EPISODE · Mar 18, 2022 · 2 MIN

11-(K)night's Sun

from #StoriesAboutSongs · host RedefineHipHop

This was actually the first song I wrote/recorded for this project, and when I did it, I originally was either going to put it on a different project, an 7-song EP I was thinking of doing, or just going to release as a one off. But, the same night (I think) I wrote something else and that started the idea of the “Affair Use” concept. I first heard this beat when Low Profile used it in ‘89 for a b-side cut, “The Dub B.U. Just Begun”. I was definitely a Low Profile fan, of both W.C. and DJ Aladdin, and this song was one of my favorites. That song is about 122 BPMs, only slightly slower than the original song, Brooklyn People “Peace and Love”. From the moment I heard that Low Profile song, I wondered what the sample was, but I didn’t learn until many years later in the internet era. It’s a great track. The lyrics are simple and effective, and the beat is a monster. I generally try to avoid samples that have been used, especially from songs/groups I’m a big fan of, but I made an exception for this because slowing it down so heavily gave it this somewhat different feel. Literally, as soon as I slowed it down, the lyrics just started flowing out of me. At first, it might seem out of place to have this sad-ish sounding song after I just celebrated my joy on the last song, but this is sundown. And, while I am trying to remain positive, I’m still in a strange place, and uncertain of what is next. I’m not losing faith here, I’m just reflecting on what got me to this point. I imagine this song being me, having just found the place I’m going to settle for the night. I’m sitting outside, looking up at the moon, pondering life; past, present and future. Somewhere in this process, I drift off to sleep and the thoughts continue into the dream state. There’s a lot of cool little “easter eggs” in this one. LYRICS: If you ever see me out in the freezing rain Please leave me be, I’m probably releasing pain Feel like I’m ready to burst, at least a vein So I’m just trying to ease...my...brain So please refrain, from the urge to call my name All I’m saying, all this praying is all in vain if I can’t stay focused to attain it I can’t explain it, I thought I elevated But anxiety crept up like an assailant No matter how I paint it It’s tragic, ain’t it? But, like they say, ‘you gotta take it to gain it’ I guess I need a new way to tap in to it Ya know, emotionally fluidity when making music So I if I lose it, the pain that is, I can still use it Mixing cryptic talk, with thought that’s lucid I’m full of peace and love, come and get some And stop putting issues in places where there ain’t none I’ll be here meditating until the fight comes Glance off in the distance as I take in the night’s sun