After Madlib began working with Stones Throw Records, he was convinced to release Quasimoto, first as a featured MC on Peanut Butter Wolf's "Styles Crews Flows Beats" 1998. Finally, Madlib put out Quasimoto's debut solo album - The Unseen - in 2000. This album received much praise from both underground hip-hop press and mainstream media, making it onto Spin Magazine's top albums of the year list.
After a subsequent journey through jazz production and collaborations with MF DOOM & J Dilla, Madlib called on Quasimoto again for his second album, The Further Adventures of Lord Quas (2005). Stones Throw describes the album, "playing like something like a smoked-out comedy/crime Blaxploitation flick," and with further critical acclaim, it continued to build Madlib's reputation as one of the most creative and fearlessly skewed creators in hip-hop.
In 2013, a third Quasimoto album was released, Yessir Whatever. This album is compiled of "12 tracks recorded over 12 years," half of which were rare and out of print vinyl releases, and others being previously unreleased.
Asked by Rolling Stone magazine if there would ever be more Quasimoto, Madlib stated, "Yes, but I still haven't finished. It takes time. It has to be on a different level. The shrooms were the stuff that made me do Quasimoto in the first place. Hopefully, I get back on that level where I can finish it."
The visual aspect of Quasimoto - a small, animated figure, usually yellow, with a brick in his hand - has been developed over the years by illustrator Jeff Jank, who is Madlib and Stones Throw's long-time art director. Quasimoto was originally not meant to be seen, but by the second album, the visual character himself was referred to in the album's lyrics.
1994
Quasimoto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
8 miles high, got your imagination
If you're lookin' for some beats you gotta see my man Madlib, heh
Tascam villains, gonna hurt your feelin's
If you're stompin' with that wack then we must highjack
Perfection, get in you like a musical injection
Like
I speak no evil, hear no evil
Seek no evil, have no fear
It's a 388 waitin' for your departure
Think you better parlay
Find another way
While I light another jay
Hey
Ill mathematic static, slick rappers I let 'em have it
While I bust a rhythmatic (Barrez vous)
Didn't even know you blew your face with hate
Duck this, cuz I'll I see you do is butt kiss smooch
Supernova
You out cold (Doop)
So prepare your mind for my lifeline
Some MCs act bold and arrogant
Vain and using each other to compete with
These subjects I pity
Cause their rhymes are not witty like mine
In Quasimoto's song "1994," the listener is taken on a rhyming journey with the artist. The opening line, "let me take you on a Quasimoto rhyme ride," sets the tone for the song's playful yet complex lyrics. Quasimoto, an alter ego of rapper and producer Madlib, raps about being eight miles high, suggesting a level of hypnosis or being lost in the music. He also name drops Madlib, encouraging the listener to check out his beats.
The next lyric, "Tascam villains, gonna hurt your feelings," references the Tascam Portastudio, a popular recording device used by many musicians in the 90s. The use of the word "villains" adds a slightly ominous tone, as if warning the listener that the music they're about to hear is not for the faint of heart. Later in the song, Quasimoto declares his rhymes to be superior to those of other MCs: "these subjects I pity, cause their rhymes are not witty like mine."
Line by Line Meaning
Let me take you on a Quasimoto rhyme ride
I will invite you to join me on a musical journey filled with unique rhymes and unconventional style
8 miles high, got your imagination
I am taking you to an elevated state of mind, inspiring your imagination beyond the mundane
If you're lookin' for some beats you gotta see my man Madlib, heh
I recommend you to check out my friend Madlib's music if you are searching for quality beats and sounds
Tascam villains, gonna hurt your feelin's
The sound quality of our music is so good that it might expose the inadequacies of others and cause them harm
If you're stompin' with that wack then we must highjack
If you are enjoying music that isn't up to our standards, we must intervene and expose you to better tastes
Perfection, get in you like a musical injection
Our music is perfect and has a powerful effect on you, like a drug that goes straight into your system
I speak no evil, hear no evil
I choose to remain passive and avoid participating in anything negative
Seek no evil, have no fear
I have no interest in seeking out or causing harm, so there is no need to be afraid of me
It's a 388 waitin' for your departure
There is a Tascam 388 analog tape recorder waiting for you to make your mark and leave your legacy
Think you better parlay
You should consider working with and collaborating with us to make better music
Find another way
If you cannot work with us, then you should find a different path to take
While I light another jay
I will smoke and enjoy some cannabis while waiting for you to decide
Hey
Listen to this
Ill mathematic static, slick rappers I let 'em have it
I am very talented and can easily defeat other rappers with my skills
While I bust a rhythmatic (Barrez vous)
I will demonstrate my rhythmic ability while inviting you to dance and have fun
Didn't even know you blew your face with hate
You are so misguided and lost that you unknowingly cause harm to yourself and others out of hatred
Duck this, cuz I'll I see you do is butt kiss smooch
I do not appreciate fake flattery and loyalty, so avoid that around me
Supernova
My music is like a powerful explosion and a force to be reckoned with
You out cold (Doop)
You are unable to keep up and have become irrelevant (in my eyes)
So prepare your mind for my lifeline
I warn you to be ready for my unique and powerful musical creations
Some MCs act bold and arrogant
Other rappers think too highly of themselves and lack humility
Vain and using each other to compete with
Other rappers are shallow and only care about one-upping each other to build their egos
These subjects I pity
I feel sorry for these other rappers
Cause their rhymes are not witty like mine
Their lyrics do not match up to the cleverness and intelligence of my own
Writer(s): Otis Jackson
Contributed by Lily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.