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.
Tomorrow Never Knows
Quasimoto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The day 3:16, when you meet your fate
The time of revelations is now, just look at the news
Shit happens everyday and the battle we lose
Look at the ozone layer, all the polluted waters
What kinda life we gonna have for our sons and daughters
Politicians, worse than the average bum
We ain't got much longer if we keep up at this pace
Like common knowledge, guess some of us brothers learn late
I wonder if it's gonna end with earthquakes
Heart attack, cancer, AIDS, [Incomprehensible]
Tomorrow never knows what the future may bring
For the species that we call human being
Now that we all up in the new millennium
Scientists predict we gon' see plenty of
Destruction and chaos, big payoff
[Incomprehensible] worry 'bout gettin' laid off
I'm tryin' to figure out how we're gonna survive
If a mass disaster attacks and it'll take all your lives
Leave the rest to suffer for not believin' the ways
I wonder if the world is gonna end with earthquakes and tidal waves
I wonder if the others will pass, suffered from havin? slaves
Tomorrow never knows about them wicked ways but
Quasimoto's "Tomorrow Never Knows" is a powerful piece of music that awakens listeners to the realities of the world around us. The song suggests that our time on earth is limited and that we should take heed of the signs of the times. The lyrics invite the audience to look at the world around us and notice the destruction and poor state of the environment, which will ultimately affect our lives and the lives of those that follow. The song suggests that we need to be more mindful of how we live our lives, taking responsibility for the environment, and ensuring we leave a decent world for future generations.
The lyrics of "Tomorrow Never Knows" extend beyond environmental consciousness to touch on political realities as well. The song highlights the disparity in society where politicians are worse than the average bum, and some brothers resort to buying a gun and acting dumb. The lyrics suggest that we have little time left to continue the way we do; otherwise, we may face catastrophic outcomes.
In summary, "Tomorrow Never Knows" is a wake-up call that challenges listeners to take action and make informed decisions that will promote sustainability, leave a better future, and create a more inclusive society.
Line by Line Meaning
Tomorrow never knows, usually tell it's too late
The future is unknown and unpredictable, often only visible in hindsight.
The day 3:16, when you meet your fate
Life is finite, and the end will eventually come.
The time of revelations is now, just look at the news
The present moment holds important truths, if we are attentive to them.
Shit happens everyday and the battle we lose
There are constant challenges in life, and many of them we cannot win.
Look at the ozone layer, all the polluted waters
The natural world is suffering from our human actions.
What kinda life we gonna have for our sons and daughters
The consequences of our actions will impact future generations.
Politicians, worse than the average bum
Those in positions of power often abuse their authority.
One brother bought a gun, started actin' dumb
Desperate situations can lead to irrational behavior.
We ain't got much longer if we keep up at this pace
Our current way of life is unsustainable.
Like common knowledge, guess some of us brothers learn late
Some people only realize the truth after it's too late.
I wonder if it's gonna end with earthquakes
Natural disasters could be a consequence of our actions.
Heart attack, cancer, AIDS, [Incomprehensible]
Death can come in many forms.
Tomorrow never knows what the future may bring
We cannot predict what will happen next.
For the species that we call human being
As humans, we are responsible for our own future.
Now that we all up in the new millennium
We are currently living in a new era of human history.
Scientists predict we gon' see plenty of
Many experts believe that we will face significant challenges.
Destruction and chaos, big payoff
There are short-term gains from exploiting the world, but long-term consequences.
[Incomprehensible] worry 'bout gettin' laid off
People are often preoccupied with their immediate concerns.
I'm tryin' to figure out how we're gonna survive
The challenges we face require careful consideration and planning.
If a mass disaster attacks and it'll take all your lives
It's possible that we will face catastrophic events that could result in widespread death.
Leave the rest to suffer for not believin' the ways
Those who do not recognize the truth will suffer the consequences.
I wonder if the world is gonna end with earthquakes and tidal waves
Natural disasters could potentially have a catastrophic impact on the world.
I wonder if the others will pass, suffered from havin? slaves
The legacy of slavery and oppression may have long-lasting consequences.
Tomorrow never knows about them wicked ways but
As with so many things in life, the future is unpredictable.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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