I hereby propose a new term to be added to music's official glossary: "beat change." You know those rare times in rap songs when the beat completely and unexpectedly switches up in the middle? They make for some of the most glorious moments in hip hop, and the effect produced is similar to a brilliant chord/key change in rock or jazz. This list is by no means complete (if you know of more good ones, email me at luke@buffablog.com), but here are some of my favorites: OutKast - "Humble Mumble"
The beat chugs along lazily and happily until the sudden switch to some crisp funk at 1:35, when Andre 3000 comes out of nowhere to drop knowledge like only he can. The beat change snaps the listener into giving Andre undivided attention.
Public Enemy - "Rebel Without a Pause"
Produced by the Bomb Squad, the main beat itself is an early rap masterpiece: the combination of James Brown's oft-sampled "Funky Drummer" and whatever the hell is making that crazy noise (Wikipedia says it's a trumpet glissando) is huge and chaotic-sounding, which is perfect for Chuck D's big voice and serious rhymes. Every once in a while, the listener needs a reset, which explains the beat change at 0:41, when Flavor Flav taunts the listener: "AyoChuckman!Idontunderstandthisman!Yoyougottaslowdownmanyoulosinem!"
Hieroglyphics - "At the Helm"
Del tha Funkee Homosapien's solo track on the first Hieroglyphics album. In addition to having one of my favorite lines in rap history (at 0:31), the beat changes at 1:37 and back again at 2:09 are masterfully executed. Other cool Del beat changes: "3030" and "Memory Loss," both off of Deltron 3030 and produced by Dan the Automator.
Souls of Mischief - "A Name I Call Myself"
This beat morphs and changes throughout the whole song, giving Del's crew-mates a true tag-team effect.
Wu-Tang Clan - "I Can't Go To Sleep"
Mozart, Hendrix, RZA. Check out this gem. The change happens at 1:16. If you're interested in where this beat came from, it's based off of this Isaac Hayes song. Other great Wu-Tang beat changes: "Protect ya Neck (The Jump Off)"; "Baby C'mon" (ODB); "Child's Play" (Ghostface); "Box in Hand" (Ghostface); "Wu-Banga 101" (Ghostface).
The Roots - "Ain't Saying Nothin' New"
The beat change at 1:04 is another reason why The Roots may never be successfully duplicated. They have a top-10-of-all-time rapper fronting a band full of incredible, patient, and selfless musicians. I have been listening to this song on repeat for two weeks.
MF DOOM - "?"
From his solo debut, Operation: Doomsday, "?" is one of the few times when DOOM gets personal, spitting rhymes about his late brother Subroc. The beat change happens at 1:38, and it is rather brief, but it is the brevity that makes it so effective. Honorable mentions for DOOM beat changes: "Gazillion Ear," "Curls" (Madvillain).
I have loads more, and this is getting long, so if it goes over well then I'll do a "Part 2" sometime in the future. It will include Kanye West, Ice Cube, Odd Future, De La Soul, Mos Def, and the Beastie Boys, among others.
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