By the time he reached adolescence, Robert knew his destiny was to be a jazz musician. He was accepted to the Houston's famed High School for the Performing Arts ("Jason Moran went there before me."). Post-graduation, Glasper enrolled at New School University in Manhattan. Soon after arrival, he hooked up with future bandmember Reid and vocalist Bilal, an old schoolmate. As an undergrad, Glasper gigged with Christian McBride, Russell Malone and Kenny Garrett. Professional life after the New School was even sweeter: stints with Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, and Carly Simon.
The Bilal connection brought the pianist back to hip-hop. Glasper's contributions to Bilal's debut and subsequent tour brought him to the attention of Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest). "Tip would come hang out at my shows, and one day he called me and said, ‘I'm doing this tour and I need you to play keys. Can you do it?’” He's also since played with Mos Def, and is featured prominently on Bilal's forthcoming sophomore release.
In 2003, Glasper's first album Mood was released on indie label Fresh Sound New Talent, and two years later, Blue Note came calling. At Blue Note, Glasper joins a jazz piano legacy that stretches back to 1939, beginning with Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis, and continuing through Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jacky Terrasson, Jason Moran and Bill Charlap. Undaunted, Glasper reflects, “I’m just happy to be a part of the Blue Note family and its rich history.”
-- From Glasper's Official Website
Lift Off
Robert Glasper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello world
Peace and love
I wish you the best
And now for the next
Coming to your mind
Live and direct from the ethos
Now was all in your speakers
Uh, now we prepare for our lift off
We only need two things to direct your cause
Your ears and your soul
I bring to you the Robert Glasper Experiment
Experimentation for meditation
Uh, back to where we were now
I bring to you Rob, Chris, Jerry, Casey, RCDC
Rock on
This is it
This is it
The opening lines of the Robert Glasper Experiment's "Lift Off/Mic Check" are a greeting to the listener, inviting them to join in on the musical journey about to take place. The use of phrases like "hello world" and "peace and love" convey a sense of unity and positivity, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics then introduce the idea of the music being delivered "live and direct from the ethos", which suggests a connection to something beyond the physical realm. The imagery of the music moving from the singers down to the listener's sneakers is a playful nod to the physicality of the listening experience.
The verses that follow reference the concepts of lift off and experimentation, with the singer encouraging the listener to prepare for lift off by engaging their ears and soul. The mention of meditation adds a spiritual dimension to the song, underscoring the idea that the music can be a catalyst for self-reflection and inner exploration. The lyrics then list the members of the Robert Glasper Experiment by name, highlighting the individual contributions each musician brings to the group. The phrase "Rock on" serves as a celebratory declaration of the power of music to bring people together.
Overall, "Lift Off/Mic Check" is a song that celebrates the transformative power of music and the sense of community it can cultivate. The lyrics encourage listeners to be present and engaged in the experience, and to allow themselves to be moved by the music's energy and spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
Expression of excitement and agreement with what is about to be presented.
Hello world
Greeting to the audience who is about to listen to the music.
Peace and love
Wishing the audience peace and love, a common message in music and art.
I wish you the best
Continuation of the previous message of wishing the audience well-being and happiness.
And now for the next
Transition to the next part of the show or performance.
Coming to your mind
Announcement that the music about to be played is meant to be thought-provoking and meaningful.
Live and direct from the ethos
The music is presented live and straight from the essence of creativity.
Now was all in your speakers
The music is now playing loudly and clearly through the artists, ready to be enjoyed by the audience.
Down to your sneakers
The music is powerful enough to make the audience move and dance, energizing from the head to the feet.
Uh, now we prepare for our lift off
The music is about to take the listeners on a journey, a metaphor for lifting off into space.
We only need two things to direct your cause
The only things required to fully experience the music are an open mind and an open heart, ready to be moved and inspired.
Your ears and your soul
The specific two things needed to fully experience the music, representing both the physical and emotional aspects of the listener.
I bring to you the Robert Glasper Experiment
Introducing the band and acknowledging their unique style of experimentation and improvisation.
Experimentation for meditation
The band's style of music is meant to be experimental and progressive, with the intention of bringing the listener into a meditative state of mind.
Uh, back to where we were now
A return to the original presentation of the band and their music.
I bring to you Rob, Chris, Jerry, Casey, RCDC
Announcing the names of the band members and giving credit to each of them for their contributions to the music.
Rock on
Encouragement to the audience to continue enjoying the music and to let it inspire them.
This is it
Final affirmation that the music is ready to be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ROBERT GLASPER, SHAFIQ HUSAYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Lonnie3d
Totally and deeply saddened at the loss of Casey Benjamin...RIP Brotha.
@l.daniels168
This is the kind of song that makes you contemplate life, past loves, crying in the rain, missing your momma, having a slice of grandmas sock-it-to-me cake, thanking God for the small blessings you take for granted, a slow, soft, warm, wet kiss, being alive....
@MegaVern1
Well said! I feel the same! Amazing song
@kpkp-ub1bl
Yes indeed
@gumuru
One of my favorite intros....ever
@coolruler8856
Hearing this song today while putting in a long days work , is like going to my favorite Rib Joint & ordering the best Platter that they have .All different cuts of Meat , Coleslaw, Corn , Green Beans , Barbecue Baked Beans , enjoying it with Wife & Son . Man this song is so good that if you were to me I would Slap you , because it is that good . There is something so satisfying that I feel after listening this cut . Thanks for creating it .
@nomiglorissa8233
I cannot express how fast I have fallen in love with Robert Glasper. His rolling luscious piano playing, the tightened to the T drumming, but also a contrast with loose, sloppy, and swung playing. Amazing vocalized synths, mixed with open surreal ambiance... Everything about it is absolutely perfect.
@edgararreola7370
I listened to this on a drive to Yellowstone and it changed my life
@taeabaea121
i absolutely need to do this
@spideyguy3315
When I have hard times at school or having the hards time at home,this is the type of music that clears my mind off the things that I just want to forget about in my life as a teenager.