MP3: Latyrx – “Close Your Eyes” ft. Busdriver
Lyrics Born and Lateef team with Busdriver for Dreamy, Glitchy Single From Forthcoming Release: The Second Album
10.21.2013
The Song:
Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truthspeaker, the two halves of the groundbreaking, longstanding alternative hip hop duo Latyrx, are gearing up to release the latest single from their forthcoming album, The Second Album, on November 5th. The latest leak from that project is the pro-individuality anthem, “Close Your Eyes” featuring a verse by Busdriver and production from Antonionian.
The Latyrx, who have long been known for their unconventional rhythmic delivery and ability to weave socio-political references amidst funky, boombastic production, have delivered yet another unique gem for the new single, “Close Your Eyes,” which premiered on Okayplayer. The anthem, which promotes self-identity, uses rich synths layers in the dreamy, auto-tuned chorus to contrast with the intense, dark tone of the verses. Lyrics Born says the song manages to be both hard-hitting and delicate at the same time. Says LB, “I felt like the lyrics could be rebellious and strong due to the drums and the somber sonics would make a stark contrast to that harder feeling – almost a context as to why it was necessary to be so fiercely steadfast in vocalizing your identity.” Adds Lateef, “Basically, the song’s message is how I’m no slave, I am not defined by others with no idea of who I am, and I am not controlled by outside media forces, nor audience/customer opinions. I am my own man.”
Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker of the Latyrx helped co-found the historic Solesides collective of the 90’s, which includes DJ Shadow and members of Blackalicious. When the two joined forces as Latyrx, they released their 1997 joint debut, titled The Album. It earned rave reviews for its adventurous production, eclectic style, and the rappers’ distinctive flows. The Album became a west coast indie rap classic and has been described as an unprecedented masterpiece. Shortly after, they released the Muzzaper’s Mixes EP which featured the momentous single “Lady Don’t Tek No,“ credited as perhaps the only pro-female club banger in rap history. Over the past sixteen years, Lyrics Born and Lateef have been working on their respective solo careers writing books, touring the globe, releasing solo projects, appearing on countless artists’ albums, and even earning a Grammy Award nomination. Now a decade and a half past their first full-length, the pair are finally releasing the anticipated follow-up, The Second Album.
The long-awaited second full-length project, The Second Album, will be released on their own Latyramid label on November 5th. The release features members of tUnE-yArDs, Anticon, Living Colour, The Decemberists, Blackalicious and more. Catch Latyrx on the first leg of their tour with rap duo Skins & Needles, beginning October 25th in Denver, Colorado and hitting stops in Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle and more. The second half of the tour will continue in early 2014. Check out Latyrx’s Kickstarter campaign below to help support their tour.
Listen to “Close Your Eyes”: https://soundcloud.com/latyrx/latyrx-lateef-lyrics-born
Check out the Okayplayer premiere: http://www.okayplayer.com/news/latyrx-close-your-eyes-lateef-lyrics-born-busdriver-mp3.html#.UmVCKJTk92p
Support Latyrx through their Kickstarter campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/255733316/latyrx-the-second-album-world-tour-campaign
Pre-order The Second Album on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-second-album/id703040114?ls=1
LATYRX (Lyrics Born and Lateef) featuring Skin and Needles
THE SECOND ALBUM WORLD TOUR – 1st leg (2nd leg will continue in 2014)
To buy tickets: http://latyrxauthentic.com/?page_id=33
10/25 – Cervantes – Denver, CO (w/ Orgone) – tickets
10/26 – Last Chance – Gunnison, CO – tickets
10/27 – Belly Up – Aspen, CO – tickets
10/31 – the Knotty Pine – Victor, ID – tickets
11/01 – Top Hat – Missoula, MT – tickets
11/02 – Zebra Lounge – Bozeman, MT – tickets available at door
11/03 – Railyard – Billings, MT – tickets
11/04 – Neurolux – Boise, ID – tickets
11/05 – State Room – Salt Lake City, UT – tickets
11/08 – Boomer’s – Laytonville, CA – tickets available at the door
11/09 – Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA – tickets
11/14 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR (w/ Vursatyl of Lifesavas & Tope) – tickets
11/15 – Domino Room – Bend, OR – tickets available at the door
11/16 – The Crocodile – Seattle, WA – tickets
11/20 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA (w/ Forrest Day, DJ Aaron AxelsEn & hosted by The Gift of Gab & Chief Xcel of Blackalicious) – tickets
11/21 – Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz, CA – tickets
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with members of Latyrx.
Latyrx Background:
Latyrx is the alternative hip-hop duo of rappers/producers Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker. Rooted in the Bay Area Solesides collective of the 1990s, which also included DJ Shadow and future members of Blackalicious, the duo released their seminal The Album in 1997 to critical acclaim. They quickly followed up with the Muzapper’s Mixes EP in 1998, which produced the notable, boundary-pushing and feminist-affirming track “Lady Don’t Tek No.” Both went on to numerous solo projects and collaborations with other artists before reuniting to work on their long-awaited follow up, The Second Album, which is due out November 5th.
Links:
official site | twitter | facebook | youtube
“Close Your Eyes”: https://soundcloud.com/latyrx/latyrx-lateef-lyrics-born
“Exclamation Point”: http://soundcloud.com/latyrx/latyrx-exclamation-point-ft/s-P7XqW
Bio, pictures, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/latyrx/