7. T.I. - What’s Yo Name

*tap…tap…tap…tap*

When those tiny percussion taps (yes, those ones up there) creep up on the listener, followed by the approaching hollow electronic harmonica-like synths, and finally the drums swiftly make themselves known, then it’s go time.

C’mon…c’mon…c’mon…c’mon. (c) Skateboard P

From T.I.’s 2001 debut album I’m Serious comes this certified Neptunes banger, suitable for both the streets and the clubs. But back to those little taps for a sec: they remind me of the sound of this tiny hand percussion instrument I have that was given to me by my Uncle from a trip he took to Cuba. But I’m an idiot so I forgot what the instrument is called. However, I wouldn’t put it past the ‘Tunes for using something so exotic in such a subtle way *tapping unnamed Cuban instrument to the beat*

Never been a fan of the self-proclaimed king of the south, T.I.(P.). And I still don’t really know what this song is about, to be honest (other than T.I. bragging about his sexual escapades with females he just met…OK, I guess that sums up the subject matter). In any event, T.I.’s bravado gibberish actually complements the beat nicely as he effortlessly rides the fast paced melody with thuggish-ruggish aplomb. It also goes without saying that this is easily my favourite T.I. track ever (the list itself is very short).

Pharrell’s drum programming on display here is standard Neptunian fare, devoid of any hard-to-follow rhythm changes; just straight up banging. Chad’s strange electronic sounds are in there as well (all the little bleeps you can hear throughout). And those 8-bar harmonica sounding synths are f*cking tight! They make the song, no doubt. But what also makes this beat so awesome is that it’s catchy as hell and quickly gets your shoulders shaking with other movable body parts not far behind. There’s no complexity either; just a simple loop for practically the entire duration. And although it’s not too long to begin with, the track feels like it whizzes by you in an instant due to the wicked pace set by the constantly sweeping snares, if they actually are snares (could even be a broom at work). I’m not a musician (could you tell?) so I’m simply describing what I think I hear.

What’s Yo Name is trademark Neptunes minimalism at work. Perfect cruising music, low to the ground with blazing speed and style. Yet it’s also very smooth like a fine whiskey on the rocks; ideal for the nighttime (I love night music). So if you’re somehow browsing my tumblelog while driving your car (ballin!), then turn that sh!t up, sing along with Pharrell and hold on tight (but do drive safely). Or alternatively, slow your roll, peek out your window like a “P-I-M-uh-M-P” and yell at the first dime piece you see, “I said What’s Yo Name???”, then drive away quickly before the “pussy popper #1” line hits. Hey, I didn’t say my proposed cruising plan was well developed.