Saturday, November 12, 2016

Between Two Tribe Fans

Let's be honest, friends. 2016, by so many measures, sucks. I think we're all glad that it's nearly over. But in every dark cloud, there's at least some silver lining. For me and Zman, that shine was spelled the same way, as the following conversation (edited for comprehension) details. I'm the one with the stylish italics:

Yo, Z, what's the best thing to come out of the last few weeks of 2016?

The best thing to come out of the last few weeks of 2016, and maybe all of 2016, and maybe even farther back than that, is A Tribe Called Quest's new album "We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service." It's their first album in 18 years and boy could I use it. As I said here, "Phife's death bums me out. We'll never get another ATCQ album." So this was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy week. We got another Tribe album and it's damn good!

yo microphone check one, two, what is this
Funny you should bring up Tribe, 'cause I was going to go with the start of the Tribe hoops season, which happens to be today. Tony Shaver's boys take on Bridgewater to kick off the 2016-17 campaign. The real action tips off on Monday, though, when Omar Prewitt returns home to the Bluegrass State to lead the Tribe against Louisville. W&M shocked N.C. State in last year's season-opener. I'm betting that the result is slightly different this time.

Speaking of slightly different, new season, new team. Who's your pick for Tribe MVP?

You aren't going to believe this but I think it's Donald Trump. This album is more overtly political than previous ones and it's definitely influenced by the themes of the 2016 campaign. Check out "We The People" for example.



That's some golden age conscious stuff right there. Chuck D and KRS-ONE have this on repeat. And man is it nice to hear that old Q-Tip snare and high-hat.

I don't know if Omar gets down with Q-Tip (guess: he does), but if we're talking about basketball MVPs, the 6'7" senior is clearly W&M's leading man. The 2015-16 first-team All-CAA selection averaged 17.8 points per game on 49.1% shooting last season, and ranks 13th in Tribe hoops history with 1,361 points.

Prewitt's going to have to carry a big leadership load this year, too, as one of only two seniors on the roster. W&M will miss graduated do-everything forward Terry Tarpey immensely. The 2015-16 CAA Defensive Player of the Year averaged double digit points, and led the team in rebounds, blocks, and steals. There's never been a player like him in W&M's long (if not necessarily distinguished) hoops history. He's irreplaceable as a source of energy and intensity.

And Sean Sheldon's size and improved offensive skill will be difficult for the Wrens to replicate in the post. They're going to need a couple of new dudes to step way up. 

But that's true for both Tribes, isn't it?

Phife's death obviously means the end of ATCQ as we know it, I don't think anyone can step up and fill his shoes. Jarobi actually spits a few verses on this album (for the first time ever) but he can't replace Phife. No one can. You can't have a Tribe album without him. And his last two verses are memorable. The penultimate is a duo with Kendrick Lamar called "Conrad Tokyo" and it's predictably excellent.



Phife waded into politics in his first recorded verse ("Mr. Dinkins won't you please be our mayor?") so it's fitting that he offered up one last round of social commentary. His last song, "The Donald," is bittersweet--his verse is entirely braggadocio, bookended by a respectful introduction from Busta Rhymes and a props-filled outro from Q-Tip. Tip and Phife were friends for something like 40 years and it feels like Tip constructed this song as an homage to his oldest friend. This is the last ATCQ song we'll ever hear for the first time and I think Q-Tip wanted it that way.

Jeez, it's getting dusty in here. On a lighter note, the samples on this album are pretty risky in spots. The Ooompa Loompa song from "Willy Wonka," I think some dialogue from "Young Frankenstein," and ... "Benny and the Jets"?!? Sure, Biz Markie covers this song but it doesn't seem to lend itself to a hot beat. Credit Q-Tip's genius as a producer to turn an ancient Elton John song into a modern banger. "Solid Wall of Sound" takes big risks and they pay off.

Did Tribe hoops take any risks this year that need to pay off big in order to get that ever-elusive NCAA bid?

this makes me happy
If you consider playing with five guards and no post defense a risk, I guess they did, or will. Shaver's teams can fill it up - that's never been an issue, and it won't be this year, with Prewitt, fellow senior Daniel Dixon, and juniors Greg Malinowski, Connor Burchfield, and David Cohn all ready, willing, and able to shoot the ball. Cohn averaged nearly 5 assists a game with 3:1 assist to turnover ratio last year. With another season under his belt, he'll be one of the best true point guards in the CAA. The 6'6" Malinowksi's versatility and athleticism will be a big key as Shaver seeks a consistent third option behind the two seniors.

So we've got the scoring covered. The rebounding and defense, well, that's a bit of a different story. 6'9" junior Jack Whitman will get most of the early minutes, but he's on the thin side, and he's never put up more than 2.7 rebounds per game. Sophomore sensation Hunter Seacat (!) is a big body (and only a sensation because of his name) who showed some flashes in limited action last year, but he'll have to take a big step up to help fill Sheldon's role. 6'10", 250-lb freshman Nathan Knight is raw, but he's big and physical, and if he can adapt to the college game, he'll make an impression.

