Skull Snaps

In hip-hop circles Skull Snaps is best known for the 1973 funk protest cut “It’s A New Day” appearing on their one and only album. While they, almost literally, disappeared from the musical scene after their debut, the opening beat of “It’s A New Day” lived on through sampling by Gang Starr, Mr. Lif, Peanut Butter Wolf, Hieroglyphics, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, The Pharcyde, Camp Lo, Lords of the Underground, and Diamond D. to name but a few later artists. Prior to the 21st century re-release of Skull Snaps by the original artists on their own label (Ten12 Records) the, by then, legendary album was selling for upwards of $300.

But “It’s A New Day” tis not the focus here. Another track on the album, “I’m Your Pimp”, drew my attention on the weekend. It’s so straight funkified and has such ridiculous lyrics you can’t help but crack a smile. I mean, come on, how can you not consider Poptastic a song with these opening lyrics? “I’m your pimp. I wear my hat to the side and walk with a limp.” And for good measure, “Dontcha dare talk back to me. You better listen when I speak.”

Considering the affirmative message in “It’s A New Day”, holding up “I’m Your Pimp” as supremely Poptastic probably does it a disservice. To be fair, upon closer listening there is a message beyond how to be the best pimp you can be. I can’t help it, though. It’s funny! At least I didn’t post this for Soundtrack Day. If this was the soundtrack to my life, then we’d have problems.

This track - combined with the historic “It’s A New Day” - makes the re-release well worth a purchase for hip-hop aficionados and the casual fan of funk.

   Skull Snaps - I’m Your Pimp