The INSANE Musical Math of DJ Premier and Mos Def
Credit: Mikamote Shared under CC BY-SA 3.0
Mos Def’s 1999 song “Mathematics” often feels like a balanced math equation, where the lyrics and the music fit together flawlessly. This isn’t a coincidence; it is a deliberate choice, emphasizing simple yet profound mathematical parallels. The song, produced by DJ Premier, layers meaningful beats and lyrics that explore complex social issues in a mathematical way, reflecting Mos Def’s ability to merge music with thoughtful commentary.
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, wasn’t initially focused on solo projects. After notable collaborations, his debut solo album “Black on Both Sides” emerged in 1999, receiving critical acclaim and topping charts. With “Mathematics,” produced by the legendary DJ Premier, Bey combines superior lyricism with catchy beats to tackle significant societal themes, brought to life through Premier’s distinctive production style.
The Heart of ‘Mathematics’
Fusion of Words and Rhythm
Mos Def’s 1999 song “Mathematics” exemplifies a seamless blend of lyrics and music, reminiscent of a well-balanced math equation. In this track, Mos Def’s synergy with DJ Premier showcases two sides of the same story, delivered through distinct mediums yet in perfect harmony. The production intricately layers chopped samples and robust drums. The sample, taken from “Baby, I’m a Want You” by the Fatback Band, gets manipulated to such an extent that it hardly resembles the original. DJ Premier pitches it down, chops it up, and lays it beneath a new drum pattern to create a fresh sound.
On the lyrical front, Mos Def tackles numerous social issues, utilizing a mathematical approach by referencing various statistics and numbers. His lyrics begin with a simple numerical sequence and transform it into a complex narrative. He makes clever references, such as the play on “One for the money, Two for the show” children’s rhyme, but twists it uniquely. A nod to the Rock Steady Crew and the concept of future shock shows his lyrical depth, connecting past, present, and future through numbers and metaphors.
Literal and Figurative Math: The Complete Equation
Mos Def’s lyrics in “Mathematics” delve deeply into themes of social justice, poverty, and inequality. He doesn’t just use numbers figuratively; he dissects real statistics and data, presenting a raw, unfiltered view of societal issues. For instance, his analysis spans topics like the prison industrial complex, national defense budgets, and the crack epidemic. The term “New Math” in the verse signifies both the innovative complexity of the content he discusses and a historical reference to a failed educational curriculum from the 1960s.
DJ Premier’s work complements these intricate lyrics with equally detailed musical production. His scratching in the chorus elevates the track, adding layers of meaning and historical context. The mention of “Future Shock” aligns with the song’s overarching theme of rapid societal changes and challenges. This holistic combination of musicality and lyricism makes “Mathematics” a compelling example of how music can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Yasiin Bey’s Artistic Journey
From Black Star to ‘Black on Both Sides’
Before embarking on a solo career, Yasiin Bey, then known as Mos Def, made waves with his collaboration with Talib Kweli on the album “Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star” in 1998. This project set the groundwork for his solo endeavors with its fusion of sharp lyricism and significant social commentary. Each track was meticulously crafted, blending compelling beats with thought-provoking messages.
Chart-Topping Solo Debut
In 1999, Yasiin Bey stepped into the spotlight with his solo album “Black on Both Sides.” This debut was a continuation and expansion of his work with Black Star, delivering a mix of clever wordplay and meaningful content over captivating rhythms. The album secured the number one spot on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart and was highly praised by critics for its depth and ingenuity. The song “Mathematics” stood out for its intricate lyrics and DJ Premier’s masterful production, showcasing the perfect synergy between Yasiin’s words and Premier’s beats.
Breaking Down ‘Mathematics’
DJ Premier’s Signature Production
DJ Premier has a distinctive style that’s unmistakable. From his duo Gang Starr to collaborations with Jay-Z and Nas, his method of chopping and scratching samples stands out. For “Mathematics,” Premier utilized a sample from the Fatback Band’s 1972 song “Baby, I’m a Want You.” He manipulates it intricately, pitching it down and chopping it to the point where it’s almost unrecognizable, then layers it with his own drums.
