Feel Me Flow
"Feel Me Flow" is a hip hop song by the American group Naughty by Nature, released in May 1995 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Poverty's Paradise.[1] Produced by the group members Anthony "Treach" Criss, Vincent "Vinnie" Brown, and Kier "Kay Gee" Gist, the track features a smooth, atmospheric beat built around a sample from The Meters' "Find Yourself," highlighting the trio's signature energetic yet introspective lyricism on themes of street life and resilience.[2] The single achieved significant commercial success, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 10, 1995, and peaking at number 17 while spending 20 weeks on the chart.[3] It also reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, marking it as the most successful single from Poverty's Paradise, which itself topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[3] In the United Kingdom, "Feel Me Flow" entered the UK Singles Chart on April 23, 1995, and peaked at number 23.[4] "Feel Me Flow" received critical acclaim for its production and flow, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996.[5] The song's music video, directed by David Nelson, depicts the group navigating urban environments and performing dynamically, contributing to its cultural impact as a staple of 1990s East Coast hip hop.[6]Background and development
Album context
Poverty's Paradise is the third studio album by the American hip hop trio Naughty by Nature, consisting of members Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee, released on May 30, 1995, through Tommy Boy Records.[7] As their final project with the label, it followed a two-year hiatus after the release of their second album, 19 Naughty III (1993), which achieved platinum certification similar to their breakthrough self-titled debut from 1991, bolstered by the success of the single "Hip Hop Hooray."[7] The album emerged during a pivotal era in mid-1990s hip hop, where groups like Naughty by Nature balanced commercial appeal with street-oriented lyricism amid rising competition from West Coast gangsta rap and emerging East Coast acts. The development of Poverty's Paradise reflected Naughty by Nature's intent to reclaim the raw energy of their early work while incorporating polished production to meet label expectations for hit singles.[8] Recorded primarily at studios in New York and New Jersey, the project featured self-production by the group alongside contributions from external producers, resulting in a 17-track effort that blended upbeat, anthemic choruses with introspective tracks addressing urban poverty, racial injustice, and the legacy of slavery, as heard in songs like "Chain Remains."[8] This thematic depth positioned the album as a commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by their hometown of East Orange, New Jersey, where the group grew up within blocks of each other.[9] Commercially, Poverty's Paradise peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, earning RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units shipped in the United States.[10][11] It spawned several singles, including "Craziest," "Clap Yo Hands," and "Feel Me Flow," the latter of which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and exemplified the album's smooth, jazz-inflected production style.[12] The album's critical and cultural impact culminated in winning the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996, defeating nominees such as 2Pac's Me Against the World and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's E. 1999 Eternal, marking a historic milestone for hip hop's recognition by the Recording Academy.[7][13]Writing process
"Feel Me Flow" was collaboratively written by Naughty by Nature members Anthony "Treach" Criss, Vincent "Vin Rock" Brown, and Kier "Kay Gee" Gist, who composed the original lyrics and musical elements for the track.[14] The song also credits writers from its sample, including Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr., and Joseph Modeliste from The Meters' "Find Yourself."[2] This integration of sampled funk grooves provided the foundational rhythm, around which the group built their verses to emphasize themes of lyrical mastery, group camaraderie, and rising success in hip-hop. Treach's contributions to the songwriting focused on dense, multisyllabic rhymes delivered in his signature off-beat cadence, creating the "floating" effect alluded to in the title. In a 2023 interview, Treach described his writing and delivery style for the track: "I'm never on beat. I'm not on top of the beat, I'm in between the beat. That's what makes the flow feel me flow. That's what makes it feel like it's floating."[15] This approach influenced the lyric structure, prioritizing rhythmic innovation over conventional timing to enhance the song's laid-back yet energetic vibe. Vin Rock and Kay Gee complemented this with supporting verses and production input, ensuring the track aligned with the album Poverty's Paradise's blend of introspective and celebratory tones.[16]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording sessions for "Feel Me Flow" formed part of the production for Naughty by Nature's fourth studio album, Poverty's Paradise, which took place primarily in New York-area facilities between April 1994 and January 1995.