Along with his brother, Budz, he realsed the album Mr Fiddler in 1990 on Elektra. His debut solo album Waltz of a Ghetto Fly was released in 2004.
The new album'Afro Strut' is the follow up to that record and a sign that his assured and open-minded approach to his own sound has engendered a stylistic leap forward, creating in the process a diverse and ambitious second album. As a man who has achieved almost every goal he has set himself, whether it be becoming a multi instrumentalist talent, joining George Clinton's Funkadelic, or developing a base for like minded musical luminaries to collaborate and create, it was always to be expected. 'Waltz...' was more of a vibe, a full stop on a long period of his life to that point and a drawing together of unfinished songs and feelings from his youth. 'Afro Strut' was to be the fresh start that sees Amp able to look further forward as well as back to his roots, and as a result has the feel of a more fully-realised vision.
The array of collaborators and contributors to the record further emphasises this approach. Opener 'Faith' sets the standard with Amp joined by Raphael Saadiq on a timelessly deep ode to spirituality of a different kind. The UK's Justin Crawford (one half of Manchester-based dj/production outfit Unabombers) is brought in for two of the standout disco-flecked cuts 'Right Where You Are' and 'Ridin'. Amp's Jazz heritage rolls to the fore on the uplifting 'If I Don't', recalling his days in doo-wop outfit The Enchantments as a teenager and laying open the musical make up of its creator.
The sadly departed Jay Dilla's group Slum Village, another product of Camp Amp, the basement recording studio at Amp's 7 Mile home that has also had local luminary Moodyman in regular residence, is represented on the bumping 'I Need You'. Tony Allen, the man accredited with creating afrobeat alongside the great Fela Kuti, provides the drums on Afro Strut and another great, Jay-Z collaborator, Grammy winning string arranger and former member of MFSB Larry Gold steps up on album closer 'Hustle.
By referencing many of the great contemporary black music movements be it Jazz, Doo-Wop, Afrobeat, soul or hip-hop, Afro Strut is, like its predecessor, without modern day comparison. The collusion of a lifetime of influences and experiences that are drawn on, used, discarded and Amp-lified across twelve rich slices of raw funk.
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Intro
Amp Fiddler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
{Talking}
Pastor Troy:
The last chance I got to make shit hot around here. Hello. If I don't go platinum I'm lettin go you can't feel me you just a muthafuckin hoe so now you notice I done got this crunk but who get crunker than the cranker smoke me a half a dro and turn the drank up
The opening lines to Amp Fiddler's song Intro serve as an illustrative contrast between the perspectives of two different artists. The dialogue of the song's intro portrays a telephone conversation between Pastor Troy and another person. Pastor Troy's tone in the conversation is clear, determined and straightforward. He seems to be calling his last chance to make a dent building a successful career in the music industry, as he is talking about going platinum on this track. He is also taunting his critics who do not value his work and belittling them as "muthafuckin' hoes". He believes he has created an undisputable sound that is "crunker than the cranker". Pastor Troy takes a break halfway in the conversation to "smoke me a half a dro" and by returning into the conversation, he announces he is gearing up for a celebration "and turn the drank up".
The dialogue in this song highlights the importance of self-confidence and the struggle that artists face. Many artists feel they only get one shot at building a successful career and might feel incredibly pressured to deliver good work. This perspective contrasts starkly with that of critics and audience members who may not see these same artists' work as being intrinsically valuable. Even though it is not Pastor Troy but a persona and not about the artist Amp Fiddler, this Intro can still function as an anthem for all the artists whose work remains underappreciated.
Line by Line Meaning
RING RING RING
The sound of a phone ringing, signaling the start of a conversation
Talking
An indication that someone is speaking or communicating in some way
Pastor Troy:
A reference to the singer of the following words, identifying him as the rapper Pastor Troy
The last chance I got to make shit hot around here.
Acknowledging that this may be the artist's final opportunity to make a name for himself and succeed in the music industry
Hello.
A greeting, possibly indicating that the artist is answering a phone call or speaking to an audience
If I don't go platinum I'm lettin go
If the singer's album does not achieve platinum status (selling 1 million units), he will likely be dropped by his label and lose his place in the music industry
you can't feel me you just a muthafuckin hoe
Dismissing critics and detractors who do not understand the singer's music or message as irrelevant and insignificant
so now you notice I done got this crunk
Pointing out the artist's recent success and popularity, particularly in the genre of crunk music (a style of Southern hip-hop characterized by heavy bass and aggressive lyrics)
but who get crunker than the cranker
Asserting the artist's dominance and skill in the crunk genre, claiming that he is the best and most intense performer of this style
smoke me a half a dro and turn the drank up
Expressing a desire to use drugs (such as marijuana) and alcohol to help enhance the artist's performance and enjoyment of the music
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEIR GIST, DARREN LIGHTY, DAQUAN YOUNGBLOOD, EDWARD FERRELL, JAHEIM HOAGLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind