Not many bands lock into their sound in high school or manage to hang together for seven years, but Heiruspecs has and now the young 20-somethings are seasoned vets. With more than 100,000 revolutions on the band’s odometer from a touring schedule that keeps them on the road 150 days a year, Heiruspecs has steadily broken down preconceived notions of live hip-hop by refusing to regurgitate the same old sounds you’ve heard before, and knock you upside the head with their impressive array of funk, soul and hard-hitting beats. And the band doesn’t cop samples to get to where they want to take you, instead opting to deliver it all live, all original.
All this has culminated in the band’s latest, A Tiger Dancing (Razor & Tie) released September 28, 2004. With lead MC Felix’s fast-lane but steady and assured handle on the mic and the powerful rhythmic backing of the band, Heiruspecs has brought live hip-hop into a new arena. From the countdown of a daily routine that makes up “5ves” to the mid-song break between old-school and new school in the title track, the soul strains of “Heartsprings,” and the frantic anthem of “Fist,” Heiruspecs cast a net that encompasses everything from the Roots and DJ Shadow to Run D.M.C. and Digable Planets.
“We’re influenced by sampler-based production, old-school rhyming and real life,” says lead MC Felix. “But we do everything live, nothing is sampled and we like to keep it song-oriented, to give equal space to the lyrics and the music.”
“When we started touring, a lot of people seemed surprised there are bands who play this kind of music live,” Felix adds. “They’re even more puzzled when we tell them we’re from St. Paul, because no one has ever heard of St. Paul. Ever. That’s why we tell most people we’re from Minneapolis.”
As part of the burgeoning Midwestern hip-hop scene, Heiruspecs first made inroads with their self-released 2002 album, Small Steps, which earned them critical praise in national and regional outlets (“Exceptional ... the rhythm that rocks the spot” - URB), and set them off on their never-ending touring schedule. In their down time, Heiruspecs has been tapped to perform as the backing band for such acts as Atmosphere, Oddjobs, Aesop Rock, Sage Francis and others, allowing the band to cement themselves as one of the premiere live hip-hop bands in the nation.
“The Twin Cities is a very nurturing scene,” Twinkie says. “There’s a lot of clubs, a lot of musicians, and a lot of open minds here. It’s allowed us to be ourselves while also being able to develop our live act and take it out of town to the rest of the country.”
Intro
Heiruspecs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A crazy muthafucka named Felix
You've seen the live show so you know how it is,
I've seen the light grow for these Twin City kids
The green it might grow for these Twin City kids
(They greet me like whoa, all these Twin City kids)
Ten gritty kids trying to rock the mic
Standing up on a stage looking good sounds tight
But you've gotta shine bright if you want the limelight
I fight with this rhythm in a lopsided bout for you
I thank y'all just for coming to check us out (for you)
I thank y'all for taking time out your day,
And listening to us,
I hope we rub you in the right way
You might say that he has fun with it
Six or seven years and still he runs with it
Interlocks still the click, no I ain't done with it
I chase the raps like a cat at the club chasing digits
Paced to rip it,
But always keep it in perspective
For you dudes were new too
Here is our objective
Step onstage, get the face looking mean
Put in a little dirt and make it right like the A-Team
I play the night like a daydream
Stay to fight and make scenes when up against your team
You weigh the triple beam and rock guns
I leave the nipple clean and rock tongues just for fun
Mode 1!
The lyrics to Heiruspecs’s song “Intro” are about the passion and dedication that the band has for making music. The song is a self-introduction of Felix, a member of the band, and it gives insight into the group’s mentality about being musicians. Felix is introduced as a “crazy muthafucka” from St. Paul, who is a part of a group of ten “Twin City kids” that are trying to make it in the world of music. They are all trying to “rock the mic” but Felix acknowledges that if he is the only good one, the others won’t sound right.
The lyrics convey the idea that being a musician is not just about standing on a stage and looking good, but it’s about putting in hard work and dedication to perfecting your craft. Felix talks about the “lopsided bout” that he has with the rhythm, indicating that making music is a fight that is not easily won. He is grateful to the audience for coming out to see them and hopes that the music rubs them the right way. The song continues to express the band’s desire to succeed and make it big, but also reminds them to keep things in perspective and stay humble.
Line by Line Meaning
Straight outta St. Paul
I am from St. Paul and represent it well
A crazy muthafucka named Felix
My name is Felix and I am wild and unpredictable
You've seen the live show so you know how it is,
If you've seen us perform, you know what to expect
I've seen the light grow for these Twin City kids
I have watched the growth and success of artists from the Twin Cities
The green it might grow for these Twin City kids
These artists have potential for even more success
(They greet me like whoa, all these Twin City kids)
I am welcomed enthusiastically by fans in the Twin Cities
Ten gritty kids trying to rock the mic
There are ten determined artists trying to succeed in rap
If I'm one of 'em the other nine won't sound right
I am unique and talented, and the others do not compare
Standing up on a stage looking good sounds tight
Performing on stage is exciting and impressive
But you've gotta shine bright if you want the limelight
To succeed, you have to stand out and be memorable
I fight with this rhythm in a lopsided bout for you
I put effort and skill into my music for my fans
I thank y'all just for coming to check us out (for you)
I am grateful to fans for taking the time to listen to us
I thank y'all for taking time out your day,
Thank you for prioritizing our music in your daily life
And listening to us,
Thank you for actively engaging and paying attention to our music
I hope we rub you in the right way
I hope our music makes a positive impact on you
You might say that he has fun with it
I take pleasure and enjoyment in creating music
Six or seven years and still he runs with it
I have been making music for several years and continue to do so
Interlocks still the click, no I ain't done with it
Our group remains strong and united, and I am not finished making music
I chase the raps like a cat at the club chasing digits
I pursue my passion for rap like a cat chases potential mates at a club
Paced to rip it,
I am ready and prepared to perform at a high level
But always keep it in perspective
Despite my passion and dedication, I do not lose sight of the bigger picture
For you dudes were new too
I remember what it was like to be new and starting in this industry
Here is our objective
This is what we hope to achieve
Step onstage, get the face looking mean
When performing, we aim to have a fierce and serious appearance
Put in a little dirt and make it right like the A-Team
We put in effort and dedication to improve and succeed, like the TV show A-Team
I play the night like a daydream
I perform and create music with a sense of surrealism and creativity
Stay to fight and make scenes when up against your team
We are not afraid to battle and compete with other artists
You weigh the triple beam and rock guns
You may focus on material wealth and weapons
I leave the nipple clean and rock tongues just for fun
I focus on creative expression and having fun with my music
Mode 1!
End of the song, no clear meaning behind this phrase
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANTOINE BRUMFIELD, TERIUS GRAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind