the lost art of sampling /11.21.2023
¡Buenos días/tardes!
They really don’t sample songs like they used to. Like I had such high hopes for Jack Harlow when he sampled Fergie's “Glamorous.” And y’know what may that was my first mistake, but anyway Harlow’s song ended up being not great. I’ve had classroom discussions with my students about this. Anyway, that’s the theme for this week — all of my most personal favorite songs that sample other songs I love.
So like last week, this playlist is best played in order like actually because the OG songs that were sampled will play right after the sampler?
the lost art of sampling
Can I Kick It? by A Tribe Called Quest— This is one of my favorites and what inspired me to make this playlist. They sampled other songs besides Lou Reed’s, but it starts off with Reed’s sample which gives it such an iconic intro.
Walk On the Wild Side by Lou Reed — Walk On the Wild Side is about trans sex workers. Early into the song Reed mentions Candy (Candy Darling), who was a very famous trans woman that was very popular during the ‘Warhol years’ in NYC. Largely, due because Warhol took her in and made her a star or whatever. Personally, I hate Warhol, but hit me up if you wanna talk more about the Warhol years and all the iconic folks that were part of it.
The Move by Beastie Boys — They’re big fans of Los Angeles Negros, there’s actually an interview I saw where they had explained the whole process of including the song. Although the sample comes towards the end at like 2:55 it is done so beautifully.
El Rey y Yo by Los Angeles Negros— Y’know maybe I am biased cause I grew up on these songs lol but its a silly little song and I love it.
Paper Planes by M.I.A. — This song is iconic and I remember everyone was listening to it on repeat when it came out. There’s even a remix that Lil’ Wayne did. Anyway, I am a long time fan of The Clash, so when I heard this song of course I was immediately into it. I don’t follow M.I.A. so much anymore because she voiced anti-vax and anti-5G stuff.
Straight to Hell by The Clash — I love The Clash. This is one of their more popular songs from their Combat Rock album. My favorite songs from them are: Spanish Bombs and Lost in the Supermarket.
Mo Money Mo Problems by The Notorious B.I.G. (Ft. Puff Daddy & Mase) / I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross — it works soooooo amazingly well.
Fantasy by Mariah Carey — I can listen to this song on repeat for days. Like homegirl knew what she was doing when she sampled Genius of Love.
Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club — Released in 1981 with only 3 days of available studio time, the synth-pop and post-disco vibes. Like c’mon it makes this song iconic years later.
Hold Up by Beyonce / Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs — What’s the connection with Hold Up and Maps? Through some tweets Ezra Koenig made referencing Maps back in 2011 which then in 2016 we got Hold Up as a song in Beyonce’s Lemonade album — this is one of my favorite facts to know.
Ms. Fat Booty by Mos Def / One Step Ahead by Aretha Franklin — The way Aretha’s song is layered through the whole song, “Great gowns, beautiful gowns” IYKYK.
-Ari
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