Click on the track to view the lyrics
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
Broken hearts
Broke pockets
Stolen wallets
Swollen bellies
Fat cats making dollars
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
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
Broken hearts
Broke pockets
Stolen wallets
Swollen bellies
Fat cats making dollars
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
It'll be okay
Everything will be okay
It'll be alright
Everything will be alright
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
It'll be okay
Everything will be okay
It'll be alright
Everything will be alright
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
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)
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!
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)
See you next Tuesday...
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
"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"
"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
"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