The baseball-capped, baggy-shorted EMF-- standing for either 'Epsom Mad Funkers' or, in the words of their eponymously titled song, 'Ecstasy Mother Fuckers' (the band could never quite make up their minds)-- made their first attack on the U.K. music scene in the autumn of 1990 with the Jesus Jones-influenced Top 10 single "Unbelievable." Sampling hard-hitting U.S. comic Andrew Dice Clay, the single was a catchy pop pile-up featuring fresh-faced vocalist James Atkin's sneery schoolboy vocals, band leader Ian Dench's swaggering rock guitar and a booming bassline, courtesy of Zac Foley. mischief-maker Derry Brownson (keyboards), and Mark Decloedt (drums).
The new social scene of 'Madchester' had exploded in 1990, and every previously no-hoper band with half an idea sold their souls to hitch a ride on the ensuing 'indie dance' bandwagon. EMF's ideas were better formed than most, despite the fact that they had been signed by a major label (EMI/Parlophone) after only a handful of gigs. Denounced as beered-up party animals by some and cider-drinking country bumpkins who'd struck lucky by others, the group cultivated a hedonistic young upstart image that ensured that they felt as at home on the cover of Smash Hits as they did the NME.
Steered through these giddy times by the older, somewhat Svengali-like figure of guitarist and songwriter Dench, who had already enjoyed previous limited success with the band Apple Mosaic, the quintet quickly dispatched identikit follow-up singles in "I Believe" and "Children," with little drop in quality or commercial impact. By this stage, "Unbelievable" was breaking the band in the U.S., but their debut single's worldwide success was to hang heavy on their shoulders in years to come. In May 1991, EMF released their debut album, titled 'Schubert Dip' ("If ever I'm short of a chord sequence, I nick one from Schubert", Dench was quoted as saying), which contained all the band's singles to date and already felt like a greatest hits collection. Similarly it topped the charts, although the fourth single, "Lies," like much of the rest of the album (with the possible exception of the slower tune "Girl of an Age"), paled in comparison with their initial batch of exuberant singles. It also drew attention from Yoko Ono's lawyers, who objected to the single's use of a sample of John Lennon lyrics recited by her husband's murderer, Mark Chapman.
With 'Schubert Dip' becoming a million-selling album, the group's members were international superstars, the album hitting #12 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. while tracks such as the aforementioned I Believe" and "Lies" being Top 40 American hits as well. The band then took to hanging out in L.A. with such luminaries as Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, getting tattoos, getting high and talking big about making a 'real' rock record. When second album 'Stigma' appeared in late 1992, heralded by the noisy single "They're Here" and the 'Unexplained' EP (containing a rowdy cover of seminal proto-punk band the Stooges' "Search and Destroy"), it was interpreted by many as a deliberate attempt by EMF to distance themselves from their teenage fan base.
Though they may have won some respect from the critics by going for a harder, less straightforward sound, the album wasn't received as well as hoped, sliding quickly out of the charts and selling only a fifth of its predecessor's total. The limitations of Atkin's voice were also readily apparent against the crunchier guitar backing. Perhaps the band had been partying too hard and simply forgot to write some tunes; "Around the time of Stigma, I was pumping myself full of anything", bassist Foley would later admit. At any rate, listeners that had bought into the band's ethos of catchy pop meets indie-fueled dance music flocked to other groups, and the band's success had been crippled.
With the band either touring or doing nothing during 1993–94, there was a hiatus in the group's recording career, and many assumed that EMF had simply split up until the single "Perfect Day" appeared from nowhere in early 1995. Though it was the band's breeziest, grooviest single for a long while, it failed to recapture their previous fortunes. The album that followed, 'Cha Cha Cha'-- from which Massive Attack/Neneh Cherry producer Johnny Dollar had walked out during the sessions-- stubbornly refused to shift units. "Bleeding You Dry", the next single to be pulled from the album, seemed titled perversely appropriate.
The summer of 1995 saw the band abandoning promotion of 'Cha Cha Cha' and teaming up with comics Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer on a quirky cover of The Monkees' pop rock hit "I'm a Believer". Although this commercial move ensured the band appeared on Top of the Pops again-- wearing gaudy Mike Nesmith wigs and miming badly no less-- many critics smelled the stench of desperation. Their self-promoted follow-up, "Afro King", seen in some quarters as a return to their alternative dance origins, and in others as too little too late, failed to do as well. Though influencing many later British rock groups, said groups had very well eclipsed them completely. The band were subsequently dropped by their label and, with no other offers forthcoming, called it a day.
