Message To The Masses: A Breakbeat Sermon from The Tribe
Yo, let me tell ya about Message To The Masses by The Tribe. This UK-born gem dropped back in 2004 under Authentic Media, and it’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a Sunday morning gospel choir—except this time, they’re breakbeating their way into your soul. It’s hip-hop meets electronic with a heavy dose of funk, all stitched together with that unmistakable UK swagger. If you’re looking for something raw, spiritual, and kinda chaotic in the best way possible, this is it.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that hit different: “God Made Me Funky” and “Hypocrite.”
“God Made Me Funky” feels like church but make it a rave. Like, imagine walking into some underground club where everyone’s wearing baggy jeans and neon wristbands, but instead of just dancing, y’all start testifying. That bassline? Oh man, it slaps so hard it could knock over a stack of Bibles. There’s this moment halfway through when the beat drops out, leaving just these heavenly vocal chops floating around. You can’t help but throw your hands up—even if you don’t believe in nothing. It’s not just music; it’s permission to feel alive, ya know?
Then there’s “Hypocrite,” which hits like a punch to the gut. The lyrics are sharp as hell, calling out fake people without ever sounding preachy (well, maybe a little). What gets me every time is how the drums stutter and glitch like they’re mimicking the frustration in the words. By the end of the track, you’re left feeling exposed, like someone just called YOU out too. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick. It ain’t comfortable, but real talk never is.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high while diving deep into themes of faith, revival, and straight-up getting down. Tracks like “Generation Rising” and “Take Back The Beat” bring the heat with their relentless rhythms, while cuts like “Love Is The Greatest” remind you why we even bother making music in the first place—to connect, to heal, to vibe.
But here’s the thing: listening to Message To The Masses feels like flipping through an old photo album. Some moments are blurry, others crystal clear, but each page has its own weird charm. Sure, the production might sound dated now—this was 2004, after all—but that only adds to its character. It’s messy, imperfect, and absolutely full of heart.
And isn’t that what life’s really about? Finding joy in the cracks and breaks? Listening to this album made me realize something kinda wild: maybe God is funky. Or at least, He should be. Either way, The Tribe came correct with this one. So go ahead, press play—and don’t act surprised when you catch yourself jumping in the house of God.