[17] The group handled production duties for the track themselves, drawing on their established in-house approach to beat-making and arrangement that emphasized layered rhymes over funk-infused samples.[2] Key sessions occurred at Soundtrack Studios and Battery Studios in New York City, as well as Marion Recording Studios in Fairview, New Jersey, where the core vocals and instrumentation were captured.[18] Recording engineer Angela Piva oversaw the capture of the group's performances, ensuring a polished hip-hop sound that balanced Treach's rapid-fire delivery, Vin Rock's rhythmic support, and DJ Kay Gee's production elements.[19] Keyboard contributions from Dave Bellochio added textural depth, particularly in supporting the track's sample of The Meters' "Find Yourself."[20][21] Assistant engineers Mike Psanos and Chris Curran assisted with tracking and overdubs, facilitating the group's collaborative workflow during extended studio stays.[20] Mixing for "Feel Me Flow" and the album was completed at Soundtrack Studios, where engineers refined the track's dynamic range to highlight its energetic flow and bass-heavy groove, preparing it for release as the album's lead single.[18] This process underscored Naughty by Nature's hands-on role in crafting a cohesive project that blended East Coast lyricism with Southern funk influences.[2]Personnel
"Feel Me Flow" was produced by Naughty by Nature, the hip hop trio consisting of Anthony "Treach" Criss (lead vocals and rapping), Vincent "Vin Rock" Brown (rapping), and Keir "Kay Gee" Gist (DJing and production).[22][23] The track was recorded by engineer Angela Piva across Soundtrack Studios, Battery Studios, and Marion Recording Studios, with mixing handled by Piva and Kay Gee.[20][23][18] Assistant engineers included Chaz Harper, Steve Sisco, Mike Psanos, and Chris Curran.[24][23][20] Keyboard contributions were provided by Dave Bellochio, enhancing the track's instrumental foundation built around a sample from "Find Yourself" by The Meters.[23][19][21] Songwriting credits are attributed to Anthony Criss, Vincent Brown, Keir Gist, and members of The Meters—Ziggy Modeliste, Art Neville, Cyril Neville, Leo Nocentelli, and George Porter Jr.—due to the sample of their composition.[24]Musical composition
Style and structure
"Feel Me Flow" exemplifies East Coast hip hop with a smooth, laid-back production style that contrasts its energetic lyrical delivery. Produced by the group members Kier "Kay Gee" Gist, Anthony "Treach" Criss, and Vincent "Vinnie" Brown, the track features a prominent sample from The Meters' 1976 funk song "Find Yourself," looped into a sun-drenched, swinging beat that evokes summertime ease.[21][25] This foundation includes crisp percussion layered over a warm bassline and jazzy keyboard elements, creating an atmosphere that is light yet substantial, allowing the rhythm to groove without overwhelming the vocals.[25] The song's structure follows a straightforward verse-chorus format typical of mid-1990s hip hop singles, designed for radio play and dancefloor appeal. It opens directly into Verse 1, delivered by Treach, followed by the chorus, then Verse 2 and a repeated chorus, concluding with Verse 3 and a final chorus that fades out.[20] Treach handles all vocals solo, eschewing guest features to emphasize the group's cohesive dynamic. This arrangement keeps the track concise at 3:32, with verses building momentum through escalating rhyme density while the chorus serves as a catchy, repetitive hook: "Here we go, now holla if you hear me though / Come and feel me flow."[20][25] Stylistically, the track balances gritty street narratives with playful party energy, showcasing Treach's nimble, rapid-fire flow that challenges listeners to keep pace. His delivery is measured and meditative, mirroring the beat's composed pacing, yet infused with an edge that cuts through the groove—shifting seamlessly from tight multisyllabic rhyme sequences to effortless hooks.[26][25] This rhythmic charisma, rooted in the group's New Jersey origins, positions "Feel Me Flow" as a song-of-the-summer anthem, blending confidence and accessibility without strain.[26]Sampling and instrumentation
"Feel Me Flow" prominently samples the bassline and groove from The Meters' 1976 funk song "Find Yourself", which forms the core rhythmic foundation of the track and infuses it with a laid-back, New Orleans funk vibe characteristic of The Meters' style.[27] This sample, credited in the writing to Art Neville of The Meters, is looped throughout the song to underpin the hip-hop beat, exemplifying early-1990s East Coast production techniques that blended vintage funk elements with rap rhythms.[19] The production, handled by Naughty by Nature (primarily DJ Kay Gee), incorporates live keyboards played by session musician Dave Bellochio, which provide subtle melodic accents and atmospheric textures over the sampled bass.[22] These keyboard elements, recorded at Soundtrack Studios in New York City, enhance the track's smooth, flowing quality without overpowering the central sample.[19] The drums are programmed in a classic boom-bap style, emphasizing the song's mid-tempo groove at 90 beats per minute, while turntable scratches by DJ Kay Gee add rhythmic punctuation typical of the era's hip-hop instrumentation.[28] Recording engineer Angela Piva oversaw the sessions, ensuring a clean integration of the live and sampled components for a polished yet organic sound.[19] Overall, the instrumentation reflects Naughty by Nature's self-produced approach on Poverty's Paradise, prioritizing groove and simplicity to spotlight the group's lyrical delivery.[29]Release and promotion
