Known for their use of humor, obscure references, and unconventional style, Das Racist has been both dismissed as joke rap and hailed as an urgent new voice in rap. Spin magazine picked Das Racist as one of 50 acts to watch at the 2010 SXSW festival, and in April 2010, MTV Iggy selected Das Racist as one of the "25 Best New Bands in the World". Rolling Stone declared the song "hahahaha jk?" from Sit Down, Man one of the fifty best singles of 2010.
Das Racist's unique style has a strong polarizing tendency; their set at the Pop Montreal festival was described as "the most divisive show seen at the festival". They describe their approach to music as "'deconstructionalist': sawing the legs out from under hip-hop as they celebrate it".The New York Times wrote "Das Racist’s lack of piety has become an aesthetic of its own, with songs that are as much commentary on hip-hop as rigorous practice of it". The Root said Das Racist could speak for both "the ‘hood or the nearest gated community." Playboy called the duo "equal parts hip-hop and Cheech & Chong".
In December 2012, statements made by members of Das Racist made apparent that the band had broken up.
Rélax
Das Racist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm drinking coffee brought to me
By white devils' sidekicks
They askin' if we like to get higher
Like they hired him
The fire and brimstone is known
To be composed of desire never twice lived
The metal might miss, but the beveled edge
To bring the light to the likes of whites and black kids
As well, it's like magic, I'm not your average
Negro please, I know I'm an idiot
But I got a stick and I'mma use it a little bit
I'm not too sure if I should clue in the little kids
Or if I'm too clueless to move with the bigger fish
Why it gotta be those too and not some other shit
Take me to the mothership
Hate me I'm Abramovich
I'm Lady Gaga, I'm a fag, I'm a lesbian
See me playin' bass in jam bands up at Wesleyan
See me at a poetry slam in like '97
Singing classic numbers by Otis Redding
Totally shredding
Hoping you get it, yeah
[Chorus x2]
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Yea yea yea yea yea
Yea yea yea yea yea
Yea yea yea yea yea
No no no no no
No no no no no
No no no no
What good is this Cashmere
If they're still dying in Kashmir
Kushmir
There was homes, now there's just dust there
Next year, same as this year
A rough year
Live in much fear, stay inside after dusk here
Brush tears from eyelids
Peep violence
And these people is dyin'
I'm wildin'
Old Earth said they wanna move back
But they ain't got enough funds to do that
Back in 1980, from Philly to Queens
She had a pocket full of lint, he had a suitcase full of dreams
From holdin' me to bagging groceries at the Pathmark
To scoldin' me for drinking and driving in fast cars
Juvenile shit
I ain't really tryin' to rap about
I don't remember from b-b-ba b-blackin' out
These days, I'm mostly focused on my bank account
I ain't backin' out until I own a bank to brag about
A local institution, life of the party
With him and at him, brown Chris Farley
Kalapani K?lid?sa, Vijay from Pyaasa
Wiles out at night, can't breathe through his nostrils
Poppa need his medicine
Reticent to let them in
Hesitant better when
In elegant letterman's
And other fresh shit, to distract you
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Das Racist's song "Relax" are filled with references to race, culture, and politics. The opening lines start with the phrase "White devils like it," which is a clear jab at the majority race in America. The song then talks about the idea of white people trying to connect with Black culture and understanding it through their point of view. The lyrics imply that the singer is being brought coffee by white people, but they do not understand the deeper meaning of the culture they are trying to engage with. The artist then brings up the idea that the fire and brimstone of passion and desire cannot be fully understood by others, especially those who do not come from the same background.
The middle of the song switches to talking more about complex social issues. The line "What good is this Cashmere, if they're still dying in Kashmir?" is a powerful statement about the inequality and injustice that exists in the world. The artist brings up the idea that there is so much suffering and death in the world despite wealth and luxury existing in other parts. The lyrics here urge the listener to reflect on the state of the world and the impact that we are all having on it. The song then ends on a more personal note, with the artist talking about their own life experiences and ambitions.
Overall, "Relax" is a song that critiques and reflects on the world around us. It touches on themes of race, culture, politics, and the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
White devils like it
Making references to white people as devils, pointing out their cringey behavior and attitude.
I'm drinking coffee brought to me
By white devils' sidekicks
Being served coffee by white people's assistants, trying to sound laid back while subtly indicating their privilege to afford hired help.
They askin' if we like to get higher
Like they hired him
White people asking if they want to get high, as if they were hired to introduce them to drugs.
The fire and brimstone is known
To be composed of desire never twice lived
Talking about the intense experiences they've had with life, love, and passion.
The metal might miss, but the beveled edge
Of the mind can provide tricks
Using the mind's ability to be clever, witty, and sharp to bring insight into the world around us.
To bring the light to the likes of whites and black kids
As well, it's like magic, I'm not your average
Wanting to create a world where everyone can learn, grow, and share experiences regardless of their background.
Negro please, I know I'm an idiot
But I got a stick and I'mma use it a little bit
Admitting their flawed and imperfect nature while also acknowledging that they can still make a difference.
I'm not too sure if I should clue in the little kids
Or if I'm too clueless to move with the bigger fish
Feeling uncertain about how to approach talking to children or dealing with bigger problems.
Why it gotta be those too and not some other shit
Take me to the mothership
Questioning why things are the way they are, and wishing to escape to an alternate reality.
Hate me I'm Abramovich
I'm Lady Gaga, I'm a fag, I'm a lesbian
Playing with identity and celebrity culture, as well as acknowledging that there are people who hate them for who they are.