Analyzing the Main Beat
The main beat for “Mathematics” is built on two key elements: the sample and the drums. The way Premier chops the sample and combines it with his drum patterns gives the song its unique rhythm. Although the sample might sound familiar, it’s heavily transformed, showcasing Premier’s skill in creating something entirely new from existing sounds.
Behind the Lyrics
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, uses an ingenious play on numbers in his lyrics. He starts with a twist on a well-known rhyme, then transitions into references that span from contemporary figures like E-40 to cultural icons like the Rock Steady Crew. Bey also tackles significant social issues, citing statistics and presenting them in a way that aligns perfectly with the beat.
The Finer Points of Scratching
DJ Premier’s scratching in the chorus is a highlight of the song. The scratches are not just random effects but are meticulously crafted to fit with Bey’s lyrics. Premier uses scratching as an instrument, adding layers of complexity and enhancing the song’s narrative. It’s a nod to the art form that became mainstream with tracks like Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit,” which also had a role in influencing the futuristic themes in “Mathematics.”
Music Production Insights
Sample Reconstruction
DJ Premier’s technique in creating the beat for “Mathematics” involves artfully slicing a sample from the Fatback Band’s 1972 hit, “Baby, I’m a Want You.” The original tune has been so heavily modified that it becomes almost unrecognizable in its new form. He lowered the pitch, chopped it into pieces, and paired it with his own drums to craft a completely fresh sound. This meticulous process showcases his signature style and forms the foundation of the track’s rhythm.
The Craft of Blending Samples
DJ Premier’s hallmark lies in his ability to disguise his samples expertly, making them sound wholly unique. Instead of using large, obvious segments of a track, he prefers to extract smaller bits and manipulate them to the point where their origins are hidden. This method not only makes for an original composition but also adds a layer of intrigue and complexity. In “Mathematics,” this approach is evident, transforming the sampled material into a new creation that complements Mos Def’s lyrical message seamlessly.
DJ Premier’s approach elevates the production, merging the distinct samples into a cohesive and impactful beat that resonates with the song’s themes.
Lyrical Complexity and Themes
Numerical References and Social Commentary
In “Mathematics,” Yasiin Bey starts his verses by playing with numbers, turning counting into a commentary. The first verse begins with a twist on a classic children’s rhyme, moving from simple numeric sequences to deeper layers. He ties this in with references to contemporary figures like E-40 and historical groups like the Rock Steady Crew. Then he shifts to discussing societal issues, using numbers to underscore topics like poverty, violence, and government surveillance.
Yasiin Bey drills down into vast and intricate themes using statistical references and mathematical language. For example, he touches upon the prison-industrial complex, national defense budgets, and racial inequalities, illustrating them as part of a “new math” that critiques societal flaws. By leveraging mathematical concepts, he exposes systemic problems in a unique and compelling way. This multilayered approach ensures every number and reference has weight and meaning.
Connections Across Time and Music
Yasiin Bey seamlessly links the past, present, and future through his lyrics. By mentioning “Future Shock,” he brings in references from the 70s with the book by Alvin Toffler, Curtis Mayfield’s 1973 song, and the 1983 Herbie Hancock album that popularized scratching. These references layer the song with historical and musical contexts that deepen its thematic richness.
DJ Premier complements these themes with his production, chopping up samples and laying down beats that match the song’s intricate narrative. The beat, sourced from the 1972 song “Baby, I’m a Want You” by the Fatback Band, is transformed into something unrecognizable yet fitting for the lyrical content. Premier’s scratching in the chorus then further ties back to the themes of change and innovation in “Mathematics,” making the production and lyrics inseparable parts of the equation.
