Stripe 1 EP

Stripe 1

Tracklisting

Click on the track to view the lyrics

  • 1 / Up & Down
    Verse 1

    It's the digital revolution, globalisation
    Too many PIN numbers, enough confusion
    You really need to watch this in high definition
    Conspiracy theorists say it's all an illusion

    Modern day civilisation
    Put yourself in harm's way for compensation
    Ungodly stuff going on in congregations
    And people getting killed for peaceful demonstration

    Got my inspiration from the Motherland
    Hold the mic in my right hand like a magic wand
    It's so obvious, like FCUK anagram
    That one man's meat is another man's Haraam

    Calling my spirits from the Westside of Africa
    Shift the paradigm with this rhythmic massacre
    With these guys, so tight, Greenwich Mean Time
    I spit rhymes, flexi-time, no pantomime

    At least make sure that the kids are fed
    Before you go throwing hard earned money at the naked
    Lady on the pole, go-go stripper yo
    Don't say you love her unless you're planning to keep her, yo

    It's raw, organic, not from concentrate
    Inspired by our heroes as we Diggin in the Crates
    Oh ye! Oh ye! Gather round and unify
    Here's a nice slice of Tiger Shadow Pie

    Hook

    Broken hearts
    Broke pockets
    Stolen wallets
    Swollen bellies
    Fat cats making dollars

    Verse 2

    Rap dude with no tattoo
    Chillax man, don't misconstrue
    Go ahead with your booty, tutti-frutti
    While I inspire myself with the ghost of Fela Kuti

    Not gonna be run-of the-mill
    Choose another path and it's downhill
    By Jove I will, Range Rove my skills
    Over rough terrains to the top of the hill

    Too many gangsta mimics, with their wanksta lyrics
    Little drummer boy, never owned a crucifix
    5 foot 11, never quite made it to six
    In the mix, living in the sticks, looking for a fix

    Musical Interlude
    Verse 3

    I am from the Game & Watch era
    The Game Boy, the Tetris, the Swatch watch era
    Look here young'un, if you don't mind me asking
    Why the hell are you carrying that knife and gatling?

    Think you're in heaven but you're living in hell
    There ain't no future between you and Jezebel
    First, she'll take your money then she'll do a kiss-and-tell
    Listen to your real friends, often they know you well

    Yikes! The gang youths turn up on bikes
    She don't fancy you, don't call her a dyke
    Tiger Shadow, back with the mojo
    Back with the psychoanalytical flow

    Hook

    Broken hearts
    Broke pockets
    Stolen wallets
    Swollen bellies
    Fat cats making dollars

  • 2 / I Knew You'd Be Alright
    Verse 1

    Things probably seem really bad...

    Things probably seem really bad...

    Things probably seem really bad
    What's the reason you keep feeling so sad
    Don't allow that thing to get to you
    Whatever is making you feel blue

    You probably feel like it's the end of the world
    But it happens to every man, woman, boy or girl
    The world at large is full of sadness
    But through it all, there's good vibes and gladness

    I don't just wanna say it will be okay
    But it will be, I know it sounds cliché
    Things seem really bad today
    But things will change, there will be a brand new day

    One day you will look back and smile
    It seems like you haven't done that in a while
    Live your life, fulfil your destiny
    Don't waste all your energy on your enemy

    Chorus

    It'll be okay
    Everything will be okay

    It'll be alright
    Everything will be alright

    Verse 2

    Things probably seem really bad...

    Things probably seem really bad...

    Things probably seem really bad
    What's the reason you keep feeling so sad
    Don't allow that thing to get to you
    Whatever is making you feel blue

    Just leave it behind and move on
    Find something new and get your groove on
    Live your life, let no one stop you
    From doing anything that you want to

    I don't just wanna say it will be okay
    But it will be, I know it sounds cliché
    Things seem really bad today
    But things will change, there will be a brand new day

    One day you will look back and smile
    It seems like you haven't done that in a while
    Live your life, fulfil your destiny
    Don't waste all your energy on your enemy

    Chorus

    It'll be okay
    Everything will be okay

    It'll be alright
    Everything will be alright

  • 3 / See You Next Tuesday
    Verse 1

    All these youths acting like it's all a game
    Do anything for money, fortune and fame
    Ask the real gangsters what they put up with
    The shame, the guilt, the lost relationships

    Then there's brothers who keep getting that crack money
    That coke money, blood money, funny money
    And sisters aspire to be playboy bunnies
    And thugs only feel safe with knifey and gunny

    Don't say you're that dude if you're not, brother
    That tough talk can get you into some other bother
    Sitting here feeling for some yam and cassava
    TV screen flashing thugs in balaclavas

    Never tempted to fake the banknote
    For certain poisons there is no antidote
    Survivors seek the loophole and make the most
    Row, row, row your boat

    Chorus

    I don't need this mess today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't need this stress today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't feel my best today (see you next Tuesday)
    I can't take your test today (see you next Tuesday)
    I do need my rest today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't need this mess today (see you next Tuesday)

    Verse 2

    It's that Black Tiger again
    Bringing the lyrical fire again
    Despite the grim Yorkshire rain
    We're working towards a majestic Reign

    Guys listen, man, chale, oi you!
    When the young'uns approach, stay ice cool
    He pulled a fast one, nice move
    Here's some Tiger Shadow CD's, buy two

    Some have silver spoon in their mouth
    Others see mum light up the spoon near her mouth
    Hand to mouth, down-and-out, church mouse
    That's why they're getting stoned like glass house

    I guess I'm a rapper dude
    I don't do the do, or sound like they do
    Written rhymes, poetic tunes, that I bring to you
    Oh so true!

    Chorus

    I don't need this mess today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't need this stress today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't feel my best today (see you next Tuesday)
    I can't take your test today (see you next Tuesday)
    I do need my rest today (see you next Tuesday)
    I've got too much debts to pay (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't need this mess today (see you next Tuesday)
    I don't need this stress today (see you next Tuesday)

    Refrain

    See you next Tuesday...

Credits

Stripe 1 EP was recorded in September 2009 at Cottage Road Studios in Leeds and was released on the 2nd November 2009.

Produced by Jim Tycho & Matt Peel
Mixed & Mastered by Matt Peel

Drums - Karim Nashar
Acoustic Guitar, Bass & Synths - Jim Tycho
Vocals & Percussion - Komla MC

Electric Guitars & Drum Ideas on IKYBA & SYNT - Dave Pearson
Atmospheric Keyboard Parts - Joel Allen
Piano Solo at end of SYNT courtesy of Andy Hawkins

All Lyrics written by Komla MC
All Music written by Jim Tycho

God is in the TV (4/5)

"Tiger Shadow deserve a huge amount of recognition, this EP is a cherry on the cake and they seem to be merely teetering at the edge of their ability"

Leeds Music Scene (3.5/5)

"Stripe 1' has a more pronounced electro edge than 'The Rise Of The Tiger Shadow' and it's a move that suits them well. Now, their combination of reggae, RnB and grimy, indie-flick soundtrack, is funkier than it's ever been. If you fell for 'The Rise Of The Tiger Shadow,' then prepare to wonder why these guys aren't cult heroes, all over again..." - Read full review

Tasty Fanzine

"I still can't get over how distinctive these vocals are... UP and Down' is bloody great. Brilliant live drums, webbing synths and understated melodies all underpinning Komla MC's bonkers rapping... Definitely worth putting on your Christmas list" - Read full review