A cornerstone of Hip-Hop's late 90's indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas (having released an impressive slew of 12" singles on his then self-run label Beyond Real during this time) as well as providing the canvas for an array of that era's lyrical giants. As an emcee in New York City, if you didn't have a Spinna production under your belt, well, you just hadn't accomplished all there was to accomplish. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to the scene. At the height of indie-kingpin Rawkus Records heyday, Spinna was in demand, also churning out timeless classics of the era from the likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and The Polyrhythm Addicts (his all-too-brief collabo-group with Apani B., Shaabam Sadeeq and Complex).
As collaborative production work flooded his studio, from hip-hop legends like Sadat X & Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Masta Ace and Guru (Gangstarr) to even The Jungle Brothers. Yet, while his stock as a the go-to producer rose so did his value as a key, if not crucial, remixer. At the time reworking hits for the major-label likes of De La Soul ("Stakes is High") Das EFX and MC Eiht.
Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna's sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from George Michael to Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to "We're Almost There"). It's here his production presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd, Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers and Al Jarreau. Always relevant to the current, Spinna has taken to new mixes for the J Dilla-bred Platinum Pied Pipers and Bay Area songstress Goapele as with the well respected Les Nubian. Though it goes without saying that one of the more memorable mixes goes to his monumental version of Shawn Escoffery's "Days Like This". In turn, catapulting Spinna into his now stately, touted presence in the dance music scene. Which made the transition to BBE Records smooth as ever, for his landmark solo production album "Here To There". It also spawned another record label, Spinna's own, Wonderwax. A home for his soulful dance classics, the imprint came to fruition in 2003, and has seen memorable releases from contemporaries such as Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Blaze, The Free Radikalz and Selan.
With so much studio work, it's a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does. The constant, globe-trotting performances he's become equally famed for have brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as well as countless jaunts through England, Europe and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the highest regard throughout the country for his craft in music. Not always the lone crowd-controller, Spinna's collaborated on stage alongside contemporary luminaries like Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova, Joe Claussell, Bugz In The Attic, Osunlade, Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, Keb Darge, DJ Scratch (EPMD), DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist. He's a true showman and versatile as ever.
Yet nothing compares to his celebrated Stevie Wonder inspired WONDER-Full DJ-performances (aside friend and contributor Bobbito Garcia). Garnering overwhelming fanfare each occasion done - whether NYC, LA, San Francisco, Japan or beyond and if a WONDER-Full event is booked at a club you can put money on a line around the block and thousands of Stevie Wonder admirers rocking the house. And while he's gained so much attention and accolade for his tributes to Stevie, Spinna is not incapable of doing the same for any other pivotal forefather. Visit New York City any given month and find a number of Spinna themed throw-downs in the city's esteemed venues - each as memorable as the last.
Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you'll be hard pressed to find someone that'll do it to Spinna's extent.
With a brand new album "InterGalactic Soul" at its completion (set for release in May, 06), Spinna's venturing to new reaches in his quest to musical harmony. Tapping into his perfected take on a truly cosmic boom-bap to a sexy, stylishly accessible brand of House and dance music that is unique only to him.
Remaining a musician for the ages, Spinna's true successes happily await in the future. Won't you come along for the ride?
Psychedelic Shack
DJ Spinna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
People let me tell you about a place I know
To get in it don't take much dough
Where you can really do your thing, oh yeah
It's got a neon sign outside that says
You'd be surprised what you might find, yeah
Strobe lights flashin' way till after sundown
People gather there from all parts of town
Oh yeah, what do I call it
You know it's just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at, oh yeah
You can have your fortune told
You can learn the meaning of soul
There ain't no such thing as time
Incense in the air
'In" signs painted everywhere
I guarantee you this place will blow your mind
Music so high, you can't get over it
So low you can't get under it
Right around the corner just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Millionaires, kings and queens go there to do their things
You might see anybody there, yeah
Bear skin rugs, tails and beads
Don't really matter what you wear
You can take off your shoes, sit on the floor
Join in and be what you wanna be
Don't you know that it's right
Around the corner just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic shack
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
They got a cat there shouting the blues
Talking about payin some dues
People walking around reciting poetry
Screamin guitars and a thousand colored lights
People I'm telling you this place is really out of sight
You can have your fortune told
You can learn the meaning of soul
I guarantee this place will blow your mind
Don't you know it's right around the corner
Just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic shack
The song "Psychedelic Shack" by DJ Spinna is an upbeat tune that talks about a place where people can go and be themselves. The "psychedelic shack" is a place where people of all walks of life come together to enjoy music, share ideas, and explore their minds. The lyrics paint a picture of a place that is open-minded and free-spirited, where the only requirement is to let loose and have fun.
