When a pair of quick-witted emcees joins forces with a battle-hardened, groove-fusing rhythm section, a classically trained violist and trumpet player, the result is a sound that explores and expands the frontiers of live hip-hop. Progressive in both style and message, the band's ability to drop from symphonic rock-infused crescendos into stripped-down string-laden breakbeats has earned Flobots a reputation for both originality and authenticity.
After originally forming as a side project in 2005, Flobots brought together Emcee’s Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit with violist Mackenzie Roberts, guitarist Andy Guerrero, bassist Jesse Walker, trumpet player Joe Ferrone, and drummer Kenny Ortiz. By the end of the year, it was clear that the band's refreshingly positive message and nontraditional instrumentation gave it both a universal appeal and a marketable buzz factor. Whether sharing the stage with jam bands, indie rock acts, or hip-hop groups, Flobots won the crowds and quickly reached a tippping point to became one of Denver's most influential bands.
The band's first EP, Platypus, was recorded quickly in response to the clamor of eager fans. Platypus' CD sales in the first week put Flobots at #1 on Twist & Shout's bestseller list. In just a year and half, Platypus has sold over 3000 copies in Colorado and the surrounding region. The strength of this small record and a relentless performing schedule has enabled the band to open for acts like The Coup, Lyrics Born, Immortal Technique, and 2mex. Even Multi-platinum recording artist The Fray took notice, inviting the band to open the last night of their North American Tour at Red Rocks amphitheatre.
Now, just two and a half years from the birth of their first song, the band regularly sells out Denver venues and is developing sizeable followings in California, Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming.
The upward trajectory continues as the band prepares to release its first full-length record, Fight With Tools (October 2007). Representing a year's worth of writing and recording, the record is a fire-breathing rallying cry for all free-thinking individuals fed-up with the violence and apathy that have thus far defined the new millenium.
In February and March 2009 Flobots are going to join Rise Against, Anti-Flag, and Propaghandi for their United Kingdom tour.
Armed with musicianship, intelligence, and a passionate loyalty to the power of creation, Flobots are looking to engage a new musical culture, one mind at a time.
Acclaimed Universal Republic alternative/hip hop collective Flobots released their sophomore album Survival Story on March 16th. The first single from their new offering is a call-to-unarm, “White Flag Warrior,” featuring a guest appearance by Tim McIIrath, founder of influential Chicago band Rise Against. Survival Story is the follow-up to their 2008 game-changing, 300,000-plus selling Universal Republic debut album, ‘Fight With Tools’. The new album was helmed by noted producer Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys, Beck, Jack Johnson, Moby), and finds the group at yet another turning point of inspiring transformation.
Flobots garnered across-the-board critical, cultural and commercial acclaim in 2008 with their grassroots-waged kickoff single, the rousing Top 5, platinum-plus smash “Handlebars.” The song became the mind-bending clarion call of both the rap and rock worlds, with the spirited anthem soaring to #1 on the alternative radio chart as the format’s most requested song of the year. “Handlebars” became a digital, video, and MySpace phenomenon, (along with ‘Fight With Tools’ follow-up hit “Rise”) soaring to #10 on the iTunes hip hop chart, with the digital version of the band’s CD climbing to #2 on the iTunes hip hop countdown.
The six-member band was also recognized as innovative agents of massive cultural change during their mainstream rise, with media outlets such as USA Today praising their “stinging social commentary,” and the Boston Herald calling them “rap’s most singular breakthrough act in years.” Flobots became a symbol of a new generation shifting priorities at the decade’s close, thanks to the hands-on and highly charged social-activism embedded in their music and their vigorous community networking. Their uplifting calls to action mirrored the communal reawakening taking place throughout the entire country. The band’s galvanizing live presence rocked late night TV (The Tonight Show
, Conan O’Brien, and others,) and saw them ‘own’ the stage at the Democratic National Convention in their hometown of Denver, as well as on election night. The group also logged several sold-out tours across the U.S. and inspired audiences throughout the world with their incredible live show.
Survival Story finds the band invigorated by the range of life-experiences that flowed through the Flobots’ global collective the past two years (their extremely effective non-profit organization, flobots.org, has mobilized fans to become change-agents in their own communities throughout the world). But, the sophomore album also arrives in 2010 as a vision of hope for a world pondering its limits: Flobots’ unique birds-eye view of a world changed and rearranged – both inside and out.