Game remains the same, though, for the Tribe. When we shoot the ball well, we can beat anybody. When we go a little cold, we can lose ugly. Last year's 91-63 loss to Hofstra says hello.

So what's your takeaway? Does the new Tribe record herald a turning point, or is it just one bright point in an otherwise bleakening landscape? And how does ATCQ relate to a Tribe ball quest?

I really think it's a turning point. Tribe are heroes to a lot of younger MCs and I guarantee this album will be repeatedly listened to and dissected by oldheads and youngheads alike. I think it will inspire other rappers to couple out-of-left-field production with left-of-center lyrics leading to a renaissance of conscious political hiphop. I think we've had enough coke and codeine rhymes for now.

ATCQ was four guys who grew up together and used their friendship as a foundation to create some of the best hiphop ever. They had tremendous early success but internal strife led to music of lesser quality. With this album they've returned to greatness one last time. If Tribe hoops can mimic this within the microcosm of a basketball season they could win the CAA tourney and finally make the big dance. It would be a turning point for both Tribes, I guess.

One other potential turning point could be for Andre 3000 to build on his cameo verse on this record and join ATCQ as Questlove suggested. I can't fully wrap my head around that but I think it would work. Sort of like getting a transfer student who turns into a major contributor.

Kinda like David Cohn last year, then. 

As for the W&M Tribe, lots of observers like them to contend again in the CAA. Tony Shaver's teams have recorded 20 wins or more in three consecutive seasons. A fourth would be unprecedented (I think. Not gonna look it up.). They'll play a lot of 81-77 games this year, and a couple of 82-55 contests (both ways). The league's coaches and media folks picked W&M to finish third, which is a statement of respect for Shaver as much as anything else. There are a bunch of teams that have a shot this year, including defending champion UNCW, Hofstra, talented Towson, and much-improved College of Charleston. 

Me, I think third's a bit too high, but I'll tip the Tribe for a first-round bye. (Q-Tip can have that rhyme for free.)

But I'll go one better. The universe owes us some happy. And #1bid4wmtribe would make a lot of people happy - even folks with no affiliation to W&M. It's happening this year.

As the Tribe flies high like a dove.

71 comments:

Marls said...

Nicely done gents.

zman said...

The new album is very good. I was worried it wouldn't be. A very happy surprise in a week of unhappy surprises.

zman said...

This is a pleasant surprise too.

https://youtu.be/l161Qqc5lUk

TR said...

Read into this what you may in a Trumpy America, but I nearly got into a fistfight at the local YMCA this morning. It's a modest gym that caters to dads, moms and geriatrics. A meathead was working out and decided he needed to have weightlifting chalk w/ him that he used for every set of every exercise. He was leaving it all over the place in giant piles. I looked around at one point and realized his chalk was all over my clothes. I got into it w/ the dude and it got a bit heated. Perhaps I should've just rolled w/ it, but it looked like I spilled an 8-ball on my black shorts. The dude had zero understanding that leaving a mess on the floor and on people was an issue. "It'a chalk at a gym. What's the big deal" he kept saying. I suggested he clean up, leave and go find a Gold's Gym.

A shitty way to start a Saturday. And I'm sure I'll now see the guy all the time. I hate assholes.

zman said...

Did he wrap his knees before using the donkey press machine?

Mark said...

Say it with me...Fuck Will Muschamp (clap clap clapclapclap)

rob said...

just alerted my sister that we're all going to next year's florida/florida state game in gainesville. her husband went to fsu, so all the better. everyone prepare accordingly.

Danimal said...

Don't know what the line was in the Penn State Indiana game but have a feeling those betting on IU just experienced a horrifically bad beat.

Mark said...

Sounds like a plan, Rob.

Danimal said...

Dukes....CAA champs. You guys pumped?!

Whitney said...

I'm at the ODU/So Miss game. Hoping to cross paths with the DLC.

Whitney said...

Connection made. It's 44°, so the DLC and WCL meeting of the minds was brief but enjoyable. ODU romping. Time for a toddy.

rob said...

tribe beat bridgewater by 52, with frosh wing justin pierce leading all scorers with 17. louisville on monday might be a little tougher.

also, we all realize that 'time for a toddy' is code for 'time for my 13th beer', right? even in trump's america, whitney abides.

zman said...

You can't handle a forty degree day?

https://youtu.be/7ttbQTz8tAE

Whitney said...

Actually, Robbie, I went to the game with the elder daughter after a morning of cheering on the younger in the 8th grade Catholic school basketball league. (She finished 1-3 2-4 4pts, many boards in an 18-12 win.) 1st toddy just happened... ish, not a toddy but a DB Vienna Lager.

zman said...

You strike me as more of a Vienna sausage guy.

Whitney said...

Used to love them. Now, much less so.

Catpell said...

nice post. just listened to people's instinctive travels for the first time, while i was cooking dinner.

rob said...

just had a mini-summit at the leesburg public house with my man squeaky and his bride. too short, unfortunately. the time we had together, not the group.

zman said...

