The Song:
Metermaids' Swell and Sentence, along with DJ Rob Swift are on a remix roll with their free mixtape HELLO. The latest indie hit to get the hip-hop-electrofying treatment is Metric's "Help I'm Alive". Metermaids' remix, titled "A Star Is Born", opens with a sample of Metric's lyrics, "I would tremble," creating a haunting tone contrasted over the danceable underlying beat.
While Metermaids aren't the first group to blend hip-hop and dance music, most hybrids of the sort place more emphasis on beats than lyrical substance. With this latest remix, they eschew the trend; instead, they rap with purpose. "A Star Is Born" captures a universal story that "might be going on in any given strip club at an given time". Sentence says, "To be literal, this song is set in a strip club and the hook is eluding to the fact that a person of that profession was born to be there." As the song progresses the lyrics get darker. Opening the song are the lyrics, "You were born for the spotlight, probably since you were a kid/ Such a pretty little face, the way you shake those hips." By the end of the song, the mood becomes gritty, "I know they'd eat you alive, cause they think they can take you at face value/ They think the parking lot's just as pretty."
"A Star Is Born," along with the rest of the Hello mixtape is available for free on the Metermaid's website.
Download to "A Star Is Born" here:
http://media.audibletreats.com/Metermaids-A_Star_Is_Born-Metric_Remix.mp3
Download the Hello Mixtape Here:
http://www.metermaidsnyc.com
The Background:
Hailing from New York City, Metermaids are
Swell and Sentence, two emcees who met through
the local underground hip-hop scene in 2006. After releasing their debut EP the
same year, the duo toured with the likes of Brand Nubian, Atmosphere,
Sage Francis, Fabulous, Lady Bug Mecca (Digable Planets), The Lox, and Camp
Lo. After this extensive and impressive
tour, the duo released their first full-length effort in 2008 entitled Nightlife,
exemplifying their choice to create a new sound in crossover music, blending
indie rock with hip-hop.
The release was followed up with the EP
Nightlife In Illinoise. Never resting, that EP was followed with their "Turn The Lights Out" video which quickly became an internet sensation. The follow-up, the critically acclaimed Smash Smash Bang EP earned the group immense industry support, and the interest of top hip-hop producers including 9th Wonder. The band's music is available for free at the group's official
website.
|
