Let’s talk about evolution for a moment. Hip Hop has definitely evolved. As
more and more rappers grace films next to elite actors/actresses, the culture
is growing at a phenomenal rate. One example of this evolution is brightly
portrayed in Andre 3000’sClass of 3000, an animated
series for children by the same man who made “Return of the G.“
Now, Dre has the soundtrack to this series with Class
of 3000: Music Volume 1. As expected, there are many songs on here for
children. After all, it is a children’s show. However, some unexpected
magic appears throughout, which is naturally Andre 3000’s
style. He’s quite a puzzle.
There is a balance in this marvelous puzzle. The blues meets funk. The latin
sounds meet jazz and pop helps the pieces fit without making it a confusing
array of noise. The diversity is good, because in the end, it all blends
wonderfully. The musicians work every instrument in this project brilliantly
and Andre’s production is solid. What’s best is that he does
this, making it enjoyable for children but, in a manner that is levels above
most of today’s Hip Hop production work. Listen to the horns in “Oh Peanut,”
followed by some amazing piano work and an infectious drum pattern. In the end,
he tops it off with fiddle? Yes. It’s that sort of work that emphasizes his
skill and the wonderful arrangement in this project. This is just the tip of
the iceberg, though. To describe the entire album and the masterful production
work would be lengthy. Violins, saxophones, clarinets, keyboards and various
other instruments create a wonderful sound for this album, which is dope,
because it shows children to appreciate music, but it also pushes others to
value the risks and the depth of the writing.
That’s a theme for the album. Kids will enjoy this because it’s geared
towards them. However, 3000 maneuvers his writing in a fashion
that is appealing to children, but compelling for adults. “Life without Music”
is a track about the importance of music to the young world. Later, he promotes
racial equality on “The Crayon Song,” building a metaphorical, catchy, dance-driven,
funky, positive track. “Fight the Blob” is a battle cry for environmental
awareness. “A
Richer Shade of Blue” is a wonderfully-crafted bluesy track about
poverty/wealth and misconceptions about happiness. “We Want Your Soul” warns of the
terrifying music industry and the evil it can cause. Other messages are also
carefully situated in the fun LP. It seems that Andre is
kicking songs for the kids with infectious tunes, while kicking knowledge for
all who listen. That’s the balance of the puzzle.
AD LOADING...
As he has done with Outkast and with solo work, Mr.
3000 continues his inventive, intelligent, soulful, funky, fun and
thought provoking work. Although there is very little rap in this album, one of
Hip Hop’s most well-known authors fuses different genres with a
street-influenced, catchy Hip Hop vibe that is unmistakable. His music continues
to push boundaries and while the songs are kid-friendly, the thoughtful jewels
can still be found and enjoyed by everyone. Few missteps can be glaring (“UFO Ninja”),
and some of it can be deemed too “kid-friendly,” but it does what it’s meant to
do, and then some. If you have kids, cop it. If not, enjoy the jewels that can
be discovered. Just remember, it’s a soundtrack for a kids cartoon, not his new
solo album.
“The radio people don’t play songs without words anymore,” warns
one of his students, almost as a cry for more originality in popular music.
However, Andre responds to this by stating: “Yeah, but
don’t worry about that. As long as it’s jamming, all the cool people will play
it.”
This, while meant for kids, is still jammin’. Play it.