Get the fuck outta here. You never listened to Travels before tonight?

rob said...

not really cool to yell at dave's wife, z.

Mark said...

No, I'm ok with it. She took this long to get around to listening to that album. She deserves what she gets.

Mark said...

Also, Pitt-Clemsom was highly entertaining. Deshaun Watson was...not good. I continue to dislike Dabo.

Whitney said...

Dave still has never heard it. Cat will be whispering lyrics in his ear later tonight.

zman said...

I always assumed catpell was Dave logged in as the wrong person. Whatever. I blame it on the kabonosy and Makers Mark, which go together dangerously well.

rob said...

new idea for obft. everyone brings a food product to share with the boys. kabonosy sounds fucking delicious.

Whitney said...

So the "chip" function in credit cards? Can anyone explain the value in real terms? Because so far it seems like a crock and is very very annoying to me.

zman said...

TSA will take the kabonosy.

I'm not sure if it would be worse if Dave voted for Trump. I'm not sure I can take him seriously anymore. I didn't realize he was so culturally illiterate.

rob said...

new plan. ship the kabosony to clarence's house.

Mark said...

Zman is angry at Dave. I like it. Attending OBFT would kind of feel fraudulent for me but I still want to one day. Then make the drive to my first college.

Mark said...

According to FB a couple of my nieces ran into David Ross at last night's FSU game. Well, okay.

rob said...

i strongly endorse mark at obft. on the flipside, for mark, it's a lot of dudes sitting around telling 20 year-old stories and inside jokes for four days while drinking too much and occasionally smoking dope out of an apple.

zman said...

It would be nice to have another hiphop fan to support my music choices on the hi-fi.

zman said...

Kate McKinnon can sing?

Mark said...

Today is a perfect example of why CFB is great. The schedule looked pretty meh. Numbers 2-4 in the playoff rankings lost. All to double digit underdogs.

Mark said...

As for OBFT. I like drinking and smoking dope so I think I can make the rest work.

Marls said...

It's good to have Chappelle back.

zman said...

That fact about FDR got me choked up. Luckily he brought it back to Bradley cooper.

T.J. said...

That skit was so spot on

Mark said...

The Bradley Cooper interjections were great. Chappelle is the best.

T.J. said...

This highlights reel skit is great

zman said...

But no Rick James?

T.J. said...

TRIBE YALL

T.J. said...

PHIFE

Marls said...

We the people...

SNL...killing it tonight.

zman said...

I'm glad no one took Phife's verse. They're clearly down a man without him.

zman said...

If they only get two songs, what's next? Buggin Out? Can I Kick It?

Marls said...

I think you have to go with "Can I Kick It".

Marls said...

That said, doing it without the Wild Side samples may be impossible.

zman said...

They could bring out Elton John to do Solid Wall of Sound.

zman said...

Or Excursions because there's no Ohife verse.

Marls said...

The space program wired just fine.

Marls said...

Worked

zman said...

It was timely.

rob said...

chappelle's opening monologue was cold fire. and the combination of 'we the people' as the song choice and the banner with phife's image was pretty poignant. and then i fell asleep.

Dave said...

weird right? i listened to low end theory all the time, and somehow missed that one. it's great. i will check out the new one

TR said...

I beat my expectations in a 10K race today, but my chafed nipples are feeling some pain.

Nice score by the Jets in defeat. Losing = better.

zman said...

Accidentally made eye contact with the guy checking out the KY Duration at CVS. Tough.

TR said...

Just admit you were looking in a mirror.

rob said...

i've been daydrunk multiple times in trump's america thus far. anesthetic and silver lining.

Whitney said...

Coping mechanism?

zman said...

I'm all about efficiency. No need for Duration.

rob said...

you got that right, clarence

Marls said...

Tribe is a 17 point underdog to Louisville tonight. Take the Cards and lay the points.

On the bright side a Louisville win may eventually get vacated by the NCAA.

Danimal said...

Off and on for the last 18 months or so have been dealing w/a local developer on id'ing a possible location for wife's store #2. The developer is Skinner Brothers - the guy I'm dealing with is Riley Skinner. Mark will know the name or at least you will after googling. So am recounting my recent talks w/Riley with a buddy and he laughs and asks, "you mean the dick pic guy?". I was clueless and said "well not sure, did he play qb for wake?" Ummm yeah, that's him.

Mark said...

I remember him from Wake. Didn't realize he was a dick pick dude as well. Nice work.

Mark said...

It's been deleted but Collinsworth absolutely eviscerated Simmons on Twitter today.

TR said...

EVISCERATED

Simmons kills Collinsworth all the time for being a shill, but that's how it has to go when you're the #1 color commentator for the NFL in the country.

rob said...

winner

also, someone feel free to post something new, y'all

TR said...

I will be in San Diego tmrw night, staying in the Gaslamp Quarter w/o a car. Anybody have a food/drink rec?

rob said...

tons of good options there, tr - all kinds of different grub and a bunch of cool bars. hard to go too wrong.

tribe was down 3 after 18 minutes. lost by 33. suboptimal.