Madvillain – Accordion: Bar-for-Bar Analysis

Credit: Possan, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The breakdown covers one verse consisting of 30 bars, along with a four-bar outro.

It begins with an examination of Madlib’s beat, crafted from a sample of Daedalus’s track “Experience.”

The beat isn’t just a loop; Madlib forms new arrangements throughout, adding subtle touches that enhance the instrumental without being overly distracting.

Doom delivers his verses in a calm, steady tone, allowing the intricacies of his lyrics to shine. Each couplet follows a setup and payoff structure, with a mix of standard sentence patterns and non-sequiturs.

Example Analysis of Doom’s Rhyme Techniques

A notable example of Doom’s technique involves his manipulation of sound with three-syllable end rhymes and internal rhymes.

For instance, in the quatrain:

“Living off borrowed time the clock ticked faster
That’d be the hour they knocked the slick blaster
Dick Dastardly and Muttley with sick laughter
A gunfight and they come to cut the mix master”

Each bar contains dense imagery and allusions, such as references to Dick Dastardly and Muttley from Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Terms like “knock” and “bump” are used creatively to avoid redundancy, showcasing Doom’s linguistic prowess.

Structural Techniques

Doom’s sentences often have multiple layers of meaning, providing ample content for analysis. His use of four-syllable end rhymes and intricate internal rhymes demonstrates a deep understanding of lyrical construction.

For example:

“Nice to be old why 2G
ST twice to threefold he sold scrolls
Low and behold know who’s the illest ever
Like the greatest story told”

The complexity of his wordplay is evident in his creative avoidance of filler words, making each bar dense with meaning. Expressions such as “nice to be old” cleverly play on the idea of being skilled at an older age, showing Doom’s ability to intertwine literal and figurative interpretations seamlessly.

Beat Breakdown

Madlib’s work on the beat for “Accordion” features a sample from Daedelus’ track “Experience” from his album Invention. The sample sounds like a simple loop initially, but a closer listen reveals Madlib’s skillful rearrangements that span the entire instrumental.

Unlike typical loops, he maintains the listener’s interest by forming new arrangements throughout the song. His approach gives the beat a dynamic quality while ensuring it still complements Doom’s rhymes.

Madlib may have sidechained his kicks to the sample, making room in the mix for them to hit hard. These kicks shine especially towards the middle of the verse.

Subtle elements also make their way into the sample, enhancing the overall texture. Around the point where the bass drops, this element becomes louder than anything else, forming a prominent wall of sound.

This creates a significant contrast within the track, enhancing its impact without distracting from Doom’s performance.

Rather than going overboard, Madlib’s variations are just enough to keep things interesting. These tweaks and refinements maintain the balance between a predictable rhythm and unexpected shifts, adding depth to the instrumental. This synergy ensures Doom’s intricate wordplay and unique flow are perfectly framed.

Verse Analysis

Rapping Technique Overview

Doom’s signature style throughout “Accordion” showcases his relaxed delivery. His verses are compact, often omitting filler words to create tighter, more impactful lines. His bars can stand alone as mini-narratives, each packed with dense imagery.

Doom’s Verse Rundown

The verse opens with “Living off borrowed time the clock ticked faster,” using the idiom to hint at the fleeting nature of life. Doom’s references and punchlines follow, each meticulously crafted to blend storytelling and wordplay. His delivery remains consistent, with minimal tonal shifts, emphasizing lyrical content over vocal theatrics.

Flow and Rhyme Schemes

Doom employs a mix of three-syllable and two-syllable end rhymes. His internal rhymes often match sounds like “ah,” “a,” and “uh,” creating a rhythmic pattern.

For example, “scrolls” and “behold” showcase a sophisticated four-syllable rhyme structure that seamlessly integrates with the verse.

Wordplay and Literary Devices

Doom’s verse on “Accordion” is rich with alliteration, such as “glory gold and glitter.” His references to characters like Dick Dastardly and Muttley draw parallels to his and Madlib’s dynamic.

He also uses idioms creatively, turning phrases like “living off borrowed time” into nuanced setups for his punchlines.

Imagery and References

The imagery Doom employs is vivid and often steeped in pop culture references. Characters from classic cartoons, along with Biblical and historical allusions, pepper his lines. Each reference is woven into the verse to build a larger narrative, providing layers of interpretation for listeners.

Madlib’s Production Style

Madlib is a genius when it comes to beat-making, and his work on the track “Accordion” from the album Madvillainy is no exception.

He starts with what seems like a straightforward loop sample from Daedalus’ track “Experience” on his album Invention. However, he doesn’t merely loop the drums from start to finish. Instead, he forms new arrangements throughout the entire instrumental, making the beat more dynamic and engaging.

One of the techniques Madlib employs is sidechaining his kicks to the sample. This provides more space in the mix for the kick drum to hit harder.

As the verse progresses, subtle additions to the sample emerge, and when the bass drops, it dominates the mix. This bass section forms a massive wall in the mix, though whether it’s sidechained to everything else remains unclear.

Madlib masterfully keeps the beat interesting without being distracting, creating variations that complement Doom’s verses. This effort ensures that the instrumentals don’t overshadow the lyrics but instead enhance them, adding layers of complexity to the track.

Doom’s verses, filled with intricate wordplay and dense imagery, blend seamlessly with Madlib’s beats, resulting in a cohesive artistic masterpiece. This synergy between Doom’s lyrical genius and Madlib’s innovative production is part of what makes Madvillainy a landmark album in hip-hop.

