Of southern Italian and Spanish descent, Corea began studying piano at age four. At eight he took up drums. Over his career, he became one of the most prolific and acclaimed jazz artists from the second half of the 20th century, with contributions to most forms of modern music, including straight-ahead jazz, electric fusion, avant-garde and orchestral music. In 2010 he entered the DownBeat Magazine Hall of Fame and was named Artist of the Year.
As a member of Miles Davis's band in the 1960s, and later as founder of Return to Forever, he participated in the birth of the electric fusion movement. In the 1980s he helped expand jazz with the Chick Corea Elektric Band and the Chick Corea Akoustic Band.
In 2008, the third version of Return to Forever (Corea, keyboards; Stanley Clarke, bass; Lenny White, drums; Al Di Meola, guitar) reunited for a worldwide tour.
A new group, the Five Peace Band, began a world tour in October 2008.
Chick Corea's 75th birthday, Corea and John McLaughlin, Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City, 10 December 2016
A new group, the Five Peace Band, began a world tour in October 2008. Corea had worked with McLaughlin in Davis's late 1960s bands, including the group that recorded Davis's album Bitches Brew. Joining Corea and McLaughlin were saxophonist Kenny Garrett and bassist Christian McBride. Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta played with the band in Europe and on select North American dates; Brian Blade played all dates in Asia and Australia, and most dates in North America. The variety of Corea's music was celebrated in a 2011 retrospective with Corea playing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; a New York Times reviewer had high praise for the occasion: "Mr. Corea was masterly with the other musicians, absorbing the rhythm and feeding the soloists. It sounded like a band, and Mr. Corea had no need to dominate; his authority was clear without raising volume."[20]
A new band for 2013, Chick Corea & The Vigil, featured Corea with bassist Hadrien Feraud, Marcus Gilmore on drums (carrying on from his grandfather, Roy Haynes), saxes, flute, and bass clarinet from Tim Garland, and guitarist Charles Altura.
Corea celebrated his 75th birthday in 2016 by playing with more than 20 different groups during a six-week stand at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village,
Illusion
Chick Corea Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Artists get cream turn fiend
Selling people a dream
Aiyyo you rappers don't amuse me wit your crystals or oozies
Industry groupies living after movies
They scarfaced my race some support hate
Lifes a court date some die to escape so hold your weight
And use the same clique that you thought would back you up
It's nine eight eliminate bait and open gates
Enough with chains and whips lets make brains eclipse
We all claim we rich, hold thugs in crypts
Forgot about the seeds growing up seven to six
Fuck a Benz wit tints I got the razor prints
Y'all rappers love idols there it is I'm convinced
Burn my contract, mental combat
And stomp your battle rap wit a Vietnam track
Red and white Sadaam rap sippin Cognac
I bet you didn't loopb know that the real Jews are black
I tell the truth cat where your mind chooses at
The world or the heavens?
God or the reverend?
Your girl or your weapon?
Christ armageddon armageddon (geddon)
[Chorus: x4]
Here in this life
Big cities a dream on the low is the scheme
A fiend that clock green without jockin somebodys sting
About the plot
You pull the ox who pull the stash outlock
Yo wuddup I, about ready to pull the rabbit out the top
Platinum gold oops upside your knot
Now nigga stop now nigga please
You ain't really ready to roll them sleeves
With your three degrees forty below nothin but recipes
Tight jeans, hype and don't know what nuthin means
Acting like you Billie Jean selling How to be a Fiend
When your loves about black marketing a nigga for his cream
And the big apple it ain't always what it seems
You might get fooled she's a queen
From out of town wagging her swing
All around with she glasses and women asses is what made men jack asses
Everything including your company jacket
And niggas asses for your ransom
And next thing you know they got a nigga dancin
Chancin him out of his advancements
And how y'all gonna pay back these back taxes?
This ain't healthy for your assets
It's like your face done been bashed in your career ain't happning
After the monkey wrenches and forks done been stabbed in
Intruiging to the ear but bitter to the heart
I begin to take part in The Art of Dart Throwin
Starring the Wu-Tang swordsmen
Raindrops fall the block remains hot
Steam rises from the street which forms the clouds that I move through
Renew my stainless sword style
Allah has spoken the golden code of silence has been broken
Mic terrorist shroom brew wickedness improves
As I ascend and expand extend I seen men
Fall from greats trying to trace the origin
But there is no beginning or end to the lifeline
Sunz of Man forever shine through the mic line
[Chorus: x4]
I say a case of a rap star, permanent scar caught in the rapture
Of the bar code, he was more sold like Old Gold
Paraseuco industy whore bitches adore
Truly yours, feeling me more enemies fall
I'll and hardcore ready for tour shakin breakin jaws
Makin new laws open the doors healing my sores
Blessing the poor, the art of war we less a boar
Verse one we guard a star and the starting artist
Another target on your market style is garbage
You get bombarded whole clique slapped retarded
Pussy harded mcs bleed slugs to the body
It's physical domination lyrical laceration brutal termination
When you fuck wit the federation, collaboratin wit my nation
Discussing allegations conversating about the downfall of Satan
Ghetto frustration keeps my head piece achin
Constant motivation keeps my world in rotation
[Chorus: x8]
Cars? Women? Huh livin lovely? Phat houses?
