Hardgroove
FINE ARTS MILITIA is fronted by the indomitable Chuck D (as Mistachuck) and bassist / vocalist Hardgroove. Together with their four-piece band, FAM blasts through an incredible mixture of muscle funk and metallic rock that has yet to be attempted by any act to date.
This album delivers the searing sociopolitical commentary the world expects from Mistachuck; including “A Twisted Sense of God” which is a hard hitting guitar driven track about the tragic events of Sept. 11th.
Hardgroove was interviewed by AWOL magazine in the Fall of 2002.
Q: (AWOL Magazine) What part do you think music plays in the political struggle?
A: (Hardgroove) Unfortunately, much of the commercial product that is unleashed on the public minimizes the importance of being politically savvy and socially responsible. Institutionalized injustices are largely portrayed as a thing of the past. Not as something that needs to be monitored and negotiated on a daily basis. Much of the so-called “black music” is focused on sex, material wealth and egocentric fairy tales of personal greatness. It’s laughable.
Q: Do you think political music is impactful in terms of motivating people?
A: Sure. What little there is, does motivate. Even if only to think outside of the box. Rage Against The Machine is a good example of that. But, how long will a person rage against something that appears impossible to change? Many will rage on the weekend and grease the machine during the week. People need a reason to stick with a movement for change. All it usually takes is a good paying job with benefits to silence a previously socially conscious person.
Home of the blade
What I don’t like
Your don’t give a Chuck
If you trained to think
I won’t stop
Bein miles ahead of the block
Street Cred
Overrated
Still important for them heads
The block might feed you now
But Knowledge keeps you fed
The game might need you
Rippin you to shreads
Mind control over the body and soul
If you a manniquin
You may never be a man again
Or a woman in a man’s world sufferin
Can’t fix it with advil or a bufferin
Taxidermy
Images are stuffed withing
Lyrics of a rap revolutionary
It’s scary how the masses be wary
Their masters
Treat the masses like them asses
Minds is blind
Souls controlled by tv screens
And the Got-Damn Radio
Keep the masses
Madd happy
If I ever get that dumb
Slap me
Save yourself if you got yourself
Watch yourself
Leave with your own Mind
The sound of silence
Sayin not a damn thing
Days bein dazed and confused
Haze of nights bein used
Airwave abuse
Give it up or turn it loose
Radio got the hood in a noose
Videos market gangs and hoes
Somebody’s behind
Pullin head robbery
Big biz bought your minds bodies and souls
I’m really digging Fine Arts Militia and thier song “Leave With Your Own Mind”. It’s very solid politi-social-rap-rock that hits on some issues I’ve seen ignored quite often, including the corruption of “black music”.
CDBaby’s sampler has introduced me to some great artists, and I’m certainly thankful.