Album Review: 'We Got It From Here...Thank You For Your Service'
From the U.S presidential election, to the deaths of many beloved celebrities, and even Harambe dying, quite frankly 2016 has been a terrible year; however, if there's anything that can be said about this year, it’s that it has been a great year for music. That's why I've decided to take some time aside to review and appreciate the wonderful albums that have been given to us this year as well as promote some of the lesser more overlooked projects. And today we will be beginning with A Tribe Called Quest’s newest album 'We Got It From Here ...Thank You For Your Service'
18 years after their last album and the unofficial breakup of The Tribe Called Quest, members MC Q-Tip , Phife Dawg, DJ Ali Shaheed and Jarobi White began working on their newest album in early 2016 with the goal of bringing the roots of the music genre they helped build back into the music industry.
However, the shocking death of member Phife Dawg, in late March, had pushed the two remaining members to create a new album that would not only reflect the time, but bring back the roots of hip hop as they payed tribute to their fallen member.This album does exactly that with classic beats reminiscent of the early days of hip hop including a sound that is combined with our current day's music with features from Anderson.Paak, Andre3000, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar creating nothing but hit songs.
The album also carries a strong political theme with songs like “We The People….” and “The Space Program”. It really reflects the struggles of many oppressed groups and cultures in America, as well as carrying tones and themes of the future, as to where it is headed, who hold the keys into progressing hip-hop and the music industry. We see hints of this in the song “Dis Generation” with the rap group members giving shout outs to J Cole and JoeyBadass and an almost “passing of the torch” to Kendrick Lamar and Kanye being the leaders of the industry.
EVEN though this album has heavy themes and tackles topics that some won't, this does not stop it from being good music. THIS IS a hip hop album and it does such a good job of capturing the genre which built the foundation for today's rap and still keeps the same jazz like, wavy beats from the past with a modern and experimental sound.
As for my favorite songs on the album I'd have to say “We The People….” , “Melatonin”, “The Space Program” , “Movin Backwards” and “Kids…” are the most representative tracks on the album ESPECIALLY “We The People….” which has this intro that just comes in with this grimey disgustingly good bassline followed up by drums and police sirens deeper into the song creating what I think is one of the best beats for a song this year.
With great production value, lyrics, and unique perspectives of the members this album creates a refreshingly modern piece while working on the foundation that hip hop was built upon as well as being one of the most important contributions to the genre this year.
Now, I know some of you might see this and be like this is just a way for me to promote some of the music I listen to and spread my music taste onto others, but hey, my taste in music is good okay? And I can confidently say this album is a frontrunner for album of the year and will surely make an impact toward the way artists are going to move forward in the industry. 'We Got It From Here ...Thank You For Your Service'
Overall Rating : 9/10
'We Got It From Here ...Thank You For Your Service'
Track List:
1. “The Space Program” 2. “We The People….” 3. “Whateva Will Be” 4. “Solid Wall of Sound” 5. “Dis Generation” 6. “Kids…” 7. “Melatonin” 8. “Enough” 9. “Mobius” 10. “Black Spasmodic” 11. “The Killing Season” 12. “Lost Somebody” 13. “Movin Backwards” 14. “Conrad Tokyo” 15. “Ego” 16. “The Donald”
(P) 2016 Epic Records, Sony Entertainment