Stroud and Mast originally met as students at Skidmore College, but did not work together musically until 2001, when their project was named Cherry (later the name of the final song on their debut album). Written and recorded in the bedroom of Mast's Crown Heights, Brooklyn apartment, the band's debut album Ratatat for XL Recordings was released in 2004. This album is entirely instrumental, except for excerpts of dialogue at the ends of some tracks. Ratatat has toured with bands such as Interpol, Clinic, Junior Boys, The Killers, The Faint, Daft Punk, The Shins and most recently Björk.
Ratatat have been known to remix other artists' songs, most notably on their limited 2004 release Ratatat Remixes Mixtape Vol 1, which garnered the attention of Rolling Stone. In 2005, the band remixed a track for Swedish band Shout Out Louds and The Knife.
In August 2006, Ratatat released a second album Classics, from which the single Wildcat was taken.
In October 2006, a demo album from Ratatat entitled 9 Beats was leaked online. This set of tracks does not appear on any official discography listings. The tracks consist of short instrumental electronic musical pieces and demos for their next mixtape.
This release was followed by another remix album, Ratatat Remixes Mixtape Vol 2 which was released in 2007. This album featured 14 new remixes featuring: Bun B, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Slim Thug, Devin the Dude, Young Jeezy, T.I., Beanie Sigel, Pimp C, Ludacris, Young Buck, Saigon, Juvenile, Z-ro, Memphis Bleek, Kanye West and exclusive tracks from Despot and Beans.
A third album, LP3, was released on July 8th, 2008.
In late April 2010, Ratatat's fourth album, LP4 was leaked online. The originally announced release date was June 8th, 2010.
Both musicians have had experience with other projects, such as Mast's E*Vax and Carpet Musics and Stroud's stage work with Ben Kweller and Florida's alternative rock band Dashboard Confessional.
The track Seventeen Years was featured in the 2008 movie Cloverfield.
The track Loud Pipes was featured in MLB 07: The Show for Playstation 2, Playstation 3, and Playstation Portable.
For merchandise visit, http://www.ratatatmusic.com
Seventeen Years
Ratatat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that.
No disrespect but that's how I am.
- music starts; start rocking out -
The lyrics of the song Seventeen Years by Ratatat offer a unique insight into the mind of a rapper who has been in the game for nearly two decades. The line "I've been rapping for about seventeen years okay?" offers a glimpse into the tenure and experience of the artist, as he looks back on his lengthy career. The following lines, "I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that" suggest that the artist has grown beyond the need for written lyrics and has reached a level of mastery where he can spontaneously freestyle.
The phrase "No disrespect but that's how I am" also offers an insight into the rap game and the cultural norms of hip-hop- that there is an understanding that each rapper has their own style and unique way of approaching the craft. The artist does not wish to offend anyone with his approach, but also wants to assert his individuality in a highly competitive industry.
In summary, the lyrics of the song Seventeen Years by Ratatat offer a deep look into the psyche of a successful rapper who has grown beyond the conventions of the genre and has reached a heightened level of proficiency.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been rapping for about seventeen years okay?
I have been involved in the rap game for a considerable time period, alright?
I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that.
I no longer engage in the traditional method of writing down my rap verses, rather, I spontaneously generate them in my mind flawlessly. You understand what I'm conveying here? It comes naturally to me.
No disrespect but that's how I am.
Without causing any offense, I have my own unique way of going about things.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: EVAN PETER MAST, MICHAEL DUANE STROUD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind