The Coup - 'The Magic Clap'

"The Magic Clap" by The Coup from the new album 'Sorry To Bother You,' out now

Directed and Edited by Pete Lee

Cinematography by Matthew Washburn
Assistant Director: Masaya Tamegai
Set Design by Jacquelyn Ngongoseke
Props provided by John Meyer Latham
Special Effects by Alan Cecil

Makeup by Hannah Gipperich
Hair by Theresa Wondra

Grips: Max Silverman, Patrick Tuck, Jenny Calhoun and James Mitchell

Special Thanks to Alrik Bursell at Studio B

Lyrics:

its like a hotwire, baby,
when we put it together
when the sparks fly
we'll ignite the future forever
this is the last kiss martin ever gave to coretta
its like a paparazzi picture when i flash my beretta
i got scars on my back
the truth on my tongue
i had the money in my hand when that alarm got rung
we wanna breathe fire and freedom from our lungs
tell homeland security
we are the bomb

hurry up, get in, close the do'
this here the meeting for the overthrow
waitin on that concrete rose to grow
doin lines that aint quotable
countin up all that dough you owe
you aint sposed to know its opposable
we are not disposable
muscle up kid
we got blows to throw
til the folks have risen
there'll be no decision
we make the motor move
they chauffer driven
right now we can't shine right like a broken prism
i figured out the 14th is a broke amendment
good evening
tonight we bring to you
worn out streets that'll sing to you
.45 shells that'll dance to the beats
stomachs so loud it'll cancel the speech
checks that vanish if you blink an eye
grace gettin locked in the clink to die
a salary cap on a birth certificate
notarized lies that burst in triplicate
morning prayers for the car to start
a man and a whiskey in a heart-to-heart
hope in a track suit to flash and run
while agony chases with a badge and gun
poetry shouted from the squeal of the bus breaks
hands in the air try to feel for an escape
flash in my eyes like candid snaps
when we slap back it's the magic clap

[mhaze]

ok after Sorry To Bother You I am convinced Boots Riley is a genius. I already liked The Coup years... i saw Streetsweeper Social Club open for NIN... but being a damn good Writer / Director AND Musical Artist makes me wonder if there is anything this guy CAN'T DO.

[Brainwashed]

I love how Boots Riley has a cameo as the "mayor" in Rope a Dope 2.

[MovieHound]

WHY HAVEN'T I FOUND THIS BAND SOONER????! Thought I was onthe up and up with Real music...What a breath of fresh Air.

[andrewbradley]

How have I never found these guys, anazing

[ridingdirtyface]

Rest in peace Pam @54 seconds!!! Love you. - A friend

[stevek]

sick. got this album on its way in the mail as we speak.Boots is one of the greatest lyricists hands down.

[illcrewuniversal]

The Coup stand up! Ill Crew Universal represent! The Coup have evolved into one of the most remarkable Hip Hop groups ever! 

[johntg]

Boots is one of the best rappers out there - lyrics are some of the best. Boots is so underrated.

[Plexll]

My thoughts exactly. The outfit at the beginning really helped.

[hihowareyou]

His movie Sorry To Bother You is fucking incredible.

[SonOfNothingness]

what is their most popular/ best album, i really enjoy this funkunism music

[gooodbye]

You've been missing some great albums! The Coup is one of the best rap-acts out there. Boots one of the best MCs. "Kill My Landlord", Genocide & Juice, Steal My Album (or Double Album), Party Music and Pick A Bigger Weapon. They're all classic albums. Maybe my favorite group. So looking forward to Sorry To Bother You!

[frasmo]

Groundhog Day Battle: Rope A Dope made me discover this good stuff!!

[hellbreakfast]

I just realized how hard this man has Spike Spiegel energy.

[reagandrafahl]

i luv all of the coups music videos oh nd the music of course lol

[thedustybuskers]

Been listenin to these guys for over a decade, great to see they're still doin it!! Fund their Kickstarter people!

[StarbellyJamMusic]

Love it. The Coup w/ accordian! Hell yeah!

[workingclasssociety]

he is a revolutionary, that won't get mainstream play in a conformist society

[Born_Into_This]

I must admit upon hearing it my 1st time I was a bit down on it (I thought it sounded a bit polished and pop-y). But each & every listen thereafter I liked it more and more as I was able to delve a bit deeper, took in the lyrics and meaning. Now I think it's pure genius. As far as the video as well as Guillotine & Land of 7 Billion Dances I love 'em. I bet we'd be surprised as to cost & production relative to other videos, yet maintains style, substance & artistic merit + it's in the community!

[godstatus]

Big girl came in with da muscle arm!!! That's classic!!! That's STR8