Robbin' the Hood
Encyclopedia
Robbin' the Hood is the second album by the Southern California
ska punk
band Sublime
, which was released in 1994
.
album with noted low production values (the album sleeve boasts of its "13 self produced 4-track home recordings"), and also has multiple samples and lyrics from other artists featured in some tracks. It has been speculated that it was Brad Nowell's answer to the people who were beginning to feel he was in the music business for the money. The album is full of fillers, instrumentals and 'Raleigh Soliloquies,' selections from a rant recorded by a mentally disturbed man named Raleigh Theodore Sakers. Raleigh Soliloquy Pt. III has Raleigh singing his interpretation of "You Don't Know What Love Is" by George Benson
. This was done as it was originally only going to have 6 tracks. According to late lead singer Bradley Nowell's wife, Troy Dendekker, the majority of the album was recorded in a Long Beach, California
crack house. She also stated that the album was written and recorded at the height of Nowell's heroin addiction, with many references to this reflected in the album's lyrics, particularly in "Pool Shark".
", and elements of "Work That We Do" would later appear in "Under My Voodoo". Furthermore, during the period of recording Robbin' the Hood, the band recorded demos of "What I Got
" and "Garden Grove
."
, of No Doubt
, contributes guest vocals on the track "Saw Red", notably before either Sublime or No Doubt enjoyed mainstream success. Steppin' Razor is a cover of The Wailers song of the same name, later popularized by Peter Tosh
in his solo career. It was written by Joe Higgs, who later threatened the band legally for its use after Sublime achieved popularity. It appears he never received any compensation despite this. In "Greatest Hits", Nowells mentions The Ziggens
, their "brother" band signed to the same label. The guitar riff and associated rhythm
in the song was borrowed from Yellowman. Boss D.J. is partially a cover of a song by British reggae band Aswad, "Roots Rocking". The Free Loop Dub borrows melody from the song Loaded
by Scottish alternative rock band Primal Scream
. STP's lyrics "Baby you wanna give me kisses ... but a taste of honey is worse than none at all" are borrowed from I Second That Emotion
.
A number of other bands are either mentioned explicitly, alluded to, or sampled including: Steady B
, Barrington Levy
, Geto Boys
, The Doors
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
, Bob Marley
, Flava Flave, Just-Ice
, and Jack Owens
.
* Track 22 includes several hidden track
s including an alternate version of "Don't Push" and an untitled dub
song that includes snippets of "Boss D.J." The original Skunk Records
release also contains a cover of Mudhoney
's "The Farther I Go," which was removed from the Gasoline Alley/MCA
re-release for legal reasons.
. "Saw Red" was included on Second Hand Smoke, Greatest Hits as well as the 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Sublime compilation.
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
ska punk
Ska punk
Ska punk is a fusion music genre that combines ska and punk rock. It achieved its highest level of commercial success in the United States in the late 1990s. Ska-core is a subgenre of ska punk, blending ska with hardcore punk.The characteristics of ska punk vary, due to the fusion of contrasting...
band Sublime
Sublime (band)
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...
, which was released in 1994
1994 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1994.-January–February:*January 25 – Alice in Chains release their Jar of Flies album which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first ever EP to do so....
.
Context and production values
Robbin' the Hood is a SublimeSublime (band)
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...
album with noted low production values (the album sleeve boasts of its "13 self produced 4-track home recordings"), and also has multiple samples and lyrics from other artists featured in some tracks. It has been speculated that it was Brad Nowell's answer to the people who were beginning to feel he was in the music business for the money. The album is full of fillers, instrumentals and 'Raleigh Soliloquies,' selections from a rant recorded by a mentally disturbed man named Raleigh Theodore Sakers. Raleigh Soliloquy Pt. III has Raleigh singing his interpretation of "You Don't Know What Love Is" by George Benson
George Benson
George Benson is a ten Grammy Award winning American musician, whose production career began at the age of twenty-one as a jazz guitarist....
. This was done as it was originally only going to have 6 tracks. According to late lead singer Bradley Nowell's wife, Troy Dendekker, the majority of the album was recorded in a Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
crack house. She also stated that the album was written and recorded at the height of Nowell's heroin addiction, with many references to this reflected in the album's lyrics, particularly in "Pool Shark".
Follow up
Some of the songs on the album contain parts that were later reused by the band on other albums. For example, the principle chord progression in the solely instrumental "Lincoln Highway Dub" was featured again in the band's later hit "SanteriaSanteria (song)
"Santeria" is a song by Sublime on the album Sublime. The song includes the bassline and guitar riff from Sublime's earlier song "Lincoln Highway Dub" off the album Robbin' the Hood...