The new effort features songs such as the counter-intuitive “White Flag Warrior,” the signature “Whips And Chains,” and the funk-infested “Infatuation,” among others. “We understand change can be complicated,” says co-founder Jonny 5. “We’re six different people ourselves trying to make a difference. We’ve always been about valuing everyone’s voice, whether in or outside of the band. We believe Survival Story is a true record of our growth as we all process this great new world that’s emerging.”
Created in Blasting Room studios in Ft. Collins CO, Survival Story was produced by Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys).
In the summer of 2011, Andy Guerro left Flobots in order to concentrate in his older band, Bop Skizzum.
Combat
Flobots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Combat to get you to bomb back)
I know how to rip a mic different
I grip it like so
Tight like a kryptonite with a bike pole
Sparks from my lips ignite liquid nitro
No telling if it might blow
The environments' gotta be hotter
Than solder beside the iron
Zinc vitamins
Hide'em inside when I'm writing the rhymes
It's hard to keep property guarded
Because of these pirates
And I motivate
No debate
We're takin' it over
Make no mistake
You're fake and there's no escape
'Cuz you got caught
Frozen waitin' for the crosswalk
I can take it to another level
Where the bass is above the treble
And your face is in double
Evasiveness doesn't settle it
A place and a space
Where theres nothing to meddle with
Lyrical combat to get you to bomb back
Blonde, black, lets get beyond that
Sing songs that attack with strong raps
3 2 1 contact
Sans paddle we swim the long laps
Swans flap to get the pond packed
Want sass kiss my moms ass
Wrong tact convict you en mass
Take it back like Linda Ronstadt
Or Luke Sky with a twisted long hat
Ton ton fat subsisting on that
Tom tom high hat
Insist upon that
Listen to Jon rap
This is combat
To get you to bomb back
Two fisted contact to
Get the pond packed
'Cause I'm on some shit that exists beyond that
3 2 1
The lines in the chorus “No known beat that can keep me lonely” and “Combat to get you to bomb back” sets the mood of Flobots’ song Combat. The lyrics talk about the rapper’s superiority in the rap game, his motivation to take over, and his determination to take his craft to another level. The way he grips the mic, and his lyrics fashion sparks that ignite like nitro that creates an explosive performance. He lyrically battles and challenges others to bring their best and attack with strong raps. The line “3 2 1 contact” is a reference to a science educational series that ran on PBS from 1980 to 1988, which highlights the scientific aspect of rap music.
The rap lyrics also touch on how difficult it is to protect intellectual property in the music industry, and how piracy affects artists' earnings. The rapper contemplates that piracy is like pirates attacking treasures; it is challenging to keep "property guarded" because of the pirates or the illegal downloaders, who cause losses to the artist. By choosing to inspire and motivate his audience, he gives life to his music and creates a performance that is beyond reproduction. He is unafraid of adversaries, and the lines “Evasiveness doesn’t settle it, a place and a space where there's nothing to meddle with” gives a picture that rap battles are not just about lyrics but also about the performers' attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
(No known beat that can keep me lonely)
I'm a talented rapper and I'm confident in my abilities. No matter what beat I'm given, I know I can make it work and put on a great show.
(Combat to get you to bomb back)
This song is meant to inspire and challenge other rappers to step up their game and come back with even better music.
I know how to rip a mic different
I have a unique style and approach to rapping that sets me apart from other artists.
I grip it like so
I hold the microphone in a certain way to maximize my control and power over my voice.
Tight like a kryptonite with a bike pole
I hold the microphone tightly, like Superman's weakness, kryptonite, held tightly to a bike handle.
Sparks from my lips ignite liquid nitro
My words are so powerful that they feel explosive, as though they could start a fire or set off liquid nitro.
No telling if it might blow
I'm unpredictable and exciting, like a volatile substance that could explode at any moment.
The environments' gotta be hotter
In order for me to perform at my best, I need a high-energy and passionate crowd to feed off of.
Than solder beside the iron
The heat and energy of the crowd must be intense, like the heat generated by an iron and the molten solder next to it.
Zinc vitamins
I take vitamins to keep my energy levels up and make sure I'm at my best for my performances.
