Hebden's solo work typically utilises samples lifted from various sources including hip-hop, electronica, techno, jazz, and folk mixed with his own guitar playing. Four Tet shares some stylistic similarities with other musicians, such as Prefuse 73, who use computer editing techniques that give the music a staccato, cut-up feel. Hebden's music is notable for its rich, organic sounds and harmonious melodies as well as for eschewing the traditional pop-song format in favour of a more abstract approach.
Kieran Hebden began releasing material as Four Tet in 1998 with the 36 minute and 25 second single "Thirtysixtwentyfive" on Trevor Jackson's Output Recordings label. Later that year, he released a second single, the jazz-influenced "Misnomer". 1999's "Dialogue", again on Output, was Four Tet's first full-length album release and fused hip-hop drum lines with dissonant jazz samples. This was followed by the double A-side single "Glasshead"/"Calamine", which was to be Four Tet's last release on Output.
In late 1999, Warp Records released a tenth-anniversary compilation of remixes of Warp tracks; Hebden contributed a remix of "Cliffs", the opening track of Aphex Twin's "Selected Ambient Works, Vol. II". This relatively high profile exposure attracted a lot of new interest in Four Tet from fans of electronica and IDM, genres in which the Warp brand had a preeminent status.
In 2001, Four Tet's second album "Pause" was released on Domino and found Hebden using more folk and electronic samples, which was quickly dubbed "folktronica" by the media & press in an attempt to label the style (often also applied to artists such as Isan, Gravenhurst and some of Canabrism's later work). The acoustic guitar track "Everything Is Alright" is the theme music for the National Public Radio talk show On Point, produced at WBUR in Boston, Massachusetts; it was also featured in a US Nike commercial in 2001-2002 and in the Sony Bravia commercial in 2005.
"Rounds" was released in May 2003. It was Hebden's most ambitious album to date, incorporating diverse samples such as the mandolin on "Spirit Fingers", and even a rubber duck on the closing track "Slow Jam". Three singles were released from the album: "She Moves She", "As Serious as Your Life", and "My Angel Rocks Back and Forth". This last single was released as an EP featuring remixes by electronica duo Icarus and Isambard Khroustaliov along with additional Four Tet tracks "I've Got Viking in Me" and "All the Chimers". An accompanying DVD featured all of Four Tet's videos to date.
At the beginning of 2003, Four Tet opened for Radiohead on their European tour. A remix of the song Scatterbrain from Radiohead's latest album "Hail to the Thief" was included on their 2004 EP "COM LAG (2plus2isfive)".
A live album named "Live in Copenhagen 30th March 2004" was released in April 2004 as a limited edition, available only through the Domino Records website.
In March and April of 2005, Four Tet performed two shows of improvisational music, in collaboration with jazz drummer Steve Reid, in Paris and London. He also appears on Steve Reid Ensemble 2005 album "Spirit Walk". This collaboration was extended into a series of international tours, and the release of two albums, "The Exchange Session Vol. 1" and "The Exchange Session Vol. 2" over the course of 2005 and 2006.
His fourth studio album "Everything Ecstatic" was released on Domino on 23 May 2005. The video for the lead single, "Smile Around The Face", features actor Mark Heap. The album brought with it another shift in style, leaving behind the breezy "folktronica" of "Pause" and "Rounds" for a darker, more complex sound. On 7 November 2005, Domino has released a DVD version of "Everything Ecstatic" featuring video clips for each track of the album plus a CD with new material.
Hebden has also remixed, under the Four Tet name, tracks by a wide range of artists including Madvillain, Bloc Party, Super Furry Animals, Beth Orton, Badly Drawn Boy, The Notwist, Boom Bip, Kings of Convenience, Explosions in the Sky, Radiohead, and Doves.
Represent
Four Tet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I'm the calm one, but my crew is sorta sick)
Yeah, big l is the first to represent.
Yo, on the mic is big l, that brother who kicks flavs, god.
Known for sendin' garbage mcs to the graveyard.
I pack a gat, not a slingshot;
Step to this and get an ass-whoopin' like rodney king got.
My laws is no peace, fuck the police.
M-C's get braggin' about cash they collect,
But them chumps is like ray Charles,
Cause they ain't seen no money yet.
Trash rappers I tax and spark,
I be wettin' niggas up like water rides at action park.
A nigga stuck me, and that ain't funny son,
So I got money gun, they wet him and his honey bun.
Cause phony faggots I froze, it's a fact,
I flip fast on foes with fabulous fantastic flows.
L is the rebel type, I'm rough as a metal pipe,
Fuck a benz, cause I could pull skins on a pedal-bike.
Props, I got the most, no mc comes close,coast-to-coast,
Shows I host, foes I roast, adios, I'm ghost
[Chorus]
Yo, street ? in new york is a place this nigga stands
With a machete I'm a crazy Eddie scissor hands.
Born with such a thirst to kill,
I can tap 200 quarters from a $50 bill.
Cuttin' bitch-niggas down with a hundred pound axe
Like I was raised by psycho-crazed lumberjacks.
So in a battle I be stabbin',choppin' M-C'ss like trees,
Piece-by-piece buildin' cabins.
I'm a maniac magician, Abra cadabra,
Makin' pain appear cause I'm-a grab arusty chain to make a noose
To choke your ass so hard, you're spittin' fuckin' adam's apple juice.
So come check the magic show by Deshawn,
And witness the way I put you to death with a magic wand.
Turnin' your home to a casket,
Turn your wife into a widow and your son into a bastard.
Cause I love to keep M-C's sufferin',
Beggin' for big, heavy bags of bufferin'.
Baseball battin' 'em, splattin' 'em,
So many homicide records, my cases went platinum.
D'shawn is nice,
Known for givin' out head cracks without touchin' dice.
Just pain and punishment from the boogie down bronxter,
D'shawn the maniac street mobster.
[Chorus]
It's the f-I-n-e-double-s-e,
Don't play or stress me
Cause that shit don't impress me
I make papes off the shit I create, and then dictate
So get your motherfuckin' shit straight
I got skills and I'm hard to kill,
So y'all bitch-ass rappes better chill and just guard your grill
You grab a mic and always get hype
Talkin' bout fuckin' niggas up
When you can bearly beat your dick right
So stop ridin' my dilznick
Cause I can still kick the ill shit on the motherfuckin' real tip
Hit like foreman when I'm brawlin'
Those who think I'm fallin, I'll play your monkey-ass like a organ
I got crazy niggas in the city noid
Got mad bitches, but it's not cause I'm a motherfuckin' pretty-boy
I'm ruthless, I'm not on that goody-goody tip
That shit played out with that beat street/electric boogie shit
I'll stomp any rapper that you ?
If they ass is weak, they better chill and grab a seat
And go 'head with they master plan
Stevie wonder probably see me 'fore half you rappers can
You can't hang and you're fallin' fast
You rappers that's trash better dash and start haulin' ass
Cause I'm out to rag shit
Fuck up a show, collect my dough
And step off with a bad bitch
Spectators always have the best time
When they come to a show and hear a funky lord finesse rhyme
I'm out to get bigger, lounge and make rich figures
You'll never catch finesse associating with bitch niggas
I work overtime when it's time to go for mine
Crab-ass rappers, don't even front cause y'all know the time
So it's time for me to step
Peace to showbiz and ag and I'm off to the left
[Chorus]
Check-check-check it a to the g is gonna wreck it.
On stage, on my record, so nigga don't forget it.
I'm the man. the one-man-band is on my right hand.
(his name is show nitwit, so get wit the program)
I get a hit from my Buddha blessed.
Turn my hat to the back, now let's see who's the best.
I like my pockets fat, never ever flat.
Niggas wanna jack, my .45 ain't havin' that.
Hoes get no dough, so why try?
Think it's gonna be a hit 'n' run? wrong, it's a drive-by.
Niggas catchin' tantrums,because your girl's never safe around
The midnight phantom.
They predicted I'm-a fall,
They must be down with Michael Jackson cause that shit is off the wall.
You don't believe me, ask that brother show,
Snatchin' hotties, grabbin' hotties, lettin' mothafuckers know.
You come wrong if you don't come strong,
You better catch wreck! mothafucker, I made the song.
Styles will vary, they won't carry over.
