By Odeisel
The hand of Q-Tip has been present at some of the finest moments of Hip-Hop history. Besides the obvious Tribe classics, he was a guiding hand in Mobb Deep’s The Infamous album as well as countless other tracks. Kanye is a fan, so much so, that Q-Tip is manning the boards on this week’s G.O.O.D. Friday release, “Chain Heavy” featuring Talib Kweli and Consequence. The chain allegory is a reference not only to rap opulence, but also for the chains carried with the burden of race and the chains of incarceration.
The beat is an ill ebb and flow groove powered by booming drums and an eerie whistle that gives a tart character to the beat. There is multi-level keyboard work and well-timed breaks that drop the beat and bring the drum forward. Somber, thick strings and high hats take over after the verses are done and ride out the piece. There is no pop chorus or anything glossy on this but it’s fluid. Not in Tip’s top 10 but decidedly dope.
Kanye’s verse draws that aforementioned comparison between gold chains and mental chains and the presence of race as a barrier to forward momentum, noting that racial epithets hurled at him in the backlash of his Taylor Swift fiasco. Kweli’s chains refer to the stiff life bound by convention; chained by the suit and tie and the 9 to 5, an aversion to which led him to choose rap over punching the clock. Consequence’s chain is primarily concerned with the street and how difficult it is to escape the hood when you are subject to it.
This song would not have fit on Ye’s album but it’s a great change of pace and one of the better collaborations of the year, particularly with its combination or wordplay, allegory and musical backdrop. Makes you hungry for a follow-up to The Renaissance. The chains are heavy but they shine bright on this track. Enjoy.
Kanye West Feat. Talib Kweli & Consequence (Prod. by Q-Tip)- “Chain Heavy”
Chain_Heavy_(feat._Talib_Kweli_&_Consequence)
Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill
Follow Odeisel on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/odeisel
Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion
Follow us on Networked Blogs
One thought on “Planet Ill Breakdown: Kanye West X Talib Kweli X Consequence Prod. By Q-Tip-Chain Heavy”