The song starts by inviting listeners to hear about a place that doesn't require much money to get in. This place, the psychedelic shack, is a neon-lit spot that promises to surprise you with what you might find. The strobe lights, incense, and "in" signs make it clear that this is a hip and happening spot. The music is so intense that it will blow your mind, and the energy is high, with people from all parts of town coming together.
As the song progresses, we learn that this isn't just any old place. Millionaires, kings, and queens come here to do their thing. It's a place where you can learn the meaning of soul, have your fortune told, and recite poetry. The shack is even filled with bear skin rugs and tails, as well as people decked out in beads and other bohemian attire. The most important part is that everyone is welcome.
Overall, "Psychedelic Shack" is a song about a place where people can come and be themselves. It's a celebration of individuality, free thought, and creativity. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it an infectious song that encourages listeners to let loose and embrace their own unique spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Psychedelic shack, that's where it's at
The psychedelic shack is the place to be.
People let me tell you about a place I know
Let me tell you about the psychedelic shack.
To get in it don't take much dough
You don't need much money to enter the psychedelic shack.
Where you can really do your thing, oh yeah
You can express yourself freely at the psychedelic shack.
It's got a neon sign outside that says
The psychedelic shack's sign is hard to miss.
Come in and take a look at your mind
Visit the psychedelic shack and expand your thinking.
You'd be surprised what you might find, yeah
There are many new experiences to be discovered at the psychedelic shack.
Strobe lights flashin' way till after sundown
The psychedelic shack has flashing lights that continue into the night.
People gather there from all parts of town
Individuals from all over visit the psychedelic shack.
Oh yeah, what do I call it
The name of the place is the psychedelic shack.
You know it's just across the track
The psychedelic shack is located nearby.
You can have your fortune told
Fortune telling is available at the psychedelic shack.
You can learn the meaning of soul
Learn about the essence of the soul at the psychedelic shack.
There ain't no such thing as time
Time is irrelevant at the psychedelic shack.
Incense in the air
The psychedelic shack is filled with the scent of incense.
'In" signs painted everywhere
The psychedelic shack is covered in colorful signs.
I guarantee you this place will blow your mind
The psychedelic shack is guaranteed to be mind-blowing.
Music so high, you can't get over it
The music at the psychedelic shack is intense and overwhelming.
So low you can't get under it
The music at the psychedelic shack is also soothing and calming.
Millionaires, kings and queens go there to do their things
Even wealthy and powerful individuals visit the psychedelic shack.
You might see anybody there, yeah
Anyone and everyone is welcome at the psychedelic shack.
Bear skin rugs, tails and beads
The psychedelic shack has a unique style and aesthetic.
Don't really matter what you wear
There's no dress code at the psychedelic shack.
You can take off your shoes, sit on the floor
Feel free to get comfortable at the psychedelic shack.
Join in and be what you wanna be
The psychedelic shack encourages you to be your true self.
Don't you know that it's right
The psychedelic shack is located nearby.
They got a cat there shouting the blues
Live music is performed at the psychedelic shack.
Talking about payin some dues
The music at the psychedelic shack is authentic and raw.
People walking around reciting poetry
Artistic expression is welcomed at the psychedelic shack.
Screamin guitars and a thousand colored lights
The psychedelic shack has loud music and flashy visuals.
People I'm telling you this place is really out of sight
The psychedelic shack is truly an amazing experience.
Writer(s): B. Strong, N. Whitfield
Contributed by Emma B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.