Since I haven't blogged in the Hip Hop Fan Group in some time I suddenly decided to do a quick little something on the Flobots and their first mainstream album release Fight With Tools. The Colorado based group was picked up by Universal Records and boasts one of the greatest songs this hip hop enthusiast has EVER listened to in "Handlebars". I've heard "California Love" by Pac and the Doc, I love the Wu-Tang hit "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta F'Wit", and Lupe Fiasco's "Dumb It Down" is just beast. There are, of course, FAR more amazing songs I've enjoyed over the last 4 or 5 years of my rap/hip hop fandom. I've been delving into past music more and more recently including older Tupac albums, Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, and others. I despise the fact that snap music (i.e. Soulja Boy) has overtaken the industry, which is why the Flobots Fight With Tools was a breath of fresh air. This isn't to say that the entire industry is filled with crap, in fact there are many great artists out there (Chamillionaire, Bun B, Ludacris, Kanye West, etc.). However, the Flobots, led by lyricists Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit (as well as violist Mackenzie Roberts, bassist Jesse Walker, guitarist Andy Guerrero, trumpet player Joe Ferrone, and drummer Kenny Ortiz), are a great example of rap at its finest...with the inclusion of rock.
The sub-genre Rap-Rock has seen its fair share of great acts like Public Enemy, the Beastie Boys, Linkin Park, N.E.R.D., and more, but Flobots are just something...different. They are sometimes classified as something different...as indie hip hop. This may be true, but must EVERYTHING that has political views and makes its attempts to showcase an opinion be called "indie"?
If you've heard "Handlebars" you probably loved it, but half the tracks on Fight With Tools are just as good while some are even better than "Handlebars".
I'll let you, as a reader and someone with an opinion, make the decisions on this group as I leave you with these songs.
"Stand Up"
"Combat"
Top Olympic Hoops Performances
Comments (13)
I saw them live in Denver a couple of years ago.
Chengy: bye FN | 06/01/08, 11:41 PM
Report Offensive CommentYeah... Flobots... rap I like.
thehemogoblin: Tibet: $0.99 | 06/01/08, 11:48 PM
Report Offensive CommentHemo, I can turn that statement around...
"Yeah...Flobots...rock I like."
Big Ben68 | 06/01/08, 11:49 PM
Report Offensive CommentYeah, I'm a closet Linkin Park fan.
thehemogoblin: Tibet: $0.99 | 06/02/08, 12:06 AM
Report Offensive CommentWhen will the Hip Hop Vids come back?
Dyhard haz 30000 commentz! | 06/02/08, 12:09 AM
Report Offensive CommentI have no idea...
I guess whenever I get around to doing them again.
Big Ben68 | 06/02/08, 01:52 AM
Report Offensive CommentYeah... Flobots... music I like.
Cardsox | 06/02/08, 02:21 AM
Report Offensive CommentOne thing that really angers me is when my friends, who are self proclaimed rap fans (to some degree), turn their noses up to "Handlebars" because it doesn't sound as cheaply comforting to the ears as Soulja Boy. One of my biggest pet peeves.
Cardsox | 06/02/08, 02:22 AM
Report Offensive CommentI'm really impressed. This is the first time I've ever agreed with the rap-rock fusion. It's always been an enemy to me which still bewilders me as to why. This, however, is great. I might just go out and purchase my very first rap album and my very own Flobots music.
Cardsox | 06/02/08, 02:51 AM
Report Offensive CommentCardsox you will not regret the buying of this album. I put only 5 songs up, but EVERY song on that album is worth listening to and just about every single one of them is as good as "Handlebars".
Big Ben68 | 06/02/08, 09:42 AM
Report Offensive CommentGood blog. I have to pay more attention to the Flo Bots.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN'S OWN | 06/02/08, 10:09 AM
Report Offensive CommentI think "Stand Up" was the best of the four posted. It was definitely the best social commentary (although they are all very good). "Handlebars", though, I still think is the most creatively creepy song of the five I've heard.
Cardsox | 06/02/08, 05:10 PM
Report Offensive CommentFlobots are fantastic. I plan on buying Fight with Tools this summer. My favorite songs are "Handlebars" (obviously) and "Stand Up". By the way, I know almost all the words to "Handlebars".
Now I'll listen to "Fight with Tools", "Combat", and "Same Thing". Nice blog, Ben.
G.O.A.T. is away | 06/14/08, 10:43 AM
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