Sampled 70s Horror Flick Turned Drake Hit 🧟‍♀️

🕣 4 Minute Read

In this week’s issue:

• How a 70s Horror Film Sample Became Drake & 21 Savage's 'Rich Flex'

• Little Brother's Documentary: 'May the Lord Watch'

• Anna Indiana's Debut and the Future of AI Music Creation

Real Talk

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Top Story

How a 70s Horror Film Sample Became Drake & 21 Savage's 'Rich Flex'

The What: FnZ, an Australian production duo behind the scenes, stumbled upon an eerie sample from the 1970s horror film "Invasion of the Bee Girls" while browsing YouTube for fresh sounds. This spooky snippet became a pivotal component in the creation of Drake and 21 Savage's hit track "Rich Flex," currently positioned at No. 22 on Variety's 2023 Hitmakers Top 25.

Tell Me More: The sample, initially one of many ideas FnZ concocted that day, was sent alongside 14 others to producer Vinylz for consideration. Unexpectedly, two of these, including the "Invasion of the Bee Girls" clip and a snippet from Sugar's 1973 soul single "I Want You, Girl," became integral to "Rich Flex." Merging both samples, Vinylz crafted the perfect beat, later adding a switch-up produced by Tay Keith at Drake's request.

Say Word: This song's unconventional structure, starting with a soothing '70s soul sample before plunging into a darker beat, contributed to its success. However, the song's ascent to the Billboard Hot 100 was accidental, initially not intended as a single. Nevertheless, TikTok memes catapulted it to viral status, propelling its popularity beyond the album's planned singles.

Final Verdict: The accidental success of "Rich Flex" raises questions about the power of samples and the unforeseen influence of social media in determining hit songs. Despite AI tools and unexpected trajectories, it's still the listeners who decide a track's fate.

Must Watch

Little Brother's Documentary: 'May the Lord Watch'

Comprising of rappers Phonte and Big Pooh, along with producer 9th Wonder (formerly), "May the Lord Watch" delves into the rise, breakup, and eventual reunion of the revered 2000s rap collective, Little Brother. Yet, the soul of the film lies in the evolving dynamic between Phonte and Big Pooh. Originating at Durham's North Carolina Central University, their relationship weaves through the music industry's trials and triumphs, culminating in an enduring friendship as they reunite to craft their 2019 album, "May the Lord Watch."

This documentary captures the essence of a group that not only made music but also etched an indelible mark on the rap scene's evolution. The journey of Little Brother encapsulates the narrative of friendship, struggle, and ultimate reconciliation, narrating a story that transcends rap, making "May the Lord Watch" a compelling tale for music enthusiasts. Recommended watch!

Switching Gears…

Anna Indiana's Debut and the Future of AI Music Creation

Artificial intelligence's impact on music creation sparks debate, with concerns about its potential threat to musicians' careers. Yet, the recent debut single from AI pop singer Anna Indiana, entirely AI-generated, might ease some worries. Titled "Betrayed by this Town," the track received harsh criticism on Twitter, with comments ranging from labeling it "the worst thing ever" to quips about kitchen appliances enjoying the tune.

Critiques hit on the song's predictable chord structure, drawing sarcastic comments from artists like James Blake. Anna explained her AI-driven creation process, focusing on AI-generated lyrics and melodies, which received mixed reactions from listeners. While her initial attempt drew heavy criticism, Anna's future AI-generated compositions hope to evolve, despite the mixed reception.

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