Single formats and track listing
"Feel Me Flow" was released as a single by Tommy Boy Records in May 1995, available in various formats including CD, 12-inch vinyl, 7-inch vinyl, and cassette.[2] The primary U.S. commercial release on 12-inch vinyl (catalog TB 682) featured the radio edit and album version on the A-side, with "Hang Out and Hustle" (featuring Road Dawgs and Cruddy Click) and its instrumental on the B-side.[19] International editions often included remixes, such as the UK 12-inch (Big Life, BLRT 115) which added the Feel the Funk Remix and its instrumental.[30] The CD maxi-single, released in regions like Germany (Tommy Boy, 0630-11211-2), compiled multiple remixes alongside the radio edit.[31] Cassette versions mirrored vinyl tracklists, with the UK edition (Big Life, BLRC 115) including the album version and "Hang Out and Hustle." A 7-inch vinyl pressing (TB 682) offered a more streamlined option with just the radio edit and its instrumental.U.S. 12-inch Vinyl (TB 682, 1995)
| Side | Track | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Feel Me Flow (Radio Edit) | 3:32 | |
| A2 | Feel Me Flow (Album Version) | 3:32 | |
| B1 | Hang Out and Hustle (Album Version) | 3:10 | Featuring Road Dawgs and Cruddy Click |
| B2 | Hang Out and Hustle (Instrumental) | 3:10 |
UK 12-inch Vinyl (BLRT 115, 1995)
| Track | Title | Remix/Version | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Feel Me Flow | Radio Edit | 3:32 |
| A2 | Feel Me Flow | Feel the Funk Remix | 3:50 |
| AA1 | Feel Me Flow | Feel the Funk Remix Instrumental | 3:50 |
| AA2 | Hang Out and Hustle | Album Version | 3:10 |
German CD Maxi-Single (0630-11211-2, 1995)
| Track | Title | Remix/Version | Duration | Remix Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feel Me Flow | Radio Edit | 3:32 | |
| 2 | Feel Me Flow | Feel the Funk Remix | 3:50 | Remix: Ollie J, Engineer: Dave Pine, Mark Franks |
| 3 | Feel Me Flow | Professor K Remix | 4:00 | Remix: Professor K (Kodzo) |
| 4 | Feel Me Flow | Jazzy Flow Remix | 3:45 | Remix: Jazzy Jay |
Music video
The music video for "Feel Me Flow," directed by David Nelson, was released in 1995 to promote the single from Naughty by Nature's album Poverty's Paradise on Tommy Boy Records.[6] It stars the group members Anthony "Treach" Criss, Vinz and DJ Kay Gee, alongside supporting cast including Monique Peoples Graham and a guest appearance by Lord Jamar of Brand Nubian.[35] The video opens with scenes of urban residents enduring a sweltering summer heatwave, fanning themselves and tuning into radio broadcasts of the track, intercut with Naughty by Nature performing energetically on a beachfront and at an outdoor house gathering.[6] These summer motifs align with the song's laid-back, summery vibe, emphasizing themes of resilience and flow amid everyday struggles. Midway, the visuals shift to a contrasting winter sequence filmed at Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, featuring snowboarders carving down slopes in sync with the beat, symbolizing a cool escape from the heat.[36] This juxtaposition of seasons highlights the group's versatility, blending East Coast hip-hop energy with adventurous outdoor elements. The production earned a 5.7/10 rating on IMDb based on 1,019 user votes as of 2023.[37]Commercial performance
Weekly charts
"Feel Me Flow" experienced moderate commercial success on several weekly music charts in 1995, particularly in the United States where it performed strongly on genre-specific lists. The track debuted on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart at number 5 on June 10, 1995, eventually peaking at number 3 after 15 weeks.[38] On the Billboard Hot 100, it debuted at number 61 and reached a peak of number 17 over 12 weeks.[39] It also charted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number 17 for 12 weeks and number 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales for 7 weeks.[40][41] In the United Kingdom, the single debuted and peaked at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks starting April 29, 1995, while reaching number 6 on the UK Dance Singles chart for 2 weeks and number 6 on the UK Hip Hop/R&B Singles chart for 8 weeks.[42][43][44]| Chart (1995) | Peak position | Weeks on chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 17 | 12 |
| US Billboard Hot Rap Songs | 3 | 15 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 17 | 12 |
| US Billboard Rhythmic | 12 | 20 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 23 | 3 |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) | 6 | 8 |
| UK Dance (OCC) | 6 | 2 |
Year-end charts
"Feel Me Flow" earned solid year-end placements in 1995, underscoring its sustained popularity on major U.S. charts following its summer peak. The track ranked number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart, based on performance metrics including sales and airplay throughout the year.[45] On the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs year-end chart, it reached number 68, highlighting its resonance within the genre despite competition from R&B-heavy hits.| Chart (1995) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 73 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 68 |