==Titles and Awards==
*1997 Canadian DMC Champion
*1997 Technics / DMC World Champion (15 years old - youngest ever)
*1998 Technics DMC World finals (3rd place)
*1999 ITF Western Hemisphere Scratch Champion
*1999 ITF Advancement World Champion
*1999 Vestax Extravaganza World Champion
*2000 West Coast Technics / DMC Team Champion
*2000 Technics / DMC Team World Champion
*2000 ITF Advancement World Champion
==Discography==
*''[[Gangsta Breaks]]'' (12")
*''[[Buck Tooth Wizards]]'' (CD)
*''[[The Grill/Like (with Obscure Disorder)]]'' (12")
*''[[Enter Ralph Wiggum]]'' (7")
*''[[Monkey Boy Breaks]]'' (12")
*''[[Don't Fool With The Dips]]'' (12")
*''[[Oh No You Didn't! Live From Vancouver]]'' (CD)
*''[[Drive Slow Mixtape w/ GLC]]'' (CD)
*''[[Sunglasses Is A Must]]'' (DVD)
*''[[Dirty South Dance]]'' (CD)
*''[[Infinity +1]]'' (CD)
A-trak has recently made a number of remixes for artists like Digitalism, Daft Punk and Kanye West. A little known fact is that he is the brother of Dave 1, the moustachioed half of Chromeo.
Life On TV
A-Trak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kick back with me
Smile to the camera
Don't tap your weave
Or fact to the factory
Cause this is life on TV
I try to catch the beat
Back it up drop it
Then check for me
And dont forget to breathe
Cause this is life on TV
From the jump I say damn
This who I am
Came back from the fall quick
Like ram the dan
Somebody hit auntie ann
Call said can I
Yes I can
Get fresh eh
Man your feet
I got it goin' on like miami got heat
I pay to keep 8 days a week
My names on your lips keep hatin' on me
Cause I got the future
The lyrics of A-Trak's song "Life On TV" depict the fast-paced and superficial nature of life in the public eye, particularly on television. The repeated line "This is life on TV" suggests that the song is commenting on the constant exposure and scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight.
The first verse emphasizes the need to present oneself in a polished and camera-ready manner. The line "Smile to the camera, don't tap your weave" implies the importance of maintaining a flawless appearance and avoiding any mishaps that could detract from one's image. The phrase "fact to the factory" suggests that authenticity and personal expression are often sacrificed for the sake of conforming to the manufactured reality of television.
In the chorus, the artist mentions trying to catch the beat and dancing to it, indicating the performer's attempt to fit into the prescribed narrative of TV entertainment. The instruction to "back it up, drop it" conveys the pressure to constantly be engaging and entertaining for the audience. The reminder to "breathe" hints at the overwhelming nature of this lifestyle and the need to find moments of calm amidst the chaos.
The second verse delves into the artist's personal journey and resilience. The line "Came back from the fall quick like ram the dan" suggests a metaphorical fall from grace or setback, but quickly recovering from it. The reference to hitting "auntie ann" and asking "Can I, yes I can" implies a reclaiming of one's power and ability to overcome obstacles. The following lines boast about being fresh and confident, with a comparison to the heat of Miami, suggesting a sense of resilience and success.
The final line, "Cause I got the future," asserts the artist's confidence and belief in their ability to shape their own destiny. It could be interpreted as a refusal to be defined or limited by the constraints of life on TV. Overall, the song seems to offer a critical reflection on the artificiality and pressures of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself amid the constant exposure and scrutiny.
Line by Line Meaning
This is life on TV
This represents the experience of living a life constantly observed and judged by others, similar to how people's lives are portrayed on television.
Kick back with me
Relax and enjoy the moment with me.
Smile to the camera
Maintain a positive and cheerful demeanor, as if posing for a camera.
Don't tap your weave
Do not let your flaws or vulnerabilities show, maintaining a composed and controlled image.
Or fact to the factory
Avoid revealing any personal or sensitive information, as if guarding against potential exploitation.
I try to catch the beat
I make an effort to follow and synchronize with the rhythm or flow of the music.
Back it up drop it
Perform dance moves or actions that involve moving backwards and then dropping down.
Then check for me
After executing a move or action, observe and assess how you appeared or if you were successful.
And dont forget to breathe
Remember to take deep breaths and maintain composure amidst the performance or pressure.
From the jump I say damn
Right from the beginning, I express astonishment or admiration.
This who I am
I am being authentic and true to myself.
Came back from the fall quick
I quickly recovered from a setback or failure.
Like ram the dan
I rebounded with great force or energy, just like a ram slamming into its opponent.
Somebody hit auntie ann
Someone achieved a commendable feat or accomplishment.
Call said can I
Someone received a call asking for their participation or approval.
Yes I can
They confidently respond with the affirmation that they are capable of fulfilling the request.
Get fresh eh
They strive to present themselves as stylish, trendy, or attractive.
Man your feet
Pay attention and be prepared to move your feet or dance.
I got it goin' on like miami got heat
I am incredibly successful or talented, similar to how the city of Miami has a strong basketball team.
I pay to keep 8 days a week
I work or invest so much effort that it feels like I have more than the standard 7 days in a week.
My names on your lips keep hatin' on me
My name is being talked about and criticized by others, but I am not affected by their negativity.
Cause I got the future
Because I possess the potential and talent to shape the future and succeed in life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: YUKSEK, MELISA YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Teejay Nweke
That's a guy with talent right there.
Pat Loftus
A-Trak was one of if not THE coolest show Ive ever had the privilege of seeing live he was amazing lots of his show on my channel in my made in america videos! HE'S SICK!
frysdog93
This guy is a fucking genius not only for his work with Kanye, but he also founded Fool's Gold Records (Killer Mike, Danny Brown, Just Blaze ect.)
midwikid1234
Dope interview. Vlad make more videos like this with some shit relevant to hiphop. Fuck that soap opera Battle Rap bullshit...
Jimmy Truong
A-Trak and Vlad, that was an inspiring interview/story.
TheMostHigh
atrak and his bro are the secret influence on kanya that he will NEVER give full credit to. His whole steez is from watching this cat and his brother do it on their own. Atrak is one of the hardest DJs of any genre ever and has titles to prove it. FOOLS GOLD!!!
Tom K
I understand that one has to give credit where it's due, but let's not act like Kanye doesn't have a team of VERY talented individuals (let's not even start with a list) behind him. I think "his whole steez is from watching this cat and his brother" is taking it a bit too far. A very biased opinion methinks.
mrlawilliamsuk Warmachine
I remember hip when he used the marley scratch sample in a battle: all you other DJ's are a bunch of jerks. Destroyed his opponent. This was when he was maybe 14.
Givemeanhour
mrlawilliamsuk Warmachine he knows how to use the tools. People never mention him.
Kevin de la Vega
I still have my A Trak Gangsta breaks vinyl. Straight legend. The Alliez 👍