See me playin' bass in jam bands up at Wesleyan
See me at a poetry slam in like '97
Singing classic numbers by Otis Redding
Totally shredding
Recalling past experiences where they showcased their musical and artistic talents.
What good is this Cashmere
If they're still dying in Kashmir
Wondering what the point is of having expensive things if there's still so much suffering and conflict in the world.
There was homes, now there's just dust there
Next year, same as this year
A rough year
Reflecting on the harsh realities of the world, and how things don't seem to change despite the passing of time.
Live in much fear, stay inside after dusk here
Brush tears from eyelids
Peep violence
And these people is dyin'
Living in fear and sadness due to the violence and suffering experienced in their community.
I'm wildin'
Old Earth said they wanna move back
But they ain't got enough funds to do that
Feeling angry and rebellious, while also referencing the idea of returning home but not being able to afford it.
She had a pocket full of lint, he had a suitcase full of dreams
From holdin' me to bagging groceries at the Pathmark
To scoldin' me for drinking and driving in fast cars
Reflecting on their past experiences and how much has changed since then, including being reprimanded for reckless behavior.
Juvenile shit
I ain't really tryin' to rap about
I don't remember from b-b-ba b-blackin' out
Acknowledging that some of their past behavior was childish and they no longer wish to rap about it.
These days, I'm mostly focused on my bank account
I ain't backin' out until I own a bank to brag about
Focusing on financial success, but with a goal to achieve enough wealth to make a difference and be proud of.
A local institution, life of the party
With him and at him, brown Chris Farley
Describing themselves as a local legend who brings life to any party or event, while also referencing the late comedian Chris Farley.
Kalapani K?lid?sa, Vijay from Pyaasa
Wiles out at night, can't breathe through his nostrils
Poppa need his medicine
Referencing famous Indian artists and poets while also describing their own struggles with allergy and needing medication.
Reticent to let them in
Hesitant better when
In elegant letterman's
And other fresh shit, to distract you
Being skeptical of people who try to get them to open up and share their thoughts and feelings, while also using fashion and style to appear more interesting and distract from their problems.
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Relax relax relax relax
Repeating the word 'relax' as a way to calm down and find peace in a chaotic world.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@arbeleg
01. 0:00 Relax produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
02. 4:28 Michael Jackson produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
03. 8:45 Brand New Dance produced by Patrick Wimberly
04. 11:47 Middle of the Cake (featuring Anand Wilder) produced by Anand Wilder
05. 15:32 Girl produced by Blood Diamonds
06. 18:56 Shut Up, Man (featuring El-P) produced by El-P
07. 22:35 Happy Rappy produced Diplo
08. 24:56 Booty in the Air produced by Patrick Wimberly
09. 28:42 Power (featuring Danny Brown and Despot) produced by Dash Speaks
10. 33:29 Punjabi Song (featuring Bikram Singh) produced by J-La
11. 37:03 Selena produced by Patrick Wimberly
12. 40:42 Rainbow in the Dark produced by J-La
13. 44:33 The Trick produced by Rostam Batmanglij
14. 47:35 Celebration produced by Francis and the Lights
@thesillyzebra
01. 0:00 Relax produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
02. 4:28 Michael Jackson produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
03. 8:45 Brand New Dance produced by Patrick Wimberly
04. 11:47 Middle of the Cake (featuring Anand Wilder) produced by Anand Wilder
05. 15:32 Girl produced by Blood Diamonds
06. 18:56 Shut Up, Man (featuring El-P) produced by El-P
07. 22:35 Happy Rappy produced Diplo
08. 24:56 Booty in the Air produced by Patrick Wimberly
09. 28:42 Power (featuring Danny Brown and Despot) produced by Dash Speaks
10. Punjabi Song (featuring Bikram Singh) produced by J-La
11. Selena produced by Patrick Wimberly
12. Rainbow in the Dark produced by J-La
13. The Trick produced by Rostam Batmanglij
14. Celebration produced by Francis and the Lights
@arbeleg
01. 0:00 Relax produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
02. 4:28 Michael Jackson produced by Das Racist and Patrick Wimberly
03. 8:45 Brand New Dance produced by Patrick Wimberly
04. 11:47 Middle of the Cake (featuring Anand Wilder) produced by Anand Wilder
05. 15:32 Girl produced by Blood Diamonds
06. 18:56 Shut Up, Man (featuring El-P) produced by El-P
07. 22:35 Happy Rappy produced Diplo
08. 24:56 Booty in the Air produced by Patrick Wimberly
09. 28:42 Power (featuring Danny Brown and Despot) produced by Dash Speaks
10. 33:29 Punjabi Song (featuring Bikram Singh) produced by J-La
11. 37:03 Selena produced by Patrick Wimberly
12. 40:42 Rainbow in the Dark produced by J-La
13. 44:33 The Trick produced by Rostam Batmanglij
14. 47:35 Celebration produced by Francis and the Lights
@matthew-epurnell1610
subhuman78 THANK YOU!
@Grammler1
They need to reunion
@RaptorMeatt
Relax, Selena, and Rainbow in the Dark are my favorites.
@anime7sergio
ty for uploading this album :3
@kristamckenna
get back together please
@stevendiaz3206
If coachella invites them for 5k.
@LilithX
I love them!
@Alice-kv3sg
I miss this
@shiprek2011
thanks for the upload. this band goes to show that originality doesn't pay. in twenty years someone will dig this album up and say holy shit i thought everything then was autotune and dropping luxury name brands like you ain't hood