What you think its about?
Not gettin paid? Havin fame? Havin everybody lovin you runnin up to you?
What you think its about?
Think its about teaching? Think its about givin up jewelz?
Givin something for the children to look up to?
What you think its about?
This rap game, y'all gotta figure that out
This rap game
The lyrics of Chick Corea’s song Illusion is a commentary on the rap industry and the illusions that it creates. The song starts off by stating that the game is not what it appears to be, and that artists only care about making money and selling a dream to people. It goes on to criticize rappers for using gimmicks like crystals and oozies and industry groupies, and for forgetting about the importance of their roots and communities. The song also touches on themes of racism and the struggle of being a black artist. The chorus repeats the idea of life being an illusion, with big cities and dreams being nothing but a scheme.
The second verse features the Wu-Tang Clan and is more braggadocious, with lyrics about their swordsmanship and dominance in the game. It also touches on themes of spirituality and the importance of being true to oneself. The third verse features the Sunz of Man and tackles the darker side of the industry, with lyrics about the exploitation of artists and the constant struggle for success. The final lines of the song pose the question of what the rap game is really about, touching on themes of materialism versus authenticity.
Overall, Chick Corea’s Illusion is a complex and thought-provoking commentary on the rap industry and the illusions that it creates. It challenges the listener to question their beliefs and examine the true motives behind the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiyyo this rap game ain't what it seems
The rap game is not what it appears to be
Artists get cream turn fiend
Artists make money and become obsessed with success
Selling people a dream
Artists sell an image of success to their fans
Aiyyo you rappers don't amuse me wit your crystals or oozies
The material possessions of rappers are not impressive
Industry groupies living after movies
Fans of the rap industry idolize the images and personas of their favorite rappers
They scarfaced my race some support hate
Some people hate those of certain races and cultures
Lifes a court date some die to escape so hold your weight
Life is challenging and some people use negative means to escape their problems, therefore one must remain strong and endure the struggles of life
You niggas brag too much fuck wit us we bag you up
Rappers boast too often and can be robbed or taken down by others
And use the same clique that you thought would back you up
Enemies may use former friends against them for their own gain
It's nine eight eliminate bait and open gates
In 1998, people should focus on eliminating negativity and welcoming positivity
Enough with chains and whips lets make brains eclipse
Instead of focusing on material possessions, we need to focus on intellectual growth and advancement
We all claim we rich, hold thugs in crypts
Many people claim to be wealthy but are actually in poverty or trapped in dangerous lifestyles
Forgot about the seeds growing up seven to six
Many forget about the younger generation growing up in poor and dangerous areas
Fuck a Benz wit tints I got the razor prints
I do not care for material possessions, I am focused on my craft and honing my skills
Y'all rappers love idols there it is I'm convinced
Rappers love material possessions and idolize others who have them
Burn my contract, mental combat
I want to free myself from toxic contracts and engage in a battle of wills with my own thoughts
And stomp your battle rap wit a Vietnam track
I will dominate the rap game with a track inspired by the war in Vietnam
Red and white Sadaam rap sippin Cognac
I will make music inspired by Saddam Hussein while drinking Cognac
I bet you didn't loopb know that the real Jews are black
Many people do not realize that people of African descent are the true Jews
I tell the truth cat where your mind chooses at
I speak candidly and challenge people to choose truth over falsehoods
The world or the heavens?
Will you focus on earthly desires or spiritual enlightenment?
God or the reverend?
Will you align with God or organized religion?
Your girl or your weapon?
Will you prioritize your significant other or your own personal gain?
Christ armageddon armageddon (geddon)
Repetition of the word 'armageddon' to emphasize the inevitable end of the world
Big cities a dream on the low is the scheme
People dream of success in big cities but the reality is that it is a difficult lifestyle
A fiend that clock green without jockin somebodys sting about the plot
People can be obsessed with earning money without caring about the harm it causes others
You pull the ox who pull the stash outlock
If you reveal someone's secret stash, you will become the target of criminals
Yo wuddup I, about ready to pull the rabbit out the top
I am about to do something impressive and unexpected
Platinum gold oops upside your knot
A reference to hitting someone hard with a blunt object
Now nigga stop now nigga please
An expression of dominance over someone else
You ain't really ready to roll them sleeves
You are not prepared to work hard and put in effort
With your three degrees forty below nothin but recipes
Even with three degrees, you may still struggle in life and only have basic skills (recipes)
Tight jeans, hype and don't know what nuthin means
People dress stylishly and act confidently but actually lack knowledge
Acting like you Billie Jean selling How to be a Fiend
People try to copy Michael Jackson but end up fostering addiction and negative behaviors in others
When your loves about black marketing a nigga for his cream
When you care only about profits and exploit others for money
And the big apple it ain't always what it seems
New York City is not always exciting or glamorous
You might get fooled she's a queen
You may be deceived by someone's appearance or status
From out of town wagging her swing all around with she glasses and women asses is what made men jack asses
A woman from another place attracts attention from men because of her looks
Everything including your company jacket
Even your job or identity can be taken away from you
And niggas asses for your ransom
People will exploit and demand money in return for someone's freedom
And next thing you know they got a nigga dancin
An expression of being manipulated or forced to do something against your will
Chancin him out of his advancements
People can take advantage of others and prevent them from progressing
And how y'all gonna pay back these back taxes?
