He is also part of The Detroit Experiment, along with the likes of Amp Fiddler and Marcus Belgrave.
If jazz and hip-hop passionately and cleverly intertwined with one another, the hybrid result would be a musically gifted lovechild. Born August 25, 1975 in Detroit, MI, Karriem Riggins’ parents realized their son was gifted when he began digging through their records. He joined his father Emmanuel (who used to perform with jazz guitarist Grant Green) in the studio to play with instruments in the likeness of a musical great. Riggins continued his ongoing affair with music in his education and made hip-hop music in his spare time.
Riggins turned his love into a profession, moving to New York City in 1994 at the age of 19. He played drums in Betty Carter’s band “Jazz Ahead.” While Riggins strengthened and developed his forte, the jazz world became enraptured with such an exceptional performer. Riggins went on to perform with and appear on recordings with various jazz greats such as Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Burrell, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, Gary Bartz and Diana Krall.
Not one to abide musical boundaries, Karriem has made major accomplishments within the hip-hop world as a musician and producer. He has produced album tracks for Common, Slum Village, The Roots, and Erykah Badu. He’s toured with Common three times, and produced his “Play Your Cards Right” for Paramount Picture’s feature film “Smoking Aces.” He helped Kanye West demo some theme songs for “Mission Impossible III” featuring Twista and Keyshia Cole. One of Karriem’s most personal and esteemed projects was finishing and producing J Dilla’s last project, “The Shining.” Karriem released his first self-titled album, “Music Kaleidoscope,” showcasing his unique range as a hip hop producer and established jazz musician. More recently, Karriem has played drums and collaborated with Mad-Lib for his “High Jazz” album. Karriem Riggins continues to embark on a musical voyage, developing and creating music that will captivate audiences and entice the musical senses.
Life
Karriem Riggins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Single mothers, locked fathers
Torn families, East-West rivalries
Hip-hop, jazz music
Thanksgiving, the best time for family
Crack pipes, dirty needles
The government, lying to the people
Live mics, sturdy needles
Control, international
Doubt objection!
We made it through
Single mothers, locked fathers
Torn families, East-West rivalries
Hip-hop, jazz music
Thanksgiving, the best time for family
Crack pipes, dirty needles
The government, lying to the people
Live mics, sturdy needles
The main ingredient fro rocking my people
It's time we get back to the youth
Put words together shed light in the booth
While stabbing it in and stabbing it out
Sometimes the best way in's the only way out
Hip-hop is sick, we need the rap vitamin
I'm venting through the track, so we can see the light again
Dark tunnel, soul music prevail
Prevail
And we will
These lyrics from Karriem Riggins's song "Life" address a variety of social and cultural issues. The overall message seems to be one of resilience and determination to overcome adversity. The phrase "We made it through" indicates a sense of triumph and survival in the face of difficult circumstances.
The first verse touches on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, such as single mothers, locked fathers, and torn families. It also references East-West rivalries, which could symbolize larger conflicts and divisions. The mention of hip-hop and jazz music highlights the role of music in providing solace and expression during challenging times. The line about Thanksgiving being the best time for family suggests a longing for a sense of unity and togetherness, even in the face of hardships.
The second verse delves further into the harsh realities of addiction and the government's failure to address these issues effectively. The image of crack pipes and dirty needles points to the devastating impact of substance abuse. The line "Live mics, sturdy needles" could be interpreted as a reference to the power of music and art to heal and uplift. The line "The main ingredient for rocking my people" highlights the importance of music as a form of empowerment and resistance.
The repetition of the phrase "We made it through" emphasizes the theme of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. The subsequent lines "Control, international, Doubt objection!" add a sense of defiance and refusal to be defeated.
Overall, these lyrics underscore the power of music as a tool for social commentary and resilience, while acknowledging the various obstacles faced by individuals and communities.
Line by Line Meaning
We made it through
We successfully navigated and overcame challenges and obstacles.
Single mothers, locked fathers
The difficulties faced by single mothers and absent fathers.
Torn families, East-West rivalries
The conflicts and divisions within families and communities, particularly related to geographical differences.
Hip-hop, jazz music
The musical genres that serve as expressive outlets and cultural forms of expression.
Thanksgiving, the best time for family
A holiday symbolizing the importance of family and togetherness.
Crack pipes, dirty needles
The detrimental and damaging aspects of drug addiction.
The government, lying to the people
The untrustworthiness and dishonesty of governmental institutions towards the general population.
Live mics, sturdy needles
The essential tools for performing and creating music, representing the dedication and commitment to the craft.
The main ingredient for rocking my people
The crucial element required to empower and uplift the community through music.
Control, international
The need to regain influence and authority on a global scale.
Doubt objection!
Challenging and questioning doubts and uncertainties.
It's time we get back to the youth
It is imperative to refocus on and prioritize the younger generation.
Put words together shed light in the booth
Using lyrical expression to bring forth enlightenment and positivity.
While stabbing it in and stabbing it out
Engaging with and confronting societal issues and problems head-on.
Sometimes the best way in's the only way out
In certain situations, the only viable solution is to fully engage and confront the challenges.
Hip-hop is sick, we need the rap vitamin
The current state of hip-hop requires a revitalizing and nourishing force, which can be found in rap music.
I'm venting through the track, so we can see the light again
Expressing emotions and frustrations through music, with the aim of rediscovering hope and positivity.
Dark tunnel, soul music prevail
Even in difficult times, soulful music endures and triumphs, providing solace and inspiration.
Prevail
To overcome challenges and emerge successfully.
And we will
Underlining the determination and certainty of eventual success.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRENNAN, WOODS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind