Throwback Write-Up #16: Handsome Boy Modeling School - So...How's Your Girl? - HipHop | HipHop Channel

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Throwback Write-Up #16: Handsome Boy Modeling School - So...How's Your Girl? - HipHop

Throwback Write-Up #16: Handsome Boy Modeling School - So...How's Your Girl? - HipHop

Throwback Write-Up #16: Handsome Boy Modeling School - So...How's Your Girl?

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 09:31 AM PDT

Artist: Handsome Boy Modeling School

Album: So… How's Your Girl?

Label: Tommy Boy Records

Release Date: October 19, 1999

Listen:

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Introduction:

In 1999, Hip-Hop supergroup Handsome Boy Modeling School was formed by producers Prince Paul and Dan the Automator. Both Prince Paul and Dan the Automator had previously earned acclaim from earlier projects. Prince Paul was involved in classic Hip-Hop groups such as Stetsasonic, De La Soul, and Gravediggaz; in addition to having earned acclaim for his ambitious solo album, A Prince Among Thieves. Dan the Automator first gained recognition from his production credits with Dr. Octagonecologyst, Kool Keith's debut solo album, and went on to produce for Deltron 3030, Gorillaz's debut album, and many other projects.

Background:

Prior to collaborating under the HBMS moniker, Prince Paul was already established as a pivotal figure in Hip-Hop with major contributions to a variety of classic Hip-Hop groups including: Stetsasonic, Gravediggaz, and, most notably, De La Soul. His late 80s and early 90s run of contributions to Stetasonic's On Fire and In Full Gear; De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul is Dead, and Buhloose Mindstate; and Gravediggaz's 6 Feet Deep established him as a Hip-Hop great. However, the late 90s were not nearly as kind to Paul. He split ways with De La Soul early into the recording of Stakes is High, and he only produced two tracks on Gravediggaz's The Pick, The Pick, and The Shovel. In addition, he struggled to find features for his 1996 album, Psychoanalysis: What is it?, a Trip-Hop album consisting of mostly instrumentals. However, in 1999, Paul found a second wind with his sophomore album The Prince of Thieves, an ambitious rap-opera album that played out like a movie.

Meanwhile, Dan the Automator was on the rise. Previously, between 1989 and 1996, he had released several EPs that generated little fanfare. However, his breakthrough came when he linked up with rapper Kool Keith for the collaborative effort, Dr. Octagonecologyst. Under the moniker Dr. Octagon, Kool Keith rapped exclusively over Dan the Automator's very quirky and unusual production. All this while under the guise of a fictional character, Dr. Octagon, who was a homicidal, time-traveling, extraterrestrial... gynecologist and surgeon. The alternative and quirky nature of this album caught on quickly in the underground Hip-Hop scene, helping Dan the Automator to rise as an in-demand producer.

The Founding of the Handsome Boy Modeling School:

Around the time both Dr. Octagonecologyst and Psychoanalysis were released, Dan the Automator and Prince Paul got in touch and began talking. They initially bonded over their mutual appreciation for comedian Chris Elliot, which Dr. Octagonecologyst contained references to. They shared their first production credit together on a remix of Blue Flowers from Dr. Octagonecologyst. Their friendship continued to grow, and then in 1999, something interesting happened: Dan was in the Tommy Boy office talking to Prince Paul when he was interrupted by an A&R, who asked what they were talking about. Dan joked that they were forming a Hip-Hop duo called "Handsome Boy Modeling School" and continued to describe the fictitious group to the A&R, who then pitched it to the president of Tommy Boy records; Tommy Boy immediately signed the group without hearing any material from the duo. Prince Paul and Dan the Automator were faced with having to figure out what this previously fictitious group was about.

Taking the concept of the "Handsome Boy Modeling School" literally, the duo conceived the concept of a satirical take on the excessively posh and wealthy culture. Using a series of samples taken from classical music, various vocal clips and skits from SNL actor Don Novello, and a hilarious TV ad, the foundation for the music was laid. From there, the two used their Hip-Hop connections to gather a very wide range of guest artists to appear on the record; from Prince Paul's connections to Brand Nubian and El-P to Dan the Automator's connections with Deltron 3030 (whom he'd collaborate with later that year), an electric blend of genres emerged.

Tracklist Breakdown:

Handsome Boy Modeling School's debut effort, So… How's Your Girl?, starts off with a massive flex with the track "Rock and Roll (Could Never Hip Hop Like This)". Containing a whopping ten samples, the producer duo comes out of the gate swinging with a strong showing of production chops. The sample credits range from a Philip Glass classical sample, six different vocal samples, including a smooth main vocal sample from Stetasonic, a Blues Rock sample, and a Disco sample. This track really sets the tone for the entire record with the production techniques, an extremely varied palette of influences, and the unpinning classical samples. The chopped up vocal sample hook from Statasonic plays triple duty in showcasing Prince Paul's roots, providing the track with a grokkable and memorable hook, all while showcasing their talents as producers.

After the intro, the group moves you into "Magnetizing", a track featuring a soon to be frequent collaborator, Del the Funky Homosapien. "Magnetizing" starts with a pretty simple vocal sample before throwing in a foreboding sample from Nick Ingman. With his trademark flow and distinctive voice, Del the Funky Homosapien flexes all over the production, where his confident vocal delivery and the sampled vocal line contrast nicely with the aforementioned Nick Ingman sample. In a lot of ways, this song serves as a precursor to Deltron 3030 that Dan and Del would release the following year. In fact, this track was even sampled in one of the standout tracks in Deltron 3030, "Mastermind". Put all of this together, and "Magnetizing" really does feel like a track from Deltron 3030. And to put the cherry on top, Del finishes the song by interpolating a quote from one of Slick Rick's most iconic songs, "La Di Da Di".

After "Magnetizing", we get a pretty similar approach with the track "Metaphysical"; it starts with some clean production and a killer Aretha Franklin sample before the eerie main beat kicks in. This song features cerebral lyrics from Miho Hatori, a member of the Trip Hop group Cibo Matto and the original vocalist for Noodle from the Gorillaz, peppered throughout the song. In between these lyrical passages, we get some pretty simple contributions from Beastie Boy's Mike D. The lyrics serve as a bridge and a break from the heavy and ominous contributions from the beat and Miho Hatori. During the parts when the heavy production lightens up a bit, you have this vocal sample from Peggy Lee that cuts through the mix. The sample going over top of the Aretha Franklin sample has this oddly foreboding quality to it; almost as if you're bracing yourself for when the main beat kicks in.

After the first leg, we arrive at our first interlude. This track embodies the concept of the Handsome Boy Modeling School with a mix of vocal cuts over a sample of Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 - III: Allegro. After this brief interlude, we get back to the record with the song "Waterworld", featuring Encore. Once again we are treated with another slick and slightly eerie jazz sample from Belgian Jazz legend Marc Moulin that forms the underpinnings of the track. I absolutely love how they use the striking opening piano note to build the initial tension. The constant water sound effects from the sample combined with Encore's references to water give the track a thematic backing that ties everything together. The Eric B. & Rakim sample on the hook and the aforementioned striking piano note at the start of the verses adds the icing on top. The following track, in contrast, feels a lot more open, and gives Brand Nubian members Grand Puba and Sadat X a lot of room to flex their lyricism. On "Once Again (Here To Kick One For You)", we have a pitched down sample of a Rock/Pop group, Three Dog Night, that serves as both the main sample and as additional vocals on the hook. The hook is also accompanied by a quick vocal sample from Charlie Whitehead that gives the song a more 'classic feel' when accompanied by the main Three Dog Night sample; just that little bit of an extra 'pop' to make the hook stick out more.

