draws a line between life and Tech N9ne.” The concept of living two lives is not strange to most people. Yates illustrates this concept well in describing the double standard that is set between entertainers and groupies. In the end, this could bolster the argument over the use of the word “bitch.” If a woman is willing to pursue a man simply because he is on stage and wealthy, then the woman’s status of “bitch” is entirely in her own hands. Would that woman be flinging herself at a man if he was not on stage? Essentially, the answer comes down to the woman’s motives behind her desire, whether or not the word “bitch” is appropriate. A true look into the mind of Tech N9ne can be found in the song “God Complex.” Like many other rappers, religion plays a huge role in the life of Aaron Yates. In his case, Yates states some slightly controversial views about religion. Not only does he make this song into a fight song, but he also states that “Jesus Christ and God is black/ And they coming back.” This may offend traditionalists who believe in the blue eyed Jesus, but there may be some truth to Yates’ statement. Although it cannot be proven, the concept of a black Jesus is gaining popularity. In “This Life” Tech N9ne calls on his crew the 57th Street Rogue Dog Villains for help, and spins a story about the streets. The most telling verse is by Short Nitty, who, since the album has been released, has been imprisoned for sodomy. While Yates raps about the shortcomings of fame, Nitty raps about the problems that exist in the inner-city: “How did I survive with all this drama in front of me/ Poppa went out like a bitch for runnin’ from me… I’m heart broken while chokin’/ On a joint dipped in water/ And high hopin’ the futures wide open/ For my daughter my eyes are open/ To all animosity constantly.” For the first time, the effects of truant father figures can be seen on young men. Not only does Short Nitty agonize over his father’s absence in the song, but we can see the effects that this may have had, like imprisonment. The problem of truant father figures is a problem that exists everywhere in this age of divorce, but more frequently in the inner city.
Anghellic is the manifestation of Aaron Yates’ inner struggles. He struggles with heaven and hell; with fame and family; with abortion and infidelity. With incredible delivery, Tech N9ne delivers a deep, divided message. As the title indicates, this album is a struggle between the angels and hell. With focus on personal and universal issues this album is very well produced and thought provoking.
The last two tracks of this album entitled “Heaven” and “Twisted” could not quite be considered heavenly. The choice of only one song in heaven can be limited to the fact that Tech does “not have a lot of heaven in [his] life.” He mentions in the “Heaven” interlude that he had the pleasure to work on “Twisted” with the late Roger Troutman, who had gained a large amount of notoriety in hip-hop circles as one of the pioneers of “G-Funk,” and with other circles due to his background in funk music. In addition to bridging the gaps between hip-hop and other forms of music via special guests, Tech N9ne also pays due respect to a few of his hip-hop ancestors. In his song “P.R. 2K1” Tech N9ne refers to “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation. In an early version of Tech’s song there is a sample from the original “Planet Rock,” however, in this remixed version this has been cut out. The topic of sampling versus stealing has come up in many essays and discussions. In the song “It’s Alive” Tech N9ne uses an almost identical rhyme scheme as the D.O.C. used in his 1989 song “It’s Funky Enough.” This form may be criticized, yet I believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, especially in cases pertaining to music. In this case Yates was simply paying homage to some of hip-hop’s forefathers. Anghellic is a very different album compared to what most mainstream rap albums are today.
