After Stones Throw placed one of these recordings on a mixtape (under the name Jaylib), and J Dilla caught ear of this, the full collaboration began to blossom. The pair recorded their debut album, Champion Sound, in separate cities (Madlib in L.A., and Dilla in Detroit) while sending beats back and forth. The greatly anticipated album was eventually released in 2003 after much delay (due to leaks and bootlegs) and received positive reviews.
With Dilla's passing in 2006, Stones Throw released a deluxe version of Champion Sound in 2007. It includes a second CD of Madlib remixes.
The Red
Jaylib Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Y'all niggas like what the fuck is this? Damn
Hey look at this what kinda luck is this
(Haack) Uh Madlib and Dilla is the illest my nigga
Only haters holler they can't feel us
Niggas wanna get looser then we?
But just gonna be a loser to me and Dilla (ha)
Killa, Talkin bout how you peal caps, but nigga you softer than a pillow
Cause you bluffin and you ain't said nothin to spec? (that nigga always lying)
(Pass the weed) Anyway I'm straight high off the trees
Your girl don't wanna lie she just wanna get on her knees
Turn it up, y'all niggas must be outta ya head
If your system ain't up to the red
"Yo what was that you said right there what was that?"
Mr. Leadway, instant replay, instant relay
Instant MC, producer, and DJ
I do this shit without a cell beeper or 3-way
Your coming off like like a G-lay?
"Anyway" Ay, Peace to A.G
Peace to Pete Rock, Diamond D, peace to Seiji
Oh that nigga Wildlight, Wildlife, Hannibal, Cannibals
"WHOOOP What else?"
Um, male fascists, womanizers, nymphos, niggas in disguises
"Ah what else" Fine women that like pretty women
Some ass women, some titty women
"Mostly shitty women"
Y'all niggas must be outta ya head
If your system ain't up to the red
The opening lyrics of Jaylib's "The Red" set the tone for the rest of the track. The combination of Madlib and J Dilla's production create an erratic yet cohesive beat that complements the rap lyrics. The song's use of sirens, horns, and scratching help place the listener in a chaotic environment, one where anything goes. As the first verse unfolds, Jaylib calls out fake rappers who talk about violence but can't back it up. The line "Talking bout how you peal caps, but nigga you softer than a pillow" is especially poignant. It's a direct challenge to the bravado posturing that has long plagued hip hop. Jaylib's message is clear: if you're going to talk the talk, you better be ready to walk the walk.
As the song progresses, Jaylib continues to flex their lyrical muscles. They name check other artists, like A.G, Pete Rock, and Diamond D. They also reference "male fascists, womanizers, nymphos, niggas in disguises." This is a nod to the various personas that rappers adopt in order to sell records. The line "Fine women that like pretty women, some ass women, some titty women, mostly shitty women" is both humorous and sad. It's a commentary on the way women are often portrayed in hip hop as objects to be admired or conquered rather than as individuals with their own agency.
Overall, "The Red" is a powerful statement on the state of hip hop. It's a call to action, a challenge to rappers to be more authentic and to stop perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Through their quick-witted rhymes and inventive production, Jaylib manages to create a track that is both playful and serious, a rare feat indeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo man you here dat you here dat shit man
Hey guys, are you hearing this music? It's amazing!
Y'all niggas like what the fuck is this? Damn
You guys are confused by this music, but it's actually really good.
Hey look at this what kinda luck is this
Wow, we're so lucky to be listening to this incredible music.
(Haack) Uh Madlib and Dilla is the illest my nigga
Madlib and Dilla are unbelievably talented.
Only haters holler they can't feel us
The only people who don't recognize our talent are those who hate us.
Niggas wanna get looser then we?
Do these other guys think they can be cooler than us?
But just gonna be a loser to me and Dilla (ha)
Anyone who tries to compete with us will just end up losing to Madlib and Dilla.
Killa, Talkin bout how you peal caps, but nigga you softer than a pillow
You're talking tough, but you're actually extremely weak.
Backslapin' ya neck while you covered in rep?
I'll hit you so hard that your reputation won't protect you.
Cause you bluffin and you ain't said nothin to spec? (that nigga always lying)
You're lying and haven't actually done anything impressive.
(Pass the weed) Anyway I'm straight high off the trees
Let's smoke some weed. By the way, I'm really high right now.
Your girl don't wanna lie she just wanna get on her knees
Your girlfriend wants to perform oral sex on me.
Turn it up, y'all niggas must be outta ya head
Turn up the volume! This music is amazing, and you're crazy if you don't realize it.
Mr. Leadway, instant replay, instant relay
I'm a skilled MC, producer, and DJ who can execute my craft immediately and effortlessly.
Instant MC, producer, and DJ
Again, I'm a talented MC, producer, and DJ.
I do this shit without a cell beeper or 3-way
I don't need technology to produce great music or communicate with other artists.
Your coming off like like a G-lay?
Are you trying to act like a gangster?
"Anyway" Ay, Peace to A.G
Anyway, shoutout to A.G.
Peace to Pete Rock, Diamond D, peace to Seiji
Shoutout to other talented artists like Pete Rock, Diamond D, and Seiji.
Oh that nigga Wildlight, Wildlife, Hannibal, Cannibals
Another shoutout to talented artists with interesting names.
"WHOOOP What else?"
What else is there to say?
Um, male fascists, womanizers, nymphos, niggas in disguises
There are a lot of problematic and shady people out there.
"Ah what else" Fine women that like pretty women
There are also women who are attracted to other women.
Some ass women, some titty women
Some women are more curvy than others.
"Mostly shitty women"
Although there are some great women out there, a lot of them are not worth our time.
Y'all niggas must be outta ya head
Again, you guys are crazy if you don't recognize how amazing this music is.
If your system ain't up to the red
If your sound system isn't powerful enough to handle our music at full volume.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: OTIS JACKSON, CRIS WILLIAMSON, JAMES DEWITT YANCEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lazuris311
The fact that this version isn't available on Spotify is criminal.
@officialPURPLEGREEN
+Andy Wong The Fact that Songs like this are bought on Vinyl, is what makes it even doper. Trust me.
@Cesar-bs4wu
Andy Wong search the album stones throws: 10 years
@L.DOT.P.
Travesty.
@gisellemusabimana8049
Was thinking the same as I was streaming this album today
@0biRonKenobi
I just found that out. That sucks!
@sn0wmankuro
The fact that this made it into a Tony Hawk game with them not even clearing the sample is insane
@vokuh
which one? (newb alert)
@sn0wmankuro
@@vokuh project 8
@yungt7351
right