In 2001, EMF reformed and released a greatest hits album. They played a number of comeback shows in the UK, and even sold out the London Astoria in June of 2001. However, on January 3, 2002, Foley died due to an overdose of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, barbiturates and alcohol. He was aged 31. The remaining members of EMF played just four more gigs in late 2002, before deciding to split up for the final time. Still, sporadic reunions have taken place since then, although with the band's future still murky.
http://www.emf-theband.com/
It
EMF Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No joke like the pronto, loud so,
John Doe up in his condo in Toronto,
Can hear the way foot comes down,
Just to give you the run down,
Krutch be droppin' it, daybreak to sundown,
When the smoke clears,
Who you think'll be standin' there?
Swingin' the cords up in the air,
Like cowboys,
We be rockin' the territory in this rap game,
'n' CHRIST blessed us with the octane,
The same name,
Who created the world in seven days,
Will change ya life, you'd be amazed,
Man, don't trip, we gon' carry on with the function,
Krutch preparin' the power punch 'n'
(bridge)
The things, you say,
Your word will never push me away,
The things, you say,...
(chorus)
You're unbelivable,... you're so unbelievable
I just want to make jams,
To pack the clubs 'n' stadiums,
With people of all types,
While makin' the crowd hype,
I got CHRIST in me, for the life of me,
Stand truly thankful for the sites I see,
'n' sparks be ignitin',
The minute we start writin',
GOD placed me in this fightin',
To speak 'n' to enlighten,
And I'm just that type-a, lyrical rhyme
Sniper, never a street fighter,
But down for gettin' hyper,
I'm a beat junkie brother, known by the emcee's,
For rippin' through tracks like epidemic disease,
And shout to J.C. 'cause' he reigns supreme,
'n' party people out there know what I mean.
(bridge)
(chorus)
Check this out, check this out,
Stepped on the scene, at the age of thirteen,
Crystal-clean, kick it like ya never seen,
Big expansion, that mmm bopped hanson,
'n' through off Marylin Manson up in his mansion,
Out to rock the globe,
While its still here to rock,
With things that'll make ya drop ya jaw,
Run along 'n' lock ya door,
It's the Krutch coalition crowd,
On a mission now,
Original, givin' emcee's beat downs,
We bust, with the extreme thrust,
Of ten warriors, the notorious,
One triple zero, no joke, we let it flow,
Man for real though,
Steppin' on sneakers with steel toes.
The lyrics of EMF's song It are filled with references to the rap game and the artist's Christian faith. The lines "Krutch be droppin' it, daybreak to sundown" and "We be rockin' the territory in this rap game" indicate a sense of dedication and passion for the genre, while the mention of CHRIST and the phrase "I got CHRIST in me" reveal the rapper's spiritual beliefs. The chorus "You're so unbelievable, I just want to make jams" emphasizes the artist's desire to create music that will entertain and inspire audiences of all backgrounds.
The lyrics also highlight the artist's skills as a rapper, with references to rhyming, flow, and delivery. The line "I'm a beat junkie brother, known by the emcee's, for rippin' through tracks like epidemic disease" emphasizes the artist's abilities as a wordsmith and performer. The repeated references to "Krutch" throughout the song suggest that the artist is part of a larger group or collective, possibly a rap crew or community.
Overall, the lyrics of It offer a unique perspective on the rap game and the role of Christian faith in the life of a rapper. The song's energetic flow and catchy chorus make it a standout track in the EMF discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Check the method when I constantly flow,
Take notice of the technique I use to always keep going and never stop.
No joke like the pronto, loud so,
I'm serious and quick like a speedy service, making an impact wherever I go.
John Doe up in his condo in Toronto, Can hear the way foot comes down,
Even people far away can hear the force of my movements and recognize the rhythm.
Just to give you the run down,
Let me explain to you the full details and summary of what's happening.
Krutch be droppin' it, daybreak to sundown,
I'm constantly producing great work from sunrise to sunset.
When the smoke clears, Who you think'll be standin' there?
When everything settles down, I'll still be standing tall and strong.
Grippin' four mics, Swingin' the cords up in the air, Like cowboys,
I'm fully in control with multiple microphone handles, like a cowboy with its rope.
We be rockin' the territory in this rap game,
We're dominating and claiming our position in the world of rap music.