DOOM’s Delivery and Tone

DOOM’s delivery throughout “Accordion” is consistently laid-back. His trademark chill narrative style extends from the start to the finish of the track.

Rather than varying his tone, he maintains a calm and composed approach, giving the verse steady momentum.

He uses standard structures and punchlines, mixing vivid imagery with minimal filler words. Each line feels like a standalone mini-story, packed with dense references and wordplay. This method challenges listeners to interpret the lyrics’ deeper meanings.

DOOM’s flow includes complex rhyme schemes and internal rhymes. For example, he pairs a three-syllable end rhyme with numerous internal sounds like “ah,” “a,” and “uh.” His intricate manipulation of these sounds showcases his technical prowess.

His references often run deep, blending pop culture with literary elements. Phrases like “living off borrowed time” and his nod to Dick Dastardly reflect a blend of timeless idioms and modern slanguage.

This approach keeps his raps intellectually stimulating and layered with meaning.

Minimal use of pronouns like “I” or “me” allows him to weave more creative phrases, enhancing the storytelling aspect of his lyrics.

This continuous creativity in phrasing, combined with detailed verse structure, highlights DOOM’s unique style and mastery.

A key aspect of DOOM’s tone is his ability to deliver complex content simply. His clarity, paired with consistent chillness, creates an engaging listening experience that never feels overwhelming, even with densely packed bars.

Thematic Breakdown Of Lyrics

Engaging Characters and Imagery

In the lyrics, Doom crafts a unique blend of vivid characters and impactful imagery. He mentions Dick Dastardly and Mutley, linking them to himself and Madlib, creating an illusion where both partners are silent yet powerful. This clever wordplay adds layers to the storytelling, which resonates deeply with listeners.

Manipulation of Sound and Rhyme

Doom excels in manipulating sound, utilizing multi-syllable end rhymes and internal rhymes. For instance, he uses the “ah” and “uh” sounds effortlessly throughout a quatrain. His intricate rhyme schemes not only highlight his technical prowess but also enhance the musical quality of his verses.

Intense and Descriptive Punchlines

His punchlines are dense and multifaceted. Sentences, often short and highly descriptive, allow for multiple interpretations. Doom avoids using filler words, forcing listeners to delve deeper into the meaning behind each line. Phrases like “nice to be old” illustrate his mastery in delivering impactful messages with brevity.

Blending Modern and Historical References

Doom’s ability to mix modern references with historical allusions is impressive. Mentions of Y2G (year 2000) and scrolls effortlessly blend timelines, offering listeners a rich tapestry that spans centuries. This method keeps his content timeless and universally relatable.

Subtle Variations and Alliterations

He employs subtle alliterations and variations to keep the flow engaging. Words like “glory, gold, and glitter” not only alliterate but also reinforce the message of superficiality and wealth. These stylistic choices make his verses more memorable and enjoyable.

Creative Self-Referencing

Doom’s creative self-referencing, often avoiding direct pronouns, adds to his enigmatic persona. His lyrical style invites listeners to uncover meanings and connections, making each listen a new discovery. This unique approach to self-reference further solidifies his status as a lyrical genius.

Complex Narrative and Wordplay

His narrative style is complex, often weaving multiple themes within a single quatrain. Doom’s wordplay, such as using “cut” to mean both a song and a knife, demonstrates his skill in creating double entendres. This complexity requires and rewards careful listening.

Impact of Delivery and Tone

Throughout his verses, Doom maintains a chill delivery, allowing the complexity of his lyrics to shine without distraction. This consistent tone aids in creating a relaxed yet intriguing atmosphere, drawing listeners into his intricate world of words and sound.

Writing Tips for Budding Songwriters

For aspiring artists, crafting unique lyrics can be both challenging and rewarding.

One key piece of advice is to study how seasoned artists play with words and sounds.

For instance, DOOM often skips filler words in his verses, encouraging listeners to interpret the meaning themselves.

This technique not only makes the lyrics more engaging but also adds depth.

When writing, consider focusing on wordplay and literary devices.

DOOM’s verses are filled with imagery and references that add layers of meaning.

For example, his line “living off borrowed time, the clock ticked faster” uses the idiom to signify the inevitability of death while also playing on the concept of time moving quickly as we age.

Another tip is to incorporate internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes.

DOOM often uses complex rhyme schemes within his verses, such as end rhymes paired with internal rhymes that create a musical quality.

Studying these patterns and practicing them in your writing can enhance the flow of your lyrics.

Lastly, pay attention to how you structure your verses.

DOOM’s couplets often have a setup and payoff, creating a sense of storytelling within each line.

Avoid overly descriptive sentences and aim for concise, impactful lines.

This can be seen in how DOOM uses short, vivid phrases to paint a picture or narrate a mini-story within his songs.

Some useful techniques include:

  • Skipping filler words: This forces the listener to engage more actively with your lyrics.
  • Using idioms and expressions: These can add an extra layer of meaning and relatability.
  • Focusing on rhyme schemes: Internal and multisyllabic rhymes can add complexity and musicality.
  • Concise storytelling: Each line or couplet can stand on its own with a clear message or image.
About the Author:
90's Baby with an old soul. My music preferences range from Ella Fitzgerald to Hawthorne Heights to Da Tweekaz. I enjoy breaking down music and try to offer a unique perspective based on my background in Music theory.
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  1. this article on Doom’s rhyme techniques is ok but seems like it only scratches the surface. more depth would be great

  2. Really fascinated by the breakdown of wordplay and literary devices in DOOM’s lyrics. It’s like diving into a novel but with beats.

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