Don't fuck with no devil, I'd rather marry Oprah.
Yeah, you got it, I'm pro-black,
And my skills are so phat, I pay my dues, I don't owe jack.
You bite my style, I can spot it.
Tryin' real hard to get it,
You can forget it, because you don't got it.
And my skills are excellent, diggin' in the crates
And it's time to represent!
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Four Tet's song "Represent" are actually the lyrics to the song "Represent" by the late 90s hip-hop group Big L. The song is essentially a boasting track where each member of the group gets a chance to flex their lyrical skills and claim their spot as the best rapper on the scene.
In the first verse, Big L establishes himself as a tough guy with a gun, and boasts about his flow and the success he's achieved. He also takes a shot at other rappers who brag about their wealth, claiming they haven't actually seen any money yet.
The second verse is performed by rapper D'Shawn, who is even more violent and sadistic than Big L. He brags about his ability to kill and torture his enemies, likening himself to a "maniac magician" who can make pain appear out of thin air. He seems particularly fond of choking people to death with rusty chains.
The third and final verse is performed by Lord Finesse, who also brags about his skills and success in the rap game. He also takes some shots at other rappers who he feels are copying his style.
Overall, the lyrics to "Represent" are a classic example of the kind of bravado and posturing that was common in 90s hip-hop. While some of the imagery and language used may be troubling, the song is an important artifact of a particular moment in the history of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
(I'm the calm one, but my crew is sorta sick)
I may appear calm, but my crew is incredibly talented and impressive.
Yeah, big l is the first to represent.
Big L is the first person to proudly represent and showcase his skills.
Yo, on the mic is big l, that brother who kicks flavs, god.
Hey, it's me, Big L, the guy who effortlessly delivers impressive rhymes and flows.
Known for sendin' garbage mcs to the graveyard.
I am famous for annihilating weak and untalented rappers.
I pack a gat, not a slingshot;
I carry a gun, not a simple weapon like a slingshot.
Step to this and get an ass-whoopin' like rodney king got.
If you challenge me, you'll receive a severe beating, just like Rodney King did.
Or get beat to your death like cochise,
You could end up being brutally beaten to death, similar to what happened to Cochise.
My laws is no peace, fuck the police.
I do not abide by the rules of peace and have no respect for the police.
M-C's get braggin' about cash they collect,
Other rappers boast about the money they make.
But them chumps is like ray Charles,
However, those fools are so oblivious, just like Ray Charles who was blind.
Cause they ain't seen no money yet.
Because they haven't actually earned any substantial amount of money.
Trash rappers I tax and spark,
I impose a heavy toll on mediocre rappers and ignite a spark in the industry.
I be wettin' niggas up like water rides at action park.
I'm metaphorically soaking my opponents, just like water rides at an amusement park.
A nigga stuck me, and that ain't funny son,
Someone tried to harm me, and that's no laughing matter, my friend.
So I got money gun, they wet him and his honey bun.
To seek revenge, I acquired a gun full of money, and they took down the attacker and his loved one.
Cause phony faggots I froze, it's a fact,
I have the power to paralyze fake individuals, and that's an undeniable fact.
I flip fast on foes with fabulous fantastic flows.
I rapidly switch up my style and effortlessly deliver amazing, unparalleled flows against my enemies.
L is the rebel type, I'm rough as a metal pipe,
I, Big L, am a rebel who is tough and unyielding, just like a metal pipe.
Fuck a benz, cause I could pull skins on a pedal-bike.
I don't need a fancy car like a Mercedes-Benz because I can easily attract women even while riding a simple bicycle.
Props, I got the most, no mc comes close,coast-to-coast,
I receive the most recognition and respect, and no other rapper even comes close, no matter the location.
Shows I host, foes I roast, adios, I'm ghost
I am the one who hosts incredible shows and effortlessly destroy my enemies. Goodbye, I'm leaving now.
Yo, street ? in new york is a place this nigga stands
In the streets of New York, you can find me, Big L, confidently standing.
With a machete I'm a crazy Eddie scissor hands.
I possess a machete and unleash my craziness similar to Eddie with his scissor hands.
Born with such a thirst to kill,
Since birth, I have had an intense desire to cause harm and take lives.
