Madlib was born in Oxnard, California to musician parents Otis Jackson, Sr. and Dora Sinesca Jackson. He sampled his first song at 11 years old, sourced from his father's collection. His younger brother is the producer and rapper Michael "Oh No" Jackson. His uncle is the jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis. He was raised in Oxnard, where he began his music career.
During an interview on Chrome Children, Madlib stated that his most significant musical influences include Miles Davis, Sun Ra, and David Axelrod. Some of his hip-hop influences are Large Professor, Marley Marl, Paul C, DJ Pooh, and Dr. Dre.
Theme De Crabtree
Madlib Lyrics
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Err err err oooh
Wait
Wait, you've just got to appreciate
Well well
Knockin' em dead, don't say you never know
Uh-uh
Yeah-yeah
Fights for some problem in the morn
Wha, wha
I can certainly say so
From the number one station, here it comes
Can't you see who is it
Got to be righteous
Got to be conscious
Yeah-yeah
Tell about it
Wha
Wha
Tell it to you
Got to be conscious
Wha
Tell it to you
The lyrics in "Theme De Crabtree" by Madlib seem to be referencing a number one radio station and the excitement surrounding it. The first few lines are sounds that are meant to resemble radio feedback or static. The following lines mention "Knockin' em dead," implying that the radio station is highly successful and loved by its listeners. The lyrics then shift to a more introspective tone, with the repeated phrases "Got to be righteous" and "Got to be conscious." The song seems to be commenting on the power of the media and the importance of using it responsibly. The lyrics suggest that those with access to a platform must be mindful of the messages they communicate and the impact those messages can have on their listeners.
The repetition of certain phrases, such as "Yeah-yeah" and "Wha, wha," give the song a hypnotic quality. Despite the more serious themes explored in the lyrics, the song has a laid-back, almost dreamy feel to it. It's as though the listener is being lulled into a trance while being asked to consider important issues.
Overall, "Theme De Crabtree" is a unique and thought-provoking song that blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but seem to encourage listeners to be more conscious and intentional in their use of media.
Line by Line Meaning
From the number one station, here it comes
The singer is introducing the song as it starts playing on the top rated radio channel
Err err err oooh
Just a random sound to attract the audience's attention
Wait
The singer wants the listener to hold on for a moment
Wait, you've just got to appreciate
The artist is telling the listener that they have to appreciate something important
Well well
Used to express excitement or surprise
Knockin' em dead, don't say you never know
The singer is telling the listener that they will impress and amaze people, so they can't say that they were not warned
Uh-uh
A way to say 'no'
Yeah-yeah
A way to say 'yes'
Yeah-yeah
Repeating 'yes'
Fights for some problem in the morn
The artist is describing someone who is dealing with a problem in the morning
Wha, wha
An expression of surprise
I can certainly say so
The artist is confident about something they just said
Can't you see who is it
The singer is asking the listener if they know who is performing the song
Got to be righteous
One should be moral and virtuous
Got to be conscious
One must be aware of their surroundings
Yeah-yeah
Repeating 'yes'
Tell about it
The artist is agreeing with something and wants to hear more details
Wha
An expression of surprise
Wha
Repeating an expression of surprise
Tell it to you
The artist wants to share information with the listener
Got to be conscious
One must be aware of their surroundings
Wha
An expression of surprise
Tell it to you
The singer wants to share information with the listener
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kieran Hebden, Otis Jackson Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind