Urban Species hail from Tottenham in North London. Growing up amidst the backdrop of diverse cultural heritage, founders, Mintos and Renegade had known each other for most of there young lives attending the same infant, primary and secondary schools together. In the 80s, as teenagers, they embraced an emerging Hip Hop culture; however their musical environment was not solely limited to Electro and Rap Music.
They were just as likely to be found at a sound system (Reggae Dancehall) as they were at a Hip-Hop jam, Blues or the occasional Rave. The connecting factor of such diversity was the underground nature of them.
It was in 88 when” Renegade (Winston Small) and Mintos (Peter Akinrinlola) first realised that they shared the same love of music and set about writing together. Using basic low tech equipment and samples, comprising largely from Renegade’s older brothers vast collection of old jazz and funk records, the two (during this period) followed the standard DJ MC model whereby Renegade would provide the beats and Mintos would drop rhymes on them.
In 89 they saved enough money to go into a professional studio and recorded a track called” its My Thing” Pleased with the result they set about pressing white labels and distributing them via specialist record stores on a sale and return basis. Going out under the name MC Mint & DJ Renegade “its My Thing” was championed by several underground DJs and Pirate radio stations alike and they soon found themselves doing PA s and pressing more copies to keep up with demand.
But it wasn’t just in the UK the track created a stir; as proof of their budding talent two of New York’s Biggest Radio Stations, Kiss and WBLS put the track into rotation. However with out sufficient experience, backing or distribution, they were unable to capitalise on this break. What it did do however, was expand their horizons beyond the UK and make them realise that they could make a career from music.
In 1990 they self funded and distributed a track called “Got to Have It”. It was this track with its driving jazz piano, heavy bass line and clever rhymes that first brought them to the attention of Gilles Petersons Talking Loud Records (Then subsidiary of Phonogram) which, although a relatively new label, could boast a roster of some of the finest black music acts of the time with the likes of Incognito, Omar, Young Disciples and Galliano to name but a few.
Soon after signing in 1992 ,they came up with the name Urban Species and in 93 they had the distinction of opening the Talkin Loud 2 compilation, with the track “Hide and Seek” picking up critical acclaim and laying the foundations for what was to follow.
Urban Species from the outset enlisted the help of funk musicians to reproduce their sound live. They also called upon old school friend and Ragga Style MC Rodney Green AKA Doc Slim, whose mad cap street flavour and humour served as the perfect foil for Mintos’ contrasting more laidback and thoughtful style. These elements meant that now they were able to deliver shows as opposed to appearances.
After opening for Bands such as MC Solaar, Jazzamatazz and the Stereo MCs Urban Species quickly developed a fierce show and were fast becoming known for their live exploits. It wasn’t long before they were a headline act and would earn the reputation as one best live act around prompting the Guardian to say “if there is a better live act, this reviewer hasn’t seen it.
The experience of playing with musicians would also have impact on their recordings as they started incorporating live instruments not to mention the embellishment of Ragga vibes courtesy of Doc Slim into there recordings, further advancing their sound and unique take on Hip-Hop.
Urban Species released their ground breaking Classic Album “Listen” onto an eagerly awaiting public in May 1994. Described by Melody Maker as “Possibly the finest Debut of 1994” and “The best album Talkin Loud have ever put out” by Sky Mag, the album received universal acclaim and was an immediate success. Commercial chart success came with the hit singles “Spiritual Love” and ”Brother”, firmly confirming their arrival and unprecedented exposure of a UK rap act.
The Band was also finding success across Europe, most notably in France even managing to eclipse that of their UK achievements. In the States they picked up a following in New York’s underground, receiving considerable airplay. The album was released on London Records after a jaw tropping performance at the New Music Seminar in New York , a showcase that blew away both media and public alike. Over the next 18 months they would take their unique blend of Hip - Hop to places as far a field the Far East and Africa, making many friends along the way.
Finding it difficult coming to terms with the emergence of Mintos as the principle force behind the band, coupled with the rigours of touring, Renegade, sadly, announced his departure from Urban Species in 95. He went on to set up Hip-Hop and R&B production company, Dub Wise productions. .
Urban Species re-surfaced in 96, on the Talkin Louder sampler, their next offering was in 97 with a four track EP entitled “Religion and Politics”. Urban Speciesreturned to the studio accompanied by up and coming Raw Deal who would co produce their follow up album. Doc Slim was replaced by Tukka Yout who would feature on both the next album and in a live capacity. Mintos then enlisted vocal contributions from established artist like Blues legend Terry Callier and respected UK Rappers MC Mello and Blak Twang, while also providing a platform for a crop of talented up and coming artist such asMJ Cole, Elizabeth Troy, Jeffery Darnell and Imogen Heap . The result was a “maturer, more introspective sound, yet one that retains all the soulfulness of its predecessor” (Music Week Feb 99). .
Blanket was released in continental Europe in late 1998 and repeated Urban Species previous success in the region. It was not until the following year 1999 that the album finally got its UK release receiving wide spread critical acclaim. .
This was to be Urban Specieslast offering to date with Mintos concentrating his efforts on writing for other artist like The Freestylers, LHB, S Club 7and various unsigned talents. He would also pursue entrepreneurial interest outside music, most notably Real Estate. .
In recent years, the anticipation for another URBAN SPECIES album has been growing. The good news is that Urban Species have OFFICIALLY REFORMED with Mintos, and Slim working on new material. They also have plans for a reunion tour.
Gotta Have It
Urban Species Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You take my heart and drink it for tea
You mix me up and walk out the door
You take my love and hurt me for more
But I gotta have it
Watch out for the damage
From New York straight to Paris
Whenever he is around
He puts me six feet under the ground
And when you call he can never be found
'Cause he is always out on the town
But I gotta have it
Watch out for the damage
From New York straight to Paris
I'm talking Lenny Kravitz
He's so funky and he's looking good
And he does it like a good man should
And I would love him if only I could
But his heart is like a piece of wood
But I gotta have it
Watch out for the damage
From New York straight to Paris
I'm talking Lenny Kravitz.
The lyrics for Urban Species's song Gotta Have It are about a complicated romantic relationship. The singer is aware of the fact that they shouldn't be involved with the person they're singing about, but still can't resist their charm and allure. The line "You take my heart and drink it for tea" suggests that the person they are involved with takes advantage of their emotions, possibly manipulating them for their own benefit. Despite being hurt by this person, the singer can't stop wanting them, as the repeated line "But I gotta have it" indicates.
The second verse introduces a character named Len, who seemingly does the same thing to the singer as the person mentioned in the first verse. Len is described as always being "out on the town" and elusive when the singer needs him. The repetition of the warning "Watch out for the damage" ties the two verses together, suggesting that the singer has a tendency to fall for people who hurt them.
Overall, the lyrics touch on the universal theme of being drawn to people who might not necessarily be good for us. The singer's vulnerability and longing are palpable throughout the song, making it easy to relate to for anyone who has experienced similar feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
I know where I shouldn't be
I am aware of the situation I am in, and I know it is not right for me.
You take my heart and drink it for tea
You consume my love without any regard for my feelings or emotions.
You mix me up and walk out the door
You confuse me and cause chaos in my life, and then leave without explanation or apology.
You take my love and hurt me for more
You cause me pain and suffering, even though I have already given you all the love I could.
But I gotta have it
Despite all the negative consequences, I cannot resist my desire for this love and must pursue it.
Watch out for the damage
Be cautious because there is potential for harm or destruction in this situation.
From New York straight to Paris
This danger is not limited to one location, it can happen anywhere.
I'm talking Len
Referring to Lenny Kravitz, a specific person who embodies the danger and allure of this kind of love.
Whenever he is around
The presence of Lenny Kravitz only intensifies my desire for this kind of love.
He puts me six feet under the ground
Lenny Kravitz's effect on me is so powerful that it makes me feel like I am buried alive.
And when you call he can never be found
Lenny Kravitz does not answer to anyone, and his actions are unpredictable and uncontrollable.
'Cause he is always out on the town
Lenny Kravitz is constantly on the move, going from place to place, and indulging in the nightlife.
He's so funky and he's looking good
Lenny Kravitz has charisma and style that are hard to resist.
And he does it like a good man should
Lenny Kravitz knows how to act and behave like a desirable man.
And I would love him if only I could
I am enamored with Lenny Kravitz's allure, but I know that loving him would only bring me more pain and suffering.
But his heart is like a piece of wood
Despite his good looks and charm, Lenny Kravitz is incapable of loving me in return, as his heart is cold and unfeeling.
But I gotta have it
Despite all these warnings and red flags, I still cannot help but desire this dangerous, all-consuming love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER AKINRINLOLA, RODNEY SAINT GEORGE GREEN, WINSTON SMALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind