As the acronym suggests, the energy never dies, it just finds another outlet. The E.N.D. was the outset of the former hip-pop quartet's demise, while The Beginning was a sign that it was time for a change, or a hiatus. They were no longer behind the front (woman), but now bridging the gap between where they began and where they could go.
Their decision? "Back 2 Hip Hop," and a pleasant return it is, with none other than the man who claimed it dead twelve years prior.
There are several similarities between this song and another Nas feature, "Too Many Rappers" by the Beastie Boys. Is it just me, or were they another trio whose skills came into question, and were under appreciated?
While the construction of the content in "Yes or No" heavily relies on listing states of being and/or polar opposites, it still is relevant to the human condition, and an uplifting and poignant song as well, with its occasional turntable brought on by the objective to "pick a side." I was never against them, just some of the choices they made toward the end of their "peak" in popularity.
Even with the stylistic and lineup changes throughout their career their positive message and bent is what remain "CONSTANT." I found out recently that the female vocalist in this tune, was added to their roster. I can only hope that the next album is a continuation of "the comeback" instead of a sequel to The Beginning.
Hooked on "Dopeness," a braggart with a lisp, that you insist, has a controversial fetish, at a loss for words, and their lyrics leave my intelligence peckish. Only two components true, questioning if there is a third because words typed, half right, a dim writer with an occasionally abrasive inner bright light.
That was fun!
Most hooks are not active by what is said, and that is with every genre that has lyrics as a component, but more so what is heard. There are plenty of songs where I don't pay attention to the lyrics because of their sound, yet that does not mean I don't appreciate lyricism and wordplay, and there are songs that have both in equal measure, but this is not one of those songs. Although their lyrics can be cheesy at times, they are creative; songs "Get Ready" and "4Ever" also fall under that classification.
" You are now tuned in to the sounds of /A Tribe Called De La Peas"
With a heightened lyrical game and components of legendary groups that received critical acclaim, unless I am over-rating, and understating their offerings that preceded, but
"EMC Squared means I'm on that microphone sh*t/Dead to the mumble rap, attack of the clones/
I'm on that Jedi, I'm in that ziggy ziggy zone."
The Star Wars references will.i.am. makes continue on "New Wave," but my favorite line has to be what sounds like a continuation of the commentary on the genre's current state
where popularity resides, and the lyrics still take
"What the f*** they be rhymin' 'bout these days?
They be mumblin' like, "What the f*** did he say?
So please speak clear and enunciate
Don't be in my ear and irritate"
Should we call it dual irony? Is the title referring to this phenomenon that has taken over popular rap for the last few years? What about when they refer to the peas' sound as a "new style?" New to those that are used to those undecipherable vocalizations the Black Eyed Peas refer to, which may be Taboo for those that appreciate lyricism? Or is it merely cyclical? Good music will transcend popular trends even if it doesn't ascend to that level of recognition.
"VIBRATIONS pt1 pt2" addresses their sound's reset: "We Takin' em back to the vibe, the original format," and the claim is corroborated earlier in the song. I agree with the statement that this return is long overdue, partially due to personal issues, and that can also be referring to their restoration to that sound they commenced their career with. The shift in part two is also nice, a trick they utilized more frequently in their career as a quartet, with Fergie,when it came toward its endgame.
Nicole Scherzinger assists the peas in the the bewitching tune "Wings," that sees them sampling some soul food from "Tom's Diner," and let me tell you, that is not where I would expect to find some, but what you can expect is some sexual-based lyrics.
While their 2003 breakout hit alerted the majority presence of the peas, it was their previous album that rang the alarm to the party's denouement,and possibly their career. "Ring The Alarm pt.1 pt.2 pt.3" is a miniature suite of their style of conscious hip-pop, a what's what of the issues of the time, and not only the relative of, but relative to the state of the human race and its foibles.
The grand finale comes with a lyrical nod to the Beatles, intended or not,where all you need is love, and the subtle declaration that we are each a microcosm with the power to change the world for the better with "Big Love."
