Meaning and Lyrics of XEROX CLAT by Mach-Hommy

“XEROX CLAT” by Mach-Hommy is a composition that intertwines personal history, socio-political commentary, and complex wordplay. Set against the backdrop of Mach-Hommy’s Haitian heritage and upbringing, the song delves into the struggles and the profound desire for change within a socio-economic context that has long been stifled by systemic issues.

Interlude: Haitian Jack

The song begins with an interlude featuring Haitian Jack, a well-known figure whose presence adds authenticity and gravitas to the track. He addresses Mach-Hommy directly, emphasizing the urgency of recording and documenting their conversation. The line “My n***a, I pressed ?” indicates the importance of this dialog and the anticipation of capturing pivotal thoughts.

Haitian Jack’s speech highlights the necessity of tangible action over mere rhetoric. He states, “The only way a m**********r get change is through m**********n’ drastic measures.” This sentence underscores a key theme throughout the song: the need for radical and substantial efforts to enact change. It challenges the listener to consider that mere discussions and hopeful projections for the future, such as the hypothetical improvement of Haiti in 100 years, aren’t sufficient. Instead, there must be immediate and foundational changes.

Haitian Jack further elaborates, “Same n****s are being born every day. How is it going to get better, my n***a?” This rhetorical question emphasizes the cyclical nature of generational issues. Without addressing the underlying problems, the future generations are bound to repeat the struggles of their predecessors. Haitian Jack insists on “getting rid of the m**********n’ cancer from the root,” a potent metaphor for addressing systemic issues at their core rather than applying superficial fixes.

The recursive motif of “Hyper-casadi– calistic– capastic– capalistic aims” is a tongue-twister that Haitian Jack struggles to articulate, yet its meaning is profoundly significant. It references the ambitious and often convoluted goals inherent in capitalist societies. His struggle to pronounce the term symbolizes the complexity and critical nature of these ambitions. These aspirations, whether they aim for capitalistic success (“capalistic aims”) or critique avarice and greed (“avaricious”), compel educated discourse.

Haitian Jack’s laughing tone and simultaneous gravitas, “They need a educated m**********r who’s also a historian,” suggest the importance of someone knowledgeable to navigate and articulate these complex ideas. Mach-Hommy, through his lyrics, is seen as this figure. Jack emphasizes the necessity of integrating these deep, reflective concepts into more accessible formats, such as rap music, to resonate with and educate listeners.

The phrase, “We gotta get it this year. There’s no exception,” conveys an unyielding sense of urgency for tangible results. It is a call to action, emphasizing the present over procrastination. This urgency is smoothed over with a blend of humor and profundity when he encourages Mach-Hommy to incorporate these sophisticated themes into his music, calling them “deep.”

In summary, the interlude in “XEROX CLAT” serves as both an introduction and a thematic cornerstone for the song, encapsulating the necessity of drastic and educated efforts to achieve meaningful change. Haitian Jack’s words resonate with a palpable urgency and a call for authenticity and action beyond rhetoric. It’s a clarion call that underscores the pivotal role of knowledge, historical context, and immediate action in addressing and rectifying deep-rooted societal issues. Through these intricate layers, Mach-Hommy invites his listeners to not only enjoy his music but also to engage deeply with the critical socio-political narratives he presents.