Hide'em inside when I'm writing the rhymes
I keep my vitamin supplements hidden away when I'm writing music so that I'm not distracted or tempted by them.
It's hard to keep property guarded
As a successful rapper, it's difficult to maintain privacy and protect my assets from opportunistic people.
Because of these pirates
Other people in the music industry may try to steal my ideas or profits, like pirates attacking a ship.
And I motivate
Through my music, I aim to inspire and motivate people to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
No debate
My message is clear and powerful - there's no room for argument or disagreement.
We're takin' it over
My music and my message are going to revolutionize the industry and change the game forever.
Make no mistake
Don't doubt or underestimate me - I am a force to be reckoned with.
You're fake and there's no escape
Anyone who opposes me or tries to imitate me is a fraud and will ultimately fail, with no hope of redemption.
'Cuz you got caught
You were foolish enough to try and challenge me, and now you're trapped and exposed.
Frozen waitin' for the crosswalk
You're stuck and helpless, like a pedestrian waiting for a stoplight to change before crossing the street.
I can take it to another level
I'm not satisfied with just being good - I have the potential to be great and I'm going to push myself to get there.
Where the bass is above the treble
My music has a distinctive and powerful bass sound that takes precedence over other elements like the treble and vocals.
And your face is in double
The volume and intensity of my music is so high that it feels like it's coming at you in multiple directions, like a double exposure photograph.
Evasiveness doesn't settle it
Avoiding or ignoring the problems or challenges I face isn't good enough - I need to actively confront them and overcome them.
A place and a space
I need the right conditions and environment to create my best work and reach my full potential.
Where theres nothing to meddle with
I don't want any distractions or interferences - I need complete focus and concentration to create my best music.
Lyrical combat to get you to bomb back
My music is like a battle, and I want other rappers to respond and challenge me so that we can push each other to create better work.
Blonde, black, lets get beyond that
I don't care about the superficial differences between myself and other rappers - we're all here to make great music and that's what's important.
Sing songs that attack with strong raps
My music is powerful and assertive, and I'm not afraid to speak out against injustice or oppression through my lyrics.
3 2 1 contact
My music is like a call to arms, urging people to get up, act, and make their voices heard.
Sans paddle we swim the long laps
We may face challenges or obstacles, but we're going to keep pushing forward and making progress, even if we don't have all the tools we need.
Swans flap to get the pond packed
People are drawn to my music and my message like swans to a pond - I have the ability to create a powerful community around me.
Want sass kiss my moms ass
Critics and haters can talk all they want, but I'm not going to back down or change who I am to please them.
Wrong tact convict you en mass
If someone tries to come at me with the wrong technique or strategy, they'll suffer the consequences and lose the support of their fans.
Take it back like Linda Ronstadt
I have the ability to transport people back to a different time or place through my music, like Linda Ronstadt can with her hits from the past.
Or Luke Sky with a twisted long hat
My music and my style are unique and memorable, like Luke Skywalker's twisted hat.
Ton ton fat subsisting on that
I'm not going to try and please everyone or worry about my appearance - I'm focused on my music and my message, and that's what matters.
Tom tom high hat
My music has a strong and assertive beat that keeps people moving and energized - like the tom-toms and high hats in a drum kit.
Insist upon that
I'm not going to back down or compromise when it comes to my music and my beliefs - I'll stand my ground and insist on being heard.
Listen to Jon rap
My music is worth listening to - I have something important to say and I'm going to say it loud and clear.
This is combat
My music is like a fight or a battle, and I'm ready to go up against anyone who challenges me.
To get you to bomb back
I want other rappers to respond to my music and challenge me to create even better work.
Two fisted contact to
I'm ready for any kind of challenge or confrontation, and I'm not afraid to go in with all my strength and energy.
Get the pond packed
My music has the power to bring people together and create a unified community.
'Cause I'm on some shit that exists beyond that
I'm pushing the boundaries and trying new things with my music - I'm not content to stay in the same place or repeat the same old formula.
3 2 1
I'm counting down to something big - something important and powerful that's about to happen.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANDREW GUERRERO, JAMIE LAURIE, JESSE WALKER, KENNETH ORTIZ, MACKENZIE ROBERTS, STEPHEN BRACKETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind