Second impressions.

You can read a translation of what Aristophanes is saying on Grimes' tumblr. Then you will always know. The lyrics are very interesting, dark, sexual and poetic (arguably more so than even any of Grimes' own lyrics on this album). The other thing I would recommend is listening through all the songs on Aristophanes soundcloud and then come back and listen to her on the Grimes track. Production wise, while this track works brilliantly as an interlude, it is clear that Grimes' skill in producing rock and pop and R&B tracks is not yet matched by an understanding of how to create the right beat to showcase a rap vocalist. She will learn this- she just has limited experience so far. So Aristophanes' voice functions in this song not in a hip hop way, as a flow (which gets undercut by Grimes' distracting production choices) but rather just as a textural element. It works very well that way, but for better or worse, thanks to Grimes' choice of how to execute it, it isn't a song that you hear and get a good sense of Aristophanes as a RAPPER. now in fact, she does seem to be an unconventional, conversational rapper, not someone locked into a very technical groove. like Kendrick, her focus seems to be her amazing lyrics and a natural delivery of them. but this is probably showcased better on less uptight, more groovy tracks, and that's why I would recommend listening to her soundcloud- all her tracks are really good sounding and her voice too- even if you don't like Scream, you'll enjoy listening to her soundcloud, ironically the sound of the other producers who worked with her is much more, well, classically grimes (i.e. atmospheric, r&b, electronic textures). then once you get familiar with her voice you'll feel you "know" her a little (like most of us know Janelle Monae) and her part in the album will seem to make sense, and her voice, even if you don't understand it, will be easy to relate to like a friend.

/r/Grimes Thread Parent