When you have a chance, you HAVE to watch “Beats, Rhymes, & Life,” the Tribe Called Quest documentary by Michael Rapaport. I think that’s all I need to say. That and “Wow.”
Okay, a bit more.
I watched it last night, and it took me back, boy. It reminded me of the scene in “Hustle & Flow” where DJay and Key find that moment where the song fleshes itself out. Watching Q-Tip speak about using a sample of a wailing Minnie Ripperton in “Lyrics to Go” is mind-blowing. Rapaport and team edit the scene so well, that when Ripperton finally hits the note, the ATCQ fans immediately know where it blends into the song.
For your reference, here’s ATCQ’s “Lyrics to Go“. Listen for the omnipresent note that rarely lets up. That’s Ripperton, and I never knew it.
This morning, I read an article published today on Boing-Boing about sampling gone awry, and how hip-hop’s golden years were forged on creative sampling.
In the comments, astute reader RyanM___ posted a link to a YouTube video that describes the infamous “Amen Break.” If you’re unfamiliar with that specific sample, and I was, you’ll come to find that as soon as you hear it, you known it intimately for years (40!).
Anyway, this obviously isn’t a review, but the “Beats, Rhymes & Life” movie has a lot of famous DJ’s that talk about the early days of hip-hop. They heap copious amounts of praise on the Tribe, and draw a beautiful line that connects some of my favorite artists today. Common, Pharell, J Dilla, and the like all speak, or are spoken of.
Crap, I’m still giddy. Hope you get to see it soon!
[Article from Boing-Boing]