HIP-HOP/RAP, West Coast
Life’s Theory – ‘Same Eyes, Different Phase’
Oct
Rejuvenating the monotonous hip-hop scene with lyrical depth, Life’s Theory speaks on various topics that will enhance your soul-searching journey. Subsequently, the rap duo’s latest LP, Same Eyes, Different Phase, testifies to pushing you to be your best self.
Over diverse boom-bap soundscapes, Product and Jay Infinite tells others, like in “Choices,” “Don’t sleep on who you are, and I swear you’ll get far.” Comprising 11 tracks, Same Eyes, Different Phase finds the rappers being full-on transparent about moments of revelation and perseverance. Similarly, the records serve as a confessional for the two. Not only do they reminisce on previous hurdles, but they reveal their innermost thoughts as well. For example, in “All I Feel,” one of the artists raps, “I forget who I am like amnesia in the mental.”
“Quests” is bound to change your way of thinking. In two minutes, Life’s Theory speaks about the power of determination and how it can ultimately change your situation for the better.
The lo-fi boom-bap beat gives Product and Jay Infinite freedom to rap about getting to the bag at all costs because, after all, time waits for no one. In the chorus, one of them even says “Ambitious like a lion ’cause I’m tryna take over/Envision all my dreams/Coming home like a soldier.”
Elsewhere in “Quests,” Life’s Theory speaks on their motivators and previous hustle.
Explaining why the grind never stops, one spits
“I had to pay the rent bill, and I ain’t standing on the standstill/I don’t expect these 1’s to stand still.”
The basis of Same Eyes, Different Phase is to highlight life’s ups and downs as positive rather than negative. At the same token, Life’s Theory uses their personal experiences to show that change is the law of life.
Natalee Gilbert got an opportunity to interview Life’s Theory about their artistry and learned more about Same Eyes, Different Phase. You can read the full Q&A below:
We’re a hip-hop duo from Astar, California. Our names are Product and Jay Infinite.
How did your music journey begin?
Jay Infinite: For me started pretty much with writing and trying to be one of the greatest. Mainly I would say the artist that inspired me was Guru.
Product: My musical journey in February 2020. When COVID almost hit, we both decided to make beats, and that’s something I have been interested in the past, but I didn’t go deeper into it. I also gravitate to certain instrumentals. I remember listening to Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, which intrigued me. I also listened to producers such as J Dilla and Mali, to name a few.
How does your new project differ from your previous work?
Jay Infinite: Our new project leveled up in quality. I think before this album, everything the message wasn’t clear. This one was a little bit more conveyable.
Product: Yeah, we both like when music inspires and has a message.
How would you describe the theme in your project per se?
Life’s Theory: It has to do more with self-growth. Even though it is a double entendre on the title, I even think the title is powerful just because of what it represents. You could have the same eyes and a different face. This means you’re still the same person, but the face of your mentality is different.
Favorite song to record from your project?
Product: “Choices.” I wasn’t present at that moment, but Jane Finn was the one who made that beat. The lyrics just gravitated to what he said, so he sometimes inspires me to make something better or pushes me to the next level that I need to go to—kind of overall the same message that he gave in the album.
Jay Infinite: “All I Feel.” I had the most fun making that beat, and it was pretty easy to write the verses. It took me about 30 minutes for both. The easiest songs are usually the best because you’re feeding off your energy. You don’t have to think about if it will hit here or if the kick sounds good. It sounds good at the moment, the most fun, you know?
Three things you need while in the studio:
Product: Some things we need in the studio are food before recording and inspirational conversations.
Jay Infinite: I need a joint, a bunch of water bottles, and a pen and pad.
Explain your creative process:
Life’s Theory: The creative process stems from wherever my mental state is during that day. It fluctuates like everybody else. So, if I’m feeling a chill vibe, I will make chill music, and vice versa. The beats tell me what to write down.
Any upcoming projects or singles?
Jay Infinite: I’m working on a solo and collaborative LP. I’m pushing out 5+ projects. I’m in the process of writing an album right now. I already have three songs done for it.
We also have an EP coming out. This will be a 15-minute project to propel our careers/motivate us to go harder.
Advice for new artists:
Product: Get to know yourself before you start making a beat or not. Figure out what works best for you. Creating the instrumental will not give you any hiccups or anything.
Jay Infinite: Try to figure out if this is your thing. Are you doing it because you want to be famous? Are you doing it because you like it? If you’re a part-time artist (not because it’s the only choice you have, but just because you’re lazy or something), quit. It’s not going to be for you. With music and anything creative, you will get addicted to it if it’s for you. It’s going to be constantly in the back of your mind.
You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t thoroughly enjoy, and you’re just lying to yourself.