'n' CHRIST blessed us with the octane, The same name,
Through divine intervention, Jesus Christ has given us the fuel to become powerful and influential.
Who created the world in seven days, Will change ya life, you'd be amazed,
The same creator of the world can transform your life in ways that will surprise and astound you.
Man, don't trip, we gon' carry on with the function, Krutch preparin' the power punch 'n'
Don't worry or stress, we'll keep going strong and deliver the ultimate hit.
The things, you say, Your word will never push me away,
Your words won't discourage or deter me from my path.
You're unbelivable,... you're so unbelievable
You're amazing and incredible, beyond words and description.
I just want to make jams, To pack the clubs 'n' stadiums, With people of all types, While makin' the crowd hype,
I desire to create great music that will fill venues with diverse audiences and energize the crowds.
I got CHRIST in me, for the life of me, Stand truly thankful for the sites I see,
I have the spirit of Jesus Christ within me, and I'm grateful for the amazing things I witness in life.
And I'm just that type-a, lyrical rhyme Sniper, never a street fighter, But down for gettin' hyper,
I'm a strategic wordsmith, not a physical brawler, but I'm always ready to get energetic and lively.
I'm a beat junkie brother, known by the emcee's, For rippin' through tracks like epidemic disease,
I'm a passionate lover of rhythm and beats, respected by fellow emcees for my ability to masterfully express myself through music.
Out to rock the globe, While its still here to rock, With things that'll make ya drop ya jaw,
I'm determined to reach and entertain people all around the world, while delivering art that will amaze and impress them.
Run along 'n' lock ya door, It's the Krutch coalition crowd, On a mission now,
Better hide and protect yourself, because the Krutch team is coming with a purpose and focus to accomplish a goal.
Original, givin' emcee's beat downs,
We're unique and authentic, challenging other emcees with our exceptional skills and talent.
We bust, with the extreme thrust, Of ten warriors, the notorious, One triple zero, no joke, we let it flow,
We deliver powerful and irresistible music, charged with the energy of ten brave and famous warriors, and we won't stop or hold back.
Man for real though, Steppin' on sneakers with steel toes.
I'm serious and committed, and even the shoes I wear have steel for extra strength and durability.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Roba Music, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES SAUL ATKIN, ZACHARY SEBASTIAN REX JAMES FOLEY, MARK SIMON DECLOEDT, DERRAN GENE BROWNSON, IAN ALEC HARVEY DENCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Patrick Stocks
I feel like a world gone crazed
At the thought of you
Your hot ways still chill
I’m closing in on you
Temptation never leaves me
But leaves me every once and a while
And it’s you, it’s you
That leaves me dry every time
And I only need to take it so far
Before all these tears leave their smears
And the thoughts of you disappear
It’s you, it’s you
That leaves me dry every time
Torch my soul and leaves the core
You take it all, you take it all
And you can take this & more
Just before you shut the door
All these tears leave their smears
And the thoughts of you disappear
We gotta go down south
Just about as far as you gotta go
Across the border
You know the way it goes
Devin Svennson
I was only 7 when this came out, though it feels like a time I was still part of in my mind. Good, eclectic stuff like this just doesn't exist anymore. 90s had the perfect mix of guitar, electronics, and rhythm. Analog production kept the human feel to it, just right. Just an incredible tune, and band.
Not you
Check out the Orbital remix of this, also everything by Bentley Rhythm Ace.
Patrick Stocks
I feel like a world gone crazed
At the thought of you
Your hot ways still chill
I’m closing in on you
Temptation never leaves me
But leaves me every once and a while
And it’s you, it’s you
That leaves me dry every time
And I only need to take it so far
Before all these tears leave their smears
And the thoughts of you disappear
It’s you, it’s you
That leaves me dry every time
Torch my soul and leaves the core
You take it all, you take it all
And you can take this & more
Just before you shut the door
All these tears leave their smears
And the thoughts of you disappear
We gotta go down south
Just about as far as you gotta go
Across the border
You know the way it goes
sco77yg
Sad how this is a forgotten song, it’s brilliant.
James mitchell
A timeless tune, great video, it has a emotional feel to it. It should be number one.
Parag Kakati
I was a kid during those days. Thats a fantastic song
ALAN MINARI
The bass line is🔝
Jenna
Indeed.
SuperPissflaps
STIGMA WAS WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY BEYOND ITS TIME
Max Jovanotti
No todo era children ni unbelievable. Habían temazos de verdad que fueron poco valorados.