The “Hell” portion of Anghellic focuses on the stories that make up the negative aspects of Aaron Yates’ life. Of these, the most telling are “Real Killer,” and “Suicide Letters.” The song “Real Killer” focuses on Yates’ trouble with extra-marital affairs and abortion: “She called and said she needed me to help her get rid of what?/ A baby.” As the song progresses the listener sees the struggle that Yates begins to feel over the concept of abortion: “But then I started to ponder/ On what was coming up yonder/ Baby by a fling/ Made days seem really somber.” He is torn between concealing his infidelity through abortion, or presenting his infidelity to the world. The song; however, illustrates clearly his views on abortion: “Thinking of killing it/ Make me almost fall to the cement…Were we wrong?/ Hella wrong…I took a life but I ain’t tweaking/ God probably thinking I should die.” These feelings of murder clearly affect Yates and his relationship with God, therefore, placing this song in the “Hell” section. One last phrase near the end of the song sums up Yates’ disappointment with himself: “So I murdered five kids of mine/ I’m ‘bout to sit in Hell a lifetime/ Bid for mine/ Cause of abortion.” Tech N9ne has an intricate relationship with God and religion. Like most people, he realizes that he has committed sins, and he wants to change himself for the better, but he cannot seem to. The song “Suicide Letters” is a beautifully constructed melancholy song. The second verse begins with Yates addressing his wife: “I made your life a living hell/ With my infidelity/ Remember you telling me/ All I give a damn about is/ Weed stems and melodies/ Remember you spent thirty minutes in the parking lot crying/ When the blood test read the baby of another woman was mine.” Again Yates confronts the issue of his infidelity and attempts to seek forgiveness. In this song Yates’ attitude approaches that of clearly depressed individual: “This is the letter to my homie/ My friend who put up with me for eight/ So now to take me really quickly is my fate/ I’m sorry for making it hard/ I know you’re scarred/ I’m losing my mind/ So now it’s time/ Sincerely signed N9ne.” Clearly Aaron Yates has gone through an immense amount of struggle in his lifetime. Depression is a very serious disease, and can never be fully understood unless one has gone through it. This sense of helplessness can also be seen in some of the work of Tupac Shakur, so fatalistic views are not necessarily new to hip-hop. Dark times surround the “Hell” portion of Anghellic, yet later on the album takes on a more common feel.
The “Purgatory” portion of this album has a more mainstream vibe. Despite the commonplace rap about partying, pride, and women, a few tracks in this section are worthwhile and contain serious messages. Another track about Yates’ struggle with infidelity is “This Ring.” This song traces the difficult situations that a popular entertainer must face in terms of relationships: “Songs we sing/ Make ‘em fiend semen and green things/ Clinging/ Dreaming/ Thinking of being Mrs. Thing/ With this ring/ But if I wasn’t Tech N9ne/ Bitches wouldn’t even want to be with Tech N9ne/ If I did no music would you respect mine/ This wedding band and music draws a line between life and Tech N9ne.” The concept of living two lives is not strange to most people. Yates illustrates this concept well in describing the double standard that is set between entertainers and groupies. In the end, this could bolster the argument over the use of the word “bitch.” If a woman is willing to pursue a man simply because he is on stage and wealthy, then the woman’s status of “bitch” is entirely in her own hands. Would that woman be flinging herself at a man if he was not on stage? Essentially, the answer comes down to the woman’s motives behind her desire, whether or not the word “bitch” is appropriate. A true look into the mind of Tech N9ne can be found in the song “God Complex.” Like many other rappers, religion plays a huge role in the life of Aaron Yates. In his case, Yates states some slightly controversial views about religion. Not only does he make this song into a fight song, but he also states that “Jesus Christ and God is black/ And they coming back.” This may offend traditionalists who believe in the blue eyed Jesus, but there may be some truth to Yates’ statement. Although it cannot be proven, the concept of a black Jesus is gaining popularity. In “This Life” Tech N9ne calls on his crew the 57th Street Rogue Dog Villains for help, and spins a story about the streets. The most telling verse is by Short Nitty, who, since the album has been released, has been imprisoned for sodomy. While Yates raps about the shortcomings of fame, Nitty raps about the problems that exist in the inner-city: “How did I survive with all this drama in front of me/ Poppa went out like a bitch for runnin’ from me… I’m heart broken while chokin’/ On a joint dipped in water/ And high hopin’ the futures wide open/ For my daughter my eyes are open/ To all animosity constantly.” For the first time, the effects of truant father figures can be seen on young men. Not only does Short Nitty agonize over his father’s absence in the song, but we can see the effects that this may have had, like imprisonment. The problem of truant father figures is a problem that exists everywhere in this age of divorce, but more frequently in the inner city.
Anghellic is the manifestation of Aaron Yates’ inner struggles. He struggles with heaven and hell; with fame and family; with abortion and infidelity. With incredible delivery, Tech N9ne delivers a deep, divided message. As the title indicates, this album is a struggle between the angels and hell. With focus on personal and universal issues this album is very well produced and thought provoking.