I can tap 200 quarters from a $50 bill.
I have the incredible skill to extract 200 quarters from just a $50 bill.
Cuttin' bitch-niggas down with a hundred pound axe
I mercilessly chop down weak individuals using a gigantic 100-pound axe.
Like I was raised by psycho-crazed lumberjacks.
My upbringing seems to resemble that of psycho and insane lumberjacks.
So in a battle I be stabbin',choppin' M-C'ss like trees,
In a rap battle, I attack and defeat other MCs just like cutting down trees with stabs and chops.
Piece-by-piece buildin' cabins.
After defeating my opponents, I construct metaphorical cabins using the pieces of their defeat.
I'm a maniac magician, Abra cadabra,
I possess the characteristics of a deranged magician, capable of performing extreme tricks like 'Abra cadabra.'
Makin' pain appear cause I'm-a grab arusty chain to make a noose
I can conjure up and inflict pain effortlessly because I will grab a rusty chain and form a noose.
To choke your ass so hard, you're spittin' fuckin' adam's apple juice.
I will choke you so forcefully that you will spit out your Adam's apple juice, in extreme pain.
So come check the magic show by Deshawn,
Do not miss the incredible magic show presented by Deshawn, which is set to be truly mesmerizing.
And witness the way I put you to death with a magic wand.
You will observe the extraordinary manner in which I bring about your demise using a magic wand.
Turnin' your home to a casket,
I will transform your residence into a casket, symbolizing the end of your life.
Turn your wife into a widow and your son into a bastard.
Your wife will become a widow, and your son will be left fatherless, as a result of my actions.
Cause I love to keep M-C's sufferin',
I derive pleasure from causing immense suffering to other MCs.
Beggin' for big, heavy bags of bufferin'.
They will be desperately begging for pain relief, as if they are in need of large, heavy bags of buffering medication.
Baseball battin' 'em, splattin' 'em,
I will mercilessly attack them with a baseball bat, resulting in their bodies being splattered and destroyed.
So many homicide records, my cases went platinum.
I have committed so many homicides that my criminal cases have achieved platinum record status.
D'shawn is nice,
I, D'shawn, possess excellent skills and abilities.
Known for givin' out head cracks without touchin' dice.
I am famous for inflicting severe head injuries without the need for any involvement with dice.
Just pain and punishment from the boogie down bronxter,
You can expect to experience only pain and punishment when dealing with me, a resident of the Boogie Down Bronx.
D'shawn the maniac street mobster.
I am D'shawn, the insane and ruthless mobster of the streets.
It's the f-I-n-e-double-s-e,
I am the F-I-N-E-D-O-U-B-L-E-S-E, a.k.a. the Fine Double S E.
Don't play or stress me
Do not attempt to provoke or bother me.
Cause that shit don't impress me
All of that nonsense does not impress or affect me.
I make papes off the shit I create, and then dictate
I generate significant amounts of money from the things I create, and I hold complete control and authority over them.
So get your motherfuckin' shit straight
Therefore, you better get your act together and sort out your own affairs.
I got skills and I'm hard to kill,
I possess exceptional abilities and it's difficult for anyone to harm me.
So y'all bitch-ass rappes better chill and just guard your grill
Therefore, all you weak and pathetic rappers better calm down and protect yourselves.
You grab a mic and always get hype
Whenever you grab a microphone, you always get overly excited and agitated.
Talkin' bout fuckin' niggas up
You constantly talk about hurting and defeating others.
When you can bearly beat your dick right
However, you struggle with even the most basic tasks, such as properly pleasuring yourself.
So stop ridin' my dilznick
Therefore, cease trying to emulate or imitate my style or persona.
Cause I can still kick the ill shit on the motherfuckin' real tip
Because I am still capable of delivering incredibly impressive and authentic content.
Hit like foreman when I'm brawlin'
When engaged in a fight, I hit with the strength and force of a professional boxer like George Foreman.
Those who think I'm fallin, I'll play your monkey-ass like a organ
To those who believe I am declining, I will manipulate and deceive you like a skilled musician playing an organ.
I got crazy niggas in the city noid
I have a group of insane individuals in the city who are always on edge and ready for action.
Got mad bitches, but it's not cause I'm a motherfuckin' pretty-boy
I have a lot of attractive women around me, but it's not solely because of my physical appearance.
I'm ruthless, I'm not on that goody-goody tip
I am ruthless and do not adhere to a goody-goody or innocent demeanor.
That shit played out with that beat street/electric boogie shit
That type of innocent and outdated behavior, like what is seen in Beat Street and Electric Boogie, is no longer relevant or interesting.
I'll stomp any rapper that you ?
I will fiercely defeat any rapper that you bring to challenge me.
If they ass is weak, they better chill and grab a seat
If they are weak and lacking in skill, they better calm down and find a place to sit and observe.
And go 'head with they master plan
They can go ahead and proceed with their so-called master plan, but it won't affect me.
Stevie wonder probably see me 'fore half you rappers can
Even Stevie Wonder, who is visually impaired, would be able to see and recognize me before most of these rappers can.
You can't hang and you're fallin' fast
You are unable to keep up and rapidly declining.
You rappers that's trash better dash and start haulin' ass
Those rappers who are garbage should quickly run away and save themselves.
Cause I'm out to rag shit
Because I am determined to cause chaos and destruction.
Fuck up a show, collect my dough
I will ruin a performance and collect my money.
And step off with a bad bitch
Afterward, I will leave with an attractive and desirable woman.
Spectators always have the best time
The audience always has a great time and thoroughly enjoys themselves.
When they come to a show and hear a funky lord finesse rhyme
The audience is guaranteed a fantastic experience when they attend a show and listen to a funky rhyme by Lord Finesse.
I'm out to get bigger, lounge and make rich figures
I am aiming for greater success, to relax and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
You'll never catch finesse associating with bitch niggas
You will never see Lord Finesse spending time with weak and cowardly individuals.
I work overtime when it's time to go for mine
I put in extra effort and work tirelessly when it's time to pursue what rightfully belongs to me.
Crab-ass rappers, don't even front cause y'all know the time
Don't pretend to be something you're not, you garbage rappers, because you all know the reality of the situation.
So it's time for me to step
Therefore, it's time for me to make my departure.
Peace to showbiz and ag and I'm off to the left
I bid farewell and give my regards to Showbiz and AG as I move on and head in a different direction.
Check-check-check it a to the g is gonna wreck it.
Listen closely, because AG is about to completely destroy and dominate.
On stage, on my record, so nigga don't forget it.
Whether it's on stage or on my record, don't ever forget the impact I am capable of making.
I'm the man. the one-man-band is on my right hand.
I am the one in charge, and the sole person responsible for creating incredible music, just like a one-man band.
(his name is show nitwit, so get wit the program)
His name is Show Nitwit, so it's time for you to understand and grasp what he's all about.
I get a hit from my Buddha blessed.
I receive divine inspiration and guidance from my Buddha.
Turn my hat to the back, now let's see who's the best.
I am ready to prove myself and determine who truly reigns supreme by flipping my hat backwards.
I like my pockets fat, never ever flat.
I prefer to have a significant amount of money in my pockets and never experience financial struggles.
Niggas wanna jack, my .45 ain't havin' that.
If anyone attempts to rob me, I won't hesitate to use my .45 pistol to defend myself.
Hoes get no dough, so why try?
Women who are unfaithful and disloyal don't receive any financial support, so why should they even bother trying?
Think it's gonna be a hit 'n' run? wrong, it's a drive-by.
If someone believes they can commit a quick hit and run, they are mistaken, as I will retaliate with a drive-by shooting.
Niggas catchin' tantrums,because your girl's never safe around
Men are becoming increasingly enraged because they can't trust their women to remain faithful around me.
The midnight phantom.
I am known as the mysterious and elusive midnight phantom.
They predicted I'm-a fall,
People have predicted and anticipated my downfall.
They must be down with Michael Jackson cause that shit is off the wall.
They must be supporters or followers of Michael Jackson, as their predictions are way off and completely inaccurate.
You don't believe me, ask that brother show,
If you doubt my abilities, go ahead and ask Show and hear his confirmation.
Snatchin' hotties, grabbin' hotties, lettin' mothafuckers know.
