Black Sheep Analysis

This assignment introduced me to the sound and message of the rapping duo: Black Sheep. The group consist of New York natives Dres and Mista Lawnge. My search for the album to review started with skimming through the table of context of Brian Coleman’s Check the Technique Volume 2 and listening to snippets of each album. I initially was going to review a 3rd bass album because of the familiar samples; however, one song from the Black Sheep album stood out and made this album a clear choice. In this assignment, I hope to examine most tracks on the album and analyze the collective message of this twenty-two track project.

Tracks 1 & 2: Intro and U Mean I’m Not The intro of this album set the tone for the project and touched on the intentions

Lawnge took charge of most of the production and his presence was an homage to famous DJ and rap crews. Similar to DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, each member played a crucial role in creating the production. In great hip hop fashion, samples were used such as Luther Vandross and disses were readily available. This was one of my favorite songs because it mentioned the famous “Funky Drummer” sample from James Brown and claimed rappers using it were unoriginal. In addition, they took fire against the thought of hip hop music one day being appropriated. When it comes to social relevance, this song stands the test of time and drops jewels to the listening audience.

“Similak Child” and “Try Counting Sheep” hold similar positions on the album. “Similak Child” is Dres’ favorite song on the album and “Try Counting Sheep” is another song about the groups prowess at getting women. Although both songs are solid, “Flavor of the Month” includes very catchy horns in the background and interesting lyrics. Interest around this song can stem from the alleged diss at Big Daddy Kane or the lyrics that may be seen as objectifying women. However, listeners cannot be too astonished because the intro told the audiences that this album would be about getting

“L.A.S.M.” is one of the cleverer skits on the album, like “Are You Mad,” that seemingly opposes the duo. The women interviewers asked “serious questions” and the team laughed it off. In Coleman’s book, they said its intentions was to set a distinction between them and real gangsters that may genuinely have this stance against women (54). “Black With N.V” is one of the few songs that are both serious and direct with the message. The lyrics speak of the struggle that is attached with the African American community. A lifestyle where the system is against them. “For Doz That Slept” was a clear response to the system and to anyone who doubted the group. This rebellious spirit was seen throughout the album and follows the theme of being a “black sheep.” The choice is truly yours in deciding if you are with or without them. However, the group has made it clear it does not need your consensus to make there