A rhetorical question asking how people will recover from financial loss
This ain't healthy for your assets
This lifestyle is not sustainable or healthy for your finances
It's like your face done been bashed in your career ain't happning
Your reputation is ruined and your career is not progressing
Intruiging to the ear but bitter to the heart
The lyrics may sound interesting but are actually painful
I begin to take part in The Art of Dart Throwin
I start to engage in music composition and expression
Starring the Wu-Tang swordsmen
Featuring the members of the Wu-Tang Clan
Raindrops fall the block remains hot
Even though it is raining, the area still retains heat
Steam rises from the street which forms the clouds that I move through
The environment is so hot that it creates steam
Renew my stainless sword style
I revive and improve upon my particular music style
Allah has spoken the golden code of silence has been broken
A reference to Islamic beliefs and the breaking of a silence tradition
Mic terrorist shroom brew wickedness improves
My music is powerful and made with skill, and my abilities improve over time
As I ascend and expand extend I seen men
As I grow and become more famous, I encounter many people
Fall from greats trying to trace the origin
People try to copy or replicate my music style and fail
But there is no beginning or end to the lifeline
Life is infinite and has no clear starting or ending point
Sunz of Man forever shine through the mic line
My music and creativity will remain a legacy forever
I say a case of a rap star, permanent scar caught in the rapture Of the bar code, he was more sold like Old Gold
The story of a rap star who becomes scarred by the industry and its commercialism
Paraseuco industy whore bitches adore Truly yours, feeling me more enemies fall I'll and hardcore ready for tour shakin breakin jaws Makin new laws open the doors healing my sores Blessing the poor, the art of war we less a boar Verse one we guard a star and the starting artist Another target on your market style is garbage You get bombarded whole clique slapped retarded Pussy harded mcs bleed slugs to the body It's physical domination lyrical laceration brutal termination When you fuck wit the federation, collaboratin wit my nation Discussing allegations conversating about the downfall of Satan Ghetto frustration keeps my head piece achin Constant motivation keeps my world in rotation
A description of the rapper's hard-hitting and intense style, and his determination to make music that is true to himself and represents his culture and people
Cars? Women? Huh livin lovely? Phat houses?
Are these the things that people believe are important in life?
Not gettin paid? Havin fame? Havin everybody lovin you runnin up to you?
Is it about financial success, popularity, or admiration from others?
Think its about teaching? Think its about givin up jewelz?
Is hip hop about education or sharing valuable knowledge, or is it about material possessions?
Givin something for the children to look up to? What you think its about?
Is it about being a positive role model for youth and future generations?
This rap game, y'all gotta figure that out
It is up to individual rappers and listeners to decide what hip hop truly represents and what messages it should convey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHICK COREA, JOHN PATITUCCI, DAVID JOSEPH WECKL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Immersed94
This album, and Illusions in particular, holds a very special place in my heart. I used to listen to this constantly back in high school. I had gone through a surgery, and had to go for walks every day as part of my recovery. I always see myself walking through the quiet streets on those cold November nights, when I listen to this album. Feeling young and uncertain of life, yet filled with this uplifting sense of wonder and hopefulness from the vibrant tunes of this album. Music holds such power, it's a gift beyond words
@dokanyon
Thanks for the memories Chick . RIP
@norlanrodriguez2810
R. I. P. Master.
@rennexoxo
this track takes me too the most amazing places in my mind
@josephkirkendall2249
yes
@fredbass77
yes me too at the point i decided to bass cover it please check it out on your smartphone (copyright blocks on computer)
@princehirachan7039
Yes it’s starts and ends amazingly.. fluid.. everything in between is an adventure
a Fan 🇳🇵
@mikeh66
YOU KNOW IT!
@jplindsay3707
👍WECKL IS A BEAST!!! The beat-displacement at times, is really, really, hep!👍
@frazzleface753
For me, this one represents the very pinnacle of CCEB. Such amazing synchronicity between all five of them. This 10 minute piece is full of surprise and wonder. And that final section (from 7:58) is pure 100% fusion goodness from heaven itself....