From here, Prince Paul and Dan the Automator completely change the vibe of the album with one of the standout tracks, "The Truth". Featuring a smooth and beautiful vocal performance from future electro-pop singer Róisín over a beautifully simple yet pensive jazz sample, this song quickly sets itself apart from the rest of the album. Not only in contrast to proceeding songs, but in its execution as a simple yet evocative sample. I love how the duo don't feel the need to add a lot of extra production to the sample; they just let it breathe. The track lyrically features a more emotionally poignant showcase about how posturing, lying, or otherwise attempting to mislead, is ultimately futile. On the second half of this track, J-Live spits a braggadocious, yet slightly contemplative verse on both the truth of his skill and the corruption of the criminal justice system. From here, we do another hard pivot into the track "Holy Calamity (Bear Witness II)". Similar in style to the opening track, this track is another flex of production backed by an eclectic mix of the 8 samples, contributions from DJ Shadow and some sick scratching from DJ Quest.Similar to the opening track, one of the key vocals comes from a previous project of the duo, this time from "Bear Witness" by Dr. Octagon. This track features a collage of samples. The main sample features a funky performance by Kashmere Stage Band, an elite high school band that recorded multiple albums. Combined with the barrage of vocal samples and a beatboxing breakdown on the second half of the track, this collaboration really showcases the talent of all of the producers.

After "Holy Calamity (Bear Witness II)", we are once again treated to a quick interlude. Featuring a recorded phone call with Biz Markie, you quickly get a sense of the absurdity of the whole album concept. Complete with some improv singing, it makes for a humorous break. Then, we hit the track "The Projects (PJays)", once again featuring Del the Funky Homosapien, this time joined by Trugoy from De La Soul. Featuring a bluesy sample with a pretty sick harmonica riff, the production is a lot more upbeat with a bit of a twang. Trugoy and Del both spit about their love of the projects they come from while interspacing vivid depictions of some of the rougher aspects of growing up there. This song also features samples from Instant Funk, an underrated Disco band, and a vocal sample from the title track off of De La Soul's Stakes is High. I love how this sample both reinforces Prince Paul's roots while adding to the theme of the song.

Following "The Project (P Jays)", we get a pretty low key song with "Sunshine", which is backed by a sample of the Canterbury Prog group Cos. The low key vibe set by the sample lays the ground for a pretty great vocal duet between rock singer Sean Lennon and alternative country singer Paula Frazer. Lyrically, this song is about taking it easy and unwinding for a bit, which blends nicely with the very relaxing beat. We also get some humorous spoken word bits from Father Guido Sarducci (aka Don Novello). Combined with some slick funk vocal samples over the hook, this low-key funky jam is the perfect song to sit back and unwind to.

Then we get another interlude. This time, complete with vocal snippets rebelling against the modeling motif of the album. Backed by a sample of one of the most recognizable classical melodies from Beethoven's Symphony Number 5 , this interlude features some pretty smart sampling from the Get A Life TV Series about modeling (which we also saw on the earlier interlude "Look At This Face"). From here, we move back towards the slightly ominous tone present throughout the first leg of the album with the song "Torch Song Trilogy". The track starts off with some light instrumentation and a haunting sample of Ted Bundy saying that "I'm Not Guilty". We then get this transition which features a bass boosted and pitched down drums from a sample. I absolutely love how heavy these drums hit; it provides the perfect driving beat for rapper Sensational (frequent collaborator of the Jungle Brothers) to spit a verse. With no real hook to speak of, Sensational's off-the-wall verbiage and flow really come through front and center. After Sensational's killer verse, the album introduces another foreboding track with The Runaway Song. Another producer-exclusive track, it includes an ominous melody from the main sample combined with some pitched down laughing that really sets the tone. Dj Koala Kid provides some excellent scratching throughout the track that really gives it some extra umph. There's also some occasional variation provided by some vocal snippets and brief instrumental breaks. The Runaway Song feels straight out of a movie with its somewhat suspenseful vibe; almost as if you're approaching the climax for a big reveal of the villain's evil plan.

In the final moments of the album, it pivots to one of the most sonically distinct tracks on the entire album: Megaton B-Boy 2000. This song features a much more industrial influence, a more chaotic mix, and a rougher aesthetic overall. When the track opens with shrill notes, you already know you're in for something very different. The heavy production, and the rough mix (the vocals are almost hard to make out), make way for a very aggressive verse from El-P. He sounds almost frantic with his vocal delivery, giving the track a sense of urgency, especially when layered on top of the hectic instrumental. If you've heard El-P's debut album Fantastic Damage, you probably know what you're in for. Alec Empire, a frequent collaborator of artists like Bjork, contributes production elements that really set this track apart in the best way possible. His sense of unconventional production and melodies really helps this final song stick out. In fact, this is the only song (save one of the interludes) that has no samples in it. Finally, the album ends with a skit. This skit features no production- just a spoken word outro by Father Guido Sarducci advocating for people to attend the Handsome Boy Modeling School. Ending on a track with no production is an interesting choice for a producer duo, but it almost makes you sit back and appreciate the wild ride you've just gone on.

Final Thoughts:

So… How's Your Girl? is an underrated gem of 90s Hip-Hop. Despite the fact that Dan the Automator and Prince Paul are both legendary producers with multiple classics under their belts, this album is often overlooked. The sheer versatility of the samples/features, the tongue in cheek nature of the album theme, as well as the extremely impressive production makes this album an interesting listen. The fact that the only reason we have this album is a joke going a little too far makes it all the more entertaining. The album was successful enough that the duo decided to link up again for a second album, White People, released in 2004. Their unique chemistry and sense of sampling really makes for a unique experience, especially when you really start to dig into the material that they're sampling. Prince Paul and Dan the Automator set out to make something truly different that felt like a melding of the minds, and they certainly succeeded!

Sources/Additional Reading:

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Daily Discussion Thread 07/23/2020

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 04:40 PM PDT

Welcome to the /r/hiphopheads daily discussion thread!

This thread is for:

  • objective questions with right/wrong answers (e.g. "Does anyone know what is happening with MIXTAPE?", "What is the sample in SONG?")
  • general hip-hop discussion
  • meta posts...e.g. ideas for the sub

Thread Guidelines

  • Do not create a separate self post for these types of discussions outside of this thread - if you do, your post will be removed, as stated in the guidelines.

  • Please be helpful and friendly.

  • If a question has been asked many times before, provide a link to a thread that contains the answer.

Weekly/Monthly Threads

Other ways to interact

There are a number of other ways to interact with other members of HHH:

New to /r/hiphopheads or hip-hop in general?

Check out these:

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[FRESH ALBUM] Logic - No Pressure

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Megan Thee Stallion was shot, then ridiculed: Here's why 'Black women are so unprotected'

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[FRESH VIDEO] Ski Mask the Slump God - Burn The Hoods

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[DISCUSSION] Has Alchemist reached Madlib status? If not, is he close?

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 02:46 PM PDT

I was working today and decided to put on The Price of Tea In China in the background and it had me thinking... Alchemist has been putting in so much work for the past couple of decades and has kept the quality very high and very consistent. I started to wonder if he is appreciated as much as i think he should be. When you look into the body of work he has released in just the last decade, there are some amazing pieces of work. This brings me to my questions. Has he reached Madlib level?

Madlib is at a status where everything he creates and releases is looked at with high expectations, and high excitement. Never is there a Madlib release that doesn't generate buzz. And never is there a Madlib release that disappoints. We look at him as a legend and we definitely should. My question is, should we also look and treat Alchemist as that?

For ALC, I believe he moved into a different stratosphere around 2011. For me personally, I think Covert Coup is when i started looking at ALC in a special way and with high regards. Alchemist has plenty hits from before 2010, obviously, but I'm going to focus on the last ten years which is when I think he has evolved the most and what has made him into the legend he is today.