", and elements of "Work That We Do" would later appear in "Under My Voodoo". Furthermore, during the period of recording Robbin' the Hood, the band recorded demos of "What I Got
What I Got
"What I Got" is a song from Sublime's eponymous third album titled Sublime and was the band's biggest radio hit, posthumously after singer Bradley Nowell's 1996 heroin overdose. It was the second single to be released by the band, following "Date Rape" . The song was one of the most popular singles...
" and "Garden Grove
Garden Grove
There are at least three places in the United States named Garden Grove:* Garden Grove, California* Garden Grove, Iowa* Garden Grove, Florida"Garden Grove" could also refer to:...
."
Influences and covers
Gwen StefaniGwen Stefani
Gwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
, of No Doubt
No Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, contributes guest vocals on the track "Saw Red", notably before either Sublime or No Doubt enjoyed mainstream success. Steppin' Razor is a cover of The Wailers song of the same name, later popularized by Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh , was a Jamaican reggae musician who was a core member of the band The Wailers , and who afterward had a successful solo career as well as being a promoter of Rastafari.Peter Tosh was born in Grange Hill, Jamaica, an illegitimate child to a mother too young...
in his solo career. It was written by Joe Higgs, who later threatened the band legally for its use after Sublime achieved popularity. It appears he never received any compensation despite this. In "Greatest Hits", Nowells mentions The Ziggens
The Ziggens
The Ziggens are a band based out of Orange County, California whose self-described style of "cowpunksurfabilly" combines elements of surf, rockabilly, punk, ska, and country. The Ziggens are led by Bert Susanka who sings and plays rhythm guitar. Other members include Dickie Little on lead guitar,...
, their "brother" band signed to the same label. The guitar riff and associated rhythm
Riddim
Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm," but in dancehall/reggae parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. Thus, a dancehall song consists of the riddim plus the "voicing" sung by the deejay. The resulting song structure may be taken for...
in the song was borrowed from Yellowman. Boss D.J. is partially a cover of a song by British reggae band Aswad, "Roots Rocking". The Free Loop Dub borrows melody from the song Loaded
Loaded (song)
"Loaded" is a song recorded by the rock band Primal Scream. It was the first single released from the group's 1991 breakthrough album, Screamadelica.-Inspiration and composition:...
by Scottish alternative rock band Primal Scream
Primal Scream
Primal Scream are a Scottish alternative rock band originally formed in 1982 in Glasgow by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie and now based in London. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Andrew Innes , Martin Duffy , and Darrin Mooney...
. STP's lyrics "Baby you wanna give me kisses ... but a taste of honey is worse than none at all" are borrowed from I Second That Emotion
I Second That Emotion
"I Second That Emotion" is a 1967 song primarily composed by Smokey Robinson and originally released as a single from his band Smokey Robinson & the Miracles for the Motown label. The song peaked for three weeks in the United States at #4 on the Billboard pop singles chart in December 1967...
.
A number of other bands are either mentioned explicitly, alluded to, or sampled including: Steady B
Steady B
Warren McGlone , known by the stage name Steady B, was an American rapper and emcee who, along with Schoolly D, the Fresh Prince, and Three Times Dope, was one of the first wave of Philadelphia-area rappers to gain notoriety in the mid to late 1980s...
, Barrington Levy
Barrington Levy
Barrington Levy is a reggae and dancehall artist from Jamaica.-Career:In 1976, Levy formed a band with his cousin, Everton Dacres, called the Mighty Multitude; the pair released "My Black Girl" in 1977...
, Geto Boys
Geto Boys
Geto Boys is a rap group from Houston, Texas, consisting of Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill. The Geto Boys earned notoriety for its lyrics which included misogyny, gore, psychotic experiences, and necrophilia...
, The Doors
The Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger...
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
, Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
, Flava Flave, Just-Ice
Just-Ice
Just-Ice A former bouncer at punk clubs, Ice was one of the first of the New York MCs to embrace hardcore rap, and when he burst out of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, as Just-Ice, he gained instant notoriety. Muscle-bound, tattooed, aggressive—he resembled Mike Tyson in more than just looks—and with a...
, and Jack Owens
Jack Owens (singer-songwriter)
John Milton "Jack" Owens , singer/songwriter, gifted pianist, and a star of the longest running network radio show, Don McNeil's Breakfast Club, was known as "The Cruising Crooner" because of his unique showmanship of cruising through mostly female audiences attending the live Breakfast Club...
.
Track listing
All songs written by Sublime unless otherwise noted- "Waiting for Bud" – 1:02
- "Steady B Loop Dub" – 1:23
- Contains samples of "Bad Fish",and "Bring the Beat Back" by Steady BSteady BWarren McGlone , known by the stage name Steady B, was an American rapper and emcee who, along with Schoolly D, the Fresh Prince, and Three Times Dope, was one of the first wave of Philadelphia-area rappers to gain notoriety in the mid to late 1980s...
. Also, the line "Music from Jamaica all the love that I've found, pull over there's a reason why my soul's unsound" was later used in "Garden GroveSublime (album)Sublime is the third and final album released by ska-punk band Sublime. Originally intended to be titled Killin' It, the band and record label agreed to substitute an eponymous title due to lead singer Bradley Nowell's death prior to the album's release...
".
- Contains samples of "Bad Fish",and "Bring the Beat Back" by Steady B
- "Raleigh Soliloquy Pt. I" – 1:46
- "Pool Shark" – 0:57
- "Steppin' Razor" (Joe HiggsJoe HiggsJoe Higgs was a reggae musician from Jamaica. In the late 1950s and 1960s he was part of the duo Higgs and Wilson together with Roy Wilson...
) – 2:24- Contains a sample of Steely DanSteely DanSteely Dan is an American rock band; its core members are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The band's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, with the release of seven albums blending elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop...
's "Do It AgainDo It Again (Steely Dan song)"Do It Again" is a song by American jazz-rock group Steely Dan, which was released as a single from their debut 1972 album Can't Buy a Thrill...
".
- Contains a sample of Steely Dan
- "Greatest-Hits" – 2:53
- Contains a sample of "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng!" by Yellowman and a partial cover of the Mad Mad riddim, first heard in "Mad Mad Mad" by Alton EllisAlton EllisAlton Nehemiah Ellis, OD, was a Jamaican musician best known as one of the innovators of rocksteady music and was often referred to as the "Godfather of Rocksteady". In 2006, he was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame.-Biography:Ellis was born in 1938 and...
.
- Contains a sample of "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng!" by Yellowman and a partial cover of the Mad Mad riddim, first heard in "Mad Mad Mad" by Alton Ellis
- "Free Loop Dub" – 3:08
- Contains a sample of "Chuckie" by Geto BoysGeto BoysGeto Boys is a rap group from Houston, Texas, consisting of Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill. The Geto Boys earned notoriety for its lyrics which included misogyny, gore, psychotic experiences, and necrophilia...
- Contains a sample of "LoadedLoaded (song)"Loaded" is a song recorded by the rock band Primal Scream. It was the first single released from the group's 1991 breakthrough album, Screamadelica.-Inspiration and composition:...
" by Primal ScreamPrimal ScreamPrimal Scream are a Scottish alternative rock band originally formed in 1982 in Glasgow by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie and now based in London. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Andrew Innes , Martin Duffy , and Darrin Mooney...
- Contains a sample of "Chuckie" by Geto Boys
- "Q-Ball" – 0:43
- Contains a sample of "No More ?'s" by Eazy-EEazy-EEric Lynn Wright , better known by his stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper who performed solo and in the hip hop group N.W.A. Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright in Compton, California...
- Contains a sample of "No More ?'s" by Eazy-E
- "Saw Red" – 1:57
- Contains a partial cover of "She's Mine" by Barrington LevyBarrington LevyBarrington Levy is a reggae and dancehall artist from Jamaica.-Career:In 1976, Levy formed a band with his cousin, Everton Dacres, called the Mighty Multitude; the pair released "My Black Girl" in 1977...
. Featuring guest vocals from Gwen StefaniGwen StefaniGwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
.
- Contains a partial cover of "She's Mine" by Barrington Levy
- "Work That We Do" – 2:34
- "Lincoln Highway Dub" – 2:21
- The intro is 30 seconds.
- "Pool Shark (Acoustic)" – 1:25
- "Cisco Kid" – 4:38
- Contains samples of "Introduction" by GuruGuru (rapper)Keith Edward Elam , better known by his stage name Guru, was an American emcee and member of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, along with DJ Premier. He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts...
, "When the Music's Over" by The DoorsThe DoorsThe Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger...
, dialogue from ScarfaceScarface (1983 film)Scarface is a 1983 American epic crime drama movie directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone, produced by Martin Bregman and starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana...
, and clips from The Cisco KidThe Cisco KidThe Cisco Kid refers to a character found in numerous film, radio, television and comic book series based on the fictional Western character created by O. Henry in his 1907 short story "The Caballero's Way", published in the collection Heart of the West...
- Contains samples of "Introduction" by Guru
- "Raleigh Soliloquy Pt. II" – 3:39
- "S.T.P." – 2:57
- Contains lyrics from "I Second That Emotion" by Smokey RobinsonSmokey RobinsonWilliam "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
- Contains lyrics from "I Second That Emotion" by Smokey Robinson
- "Boss D.J." – 2:51
- Contains partial covers of "Do it Twice" and "Waiting in Vain" by Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
, as well as Aswad'sAswadAswad are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid 1970s, having released a total of twenty-one albums.-History:...
"Roots Rocking", although Roots Rocking covers "Do it Twice" as well.
- Contains partial covers of "Do it Twice" and "Waiting in Vain" by Bob Marley
- "I Don't Care Too Much for Reggae Dub" – 5:20
- "Falling Idols" (Ross Fletcher/William Pangborn III; originally performed by the Falling Idols) – 2:37
- "All You Need" – 2:45
- Contains a lyric from "Fight Like a BraveFight Like a Brave"Fight Like a Brave" is the first track from American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers' album The Uplift Mofo Party Plan. It was released as the lead single for the album. Despite being a single, the song has not been performed live since 1989 though according to a magazine it was played once...
" by the Red Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
- Contains a lyric from "Fight Like a Brave
- "Freeway Time in L.A. County Jail" – 3:17
- "Mary" – 1:34
- "Raleigh Soliloquy Pt. III" / "Don't Push" / untitled / "The Farther I Go" (Mudhoney)* – 8:29
Hidden track
In the field of recorded music, a hidden track is a piece of music that has been placed on a CD, audio cassette, vinyl record or other recorded medium in such a way as to avoid detection by the casual listener...
s including an alternate version of "Don't Push" and an untitled dub
Dub music
Dub is a genre of music which grew out of reggae music in the 1960s, and is commonly considered a subgenre, though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae...
song that includes snippets of "Boss D.J." The original Skunk Records
Skunk Records
Skunk Records is a Long Beach, California based record label that was founded by Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and Bradley Nowell in 1990. The label also operates a subsidiary, Cornerstone RAS....
release also contains a cover of Mudhoney
Mudhoney
Mudhoney is an American alternative rock band. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988 following the demise of Green River, Mudhoney's members are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm, lead guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters. Original bassist Matt Lukin left the...
's "The Farther I Go," which was removed from the Gasoline Alley/MCA
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
re-release for legal reasons.
Notable songs
No singles were released from Robbin' the Hood, although the songs "Pool Shark," "STP," "Saw Red," "Boss D.J.," and "Greatest-Hits" became some of Sublime's best-known songs. Two versions of "Pool Shark," about frontman Bradley Nowell's addiction to heroin, appear on the album: An uptempo punk-rock version and a more emotional acoustic version. The uptempo version later appeared on Sublime's Greatest Hits album, while an acoustic version is featured on 1998's Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & FriendsSublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends
Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends is an album of acoustic performances by the band Sublime, mostly done solo by singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell...
. "Saw Red" was included on Second Hand Smoke, Greatest Hits as well as the 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Sublime compilation.
Personnel
Sublime- Bradley NowellBradley NowellBradley James Nowell was an American musician who served as lead singer and guitarist of the Californian band Sublime. He died at the age of 28 from a heroin overdose shortly before the release of Sublime's self-titled major label debut.Raised in Long Beach, California, Nowell developed an...
- vocals, guitar - Eric WilsonEric Wilson (bassist)Eric John Wilson , was the bass player for Sublime and also bassist for Long Beach Dub Allstars . He was the bassist for the band Long Beach Shortbus, which was composed of several members of Long Beach Dub Allstars and Sublime. He was the youngest member of Sublime...
- bass, sh-101 synthesizer - Bud GaughBud GaughFloyd "Bud" I. Gaugh IV is a rock music drummer who played in the bands Sublime , Long Beach Dub Allstars , Eyes Adrift Volcano , Del Mar and Sublime with Rome...
- drums
Additional personnel
- Marshall Goodman - turntables, drum kit
- Kelly Vargas - drum kit
- Opie OrtizOpie OrtizOpie Ortiz is an American artist specializing in tattoos, pop art and murals. Ortiz is best known for his art featured on Sublime album covers. Murals painted by Ortiz can be found in and around Long Beach. Opie operated American Beauty Tattoo for approximately 7 years before moving on to open...
- drum kit - Gwen StefaniGwen StefaniGwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
- vocals
Production
- Producers: SublimeSublime (band)Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...
, Michael "Miguel" Happoldt - Engineers: Michael "Miguel" Happoldt, Bradley NowellBradley NowellBradley James Nowell was an American musician who served as lead singer and guitarist of the Californian band Sublime. He died at the age of 28 from a heroin overdose shortly before the release of Sublime's self-titled major label debut.Raised in Long Beach, California, Nowell developed an...
, Donnell Cameron - Artwork: Opie OrtizOpie OrtizOpie Ortiz is an American artist specializing in tattoos, pop art and murals. Ortiz is best known for his art featured on Sublime album covers. Murals painted by Ortiz can be found in and around Long Beach. Opie operated American Beauty Tattoo for approximately 7 years before moving on to open...