I am successfully attracting and seducing attractive women, making sure everyone is aware of my prowess.
You come wrong if you don't come strong,
If you approach me in a weak or inadequate manner, you are already on the wrong path.
You better catch wreck! mothafucker, I made the song.
You better bring your very best and put on an impressive performance, because I am the one who created this song.
Styles will vary, they won't carry over.
Different styles and approaches will exist, but they won't be able to continue or replicate my own style.
Don't fuck with no devil, I'd rather marry Oprah.
I refuse to associate with any evil or negative individual, and I would rather marry someone like Oprah Winfrey.
Yeah, you got it, I'm pro-black,
Yes, you understand correctly, I fully support and embrace my black heritage.
And my skills are so phat, I pay my dues, I don't owe jack.
I have incredible talents and abilities, and I have already worked hard and paid my dues. I don't owe anyone anything.
You bite my style, I can spot it.
If you copy or imitate my style, I can easily notice and recognize it.
Tryin' real hard to get it,
You are attempting with great effort to obtain my style.
You can forget it, because you don't got it.
However, you can forget about it, because you don't possess the skills or talent that I have.
And my skills are excellent, diggin' in the crates
My skills are undeniably outstanding, especially when it comes to digging in the crates for samples.
And it's time to represent!
Now is the moment to proudly showcase and represent myself!
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOBBY SANDIMANIE, HOWARD EARL BAILEY, SHAMAR DAUGHERTY, TAHEED EPPS, ALONSO LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Piano at Thirty
*Uses Pro Tools 5 and an early version of Ableton with very few plugins
*Does very little actual "mixing" and just leaves sounds the way he found them.. people compliment him on how 'warm' his music sounds.
*Finds ways to get the most out of a single sample by pitching, stretching, being creative with it
*Throws in random elements now and then for a bit of surprise
*Doesn't get this album mastered because he is ALREADY HAPPY with what is coming out of the speakers.
....Has a totally unique sound that could only come from him. (that's an opinion, of course)
This is by FAR one of the BEST videos I've ever seen in the Future Music library. So much to learn from this guy about the simplicity of just listening and carefully selecting what you want. Fuck all this over-processing, comparing your tracks and trying to sound as "loud and bright" as the next guy. This album was made in 2010. In 2018, we all have WAY more than what we need to make music. The only thing we have to learn is to simply listen to the sounds we've chosen and trust our instincts. Bravo FourTet! :)
Alex Banks
Astonishing that one of the most innovative, well respected electronic music producers of our time is giving you a tutorial on how he makes music (probably for free) and all you can comment on is his looks/what genre/how old the software etc etc. Pay attention to the techniques and valuable information he's giving you and try to learn something...and show some respect.
Joe Saunders
This comment certainly didn’t grow old, well said
LavaLampSucculent
Also (and it’s totally irrelevant, but still) he’s not a bad looking guy at all.
TALGY
I'm wondering what made you call him "innovative".
Daniel Ko
what’s crazy is he has always been like this in terms of eclecticism. his sample choice, composition, and overall sound design is just him. most people’s sounds evolve and change over time but four tet has ALWAYS sounded like four tet… insane
MBArkestra
It's crazy how easy he makes this all look...I mean, there's millions of people using the exact same process (chop up a sample, throw a beat under it, mess about), but only Four Tet sounds like Four Tet.
Lonely Kid
30:52
jorgepeterbarton
its like painting a masterpiece. there are a few techniques but you're just putting brush to canvas with the same tubes of colour anyone would get if they bought them. give it to a child and it looks balls, but give them to Carravaggio and sure it would be genius. and all it is is...brushmarks!
there's some mentality of electronic music that it has to be technically complex and that we need expensive modular synths or something expensive and iconic, then find out a complex way of routing it and learn max/msp or whatever. this is really exploring the bare possibilities almost in a way that it removes limitations! tech should make the artist explore his creativity more easily, no?
holdenrains
@jorgepeterbarton thats oversimplifying it- the masters of painting mixed their own pigments and could draw, sketch, sculpt and etch as well. they were well rounded craftsmen in their trade.
Karnage
@holdenrains you proved his point even further