[2010]

  • Gangrene - Gutter Water

[2011]

  • Curren$y - Covert Coup

  • Evidence - Cats & Dogs (6 tracks)

  • Gangrene and Roc Marciano - Greneberg

[2012]

  • Domo Genesis - No Idols

  • Action Bronson and The Alchemist - Rare Chandeliers

  • The Alchemist - Russian Roulette

  • Gangrene - Vodka & Ayahuasca

  • The Alchemist - Yacht Rock

  • The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 2

[2013]

  • Prodigy - Albert Einstein

  • The Alchemist - SSUR

  • Willie The Kid - Masterpiece Theatre

  • The Alchemist - The Cutting Room Floor 3

  • Boldy James - My 1st Chemistry Set

[2014]

  • Step Brothers - Lord Steppington

  • Schoolboy Q - Break the Bank

  • The Alchemist - Craft Singles

  • Fashawn - FASH-ionably Late

  • The Alchemist & Budgie - The Good Book

  • The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 3

[2015]

  • Gangrene - Welcome to Los Santos

  • Gangrene - You Disgust Me

  • The Alchemist - Israeli Salad

  • The Alchemist - Retarded Alligator Beats

[2016]

  • Curren$y & The Alchemist - The Carrollton Heist

  • Havoc & The Alchemist - The Silent Partner

[2017]

  • Lunice & The Alchemist - Moving Parts

  • Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Part 4 (co-prod)

  • Kendrick Lamar - FEAR.

  • The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 4

  • The Alchemist & Budgie - The Good Book 2

  • The Alchemist - French Blend PT1 & PT2

  • Jay Worthy - Fantasy Island

[2018]

  • Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Fetti

  • The Alchemist - Lunch Meat EP

  • The Alchemist - BREAD EP

  • Benny The Butcher - Tana Talk 3 (not all album)

[2019]

  • Anderson Paak - Make it Better

  • The Alchemist - Yacht Rock 2

  • Boldy James & The Alchemist - Boldface EP

  • The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 5

  • Action Bronson & The Alchemist - Lamb Over Rice

[2020]

  • Boldy James & The Alchemist - The Price Of Tea In China

  • Conway the Machine & The Alchemist - LULU

  • Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo

And of course all of the Griselda work on so many of their albums for the past few years

I've left out some other joints as well like the work he did on albums by Evidence, Durag Dynasty, Prodigy, Roc Marciano, Sean Price, Joey Bada$$, Mac Miller, Mobb Deep, Fashawn, Blu, The Game, 50 Cent, Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown, Your Old Droog, and many more. Let me know your thoughts!

[EDIT] Seems a lot of people think I'm comparing their music but that was not my intention. I'm solely asking if you guys think that Alchemist has provided us with the quality work to be respected, admired, anticipated, and loved like Madlib. Thanks all for joining the discussion, I hope to see more dope discussions like these on this sub.

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Posted: 23 Jul 2020 08:59 PM PDT

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x Something good is going to happen? Big Boi hints about a forthcoming dream Kate Bush collaboration

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[FRESH ALBUM] Flo Milli - Ho, why is you here ?

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[FRESH MIXTAPE] Sada Baby - Bartier Bounty 2

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Posted: 23 Jul 2020 09:07 PM PDT

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Fast & Furious 9: Road To Fast 9 Mixtape featuring Don Toliver, Lil Baby, Tory Lanez, Tyga, YoungBoy Never Broke Again & more dropping 7/31,

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 03:13 PM PDT

F9's official soundtrack will be released concurrently with the film. In the lead up to the soundtrack, a mixtape titled Road to Fast 9, will be released prior to the soundtrack and will feature music inspired by the film. The mixtape is set to drop on July 31st

The official Tracklist hasn't been revealed yet, but as of now, these are the current singles that have been released.

  • YoungBoy Never Broke Again - One Shot (feat. Lil Baby): Link
  • Tory Lanez & Kevin Gates - Convertible Burt: Link
  • Lil Skies - Red & Yellow: Link
  • NLE Choppa - Ruff Rydas: Link
  • Arcangel - No Hay Amor: Link
  • KINGMOSTWANTED - How 2 Ride: Link

Via Twitter & Instagram

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Talib Kweli on Facebook makes a post about switching his primary media to the subscription based Patreon. Kweli mentions that the upcoming Black Star/Madlib album will be available on Patreon in the future (no date listed).

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CONGRATS TO MY BROTHERS @STREETLIFEWU @METHODMANOFFICIAL ON #SQUADUP BEING THE YANKEES TEAM SONG 2020 - DINI

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