I was talking to one of my friends (nickthe1da, loop digga numero uno!), and we were talking about how it’s the “new thing” to re-use drums. This came into my mind the other day as I was driving and the remix to “So Sick” by Ne-Yo came on the radio. As you know, it’s a popular thing for remixes to pop-up when it’s about time for the radio life of a single to expire, and keeping with r&b remix traditions, this one features a rapper (in this case LL Cool J) who is also trying to extend the popularity of his current single (let’s not even mention Jennifer Lopez ripping off Fergie’s style on that hook either). Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Before we continue, download the song and start listening to it.
Ne-Yo ft. LL Cool J – So Sick (remix)
The remix is dope, up and down. Those big drums and that sample make it sound like an early to mid 90s song. Which is exactly what they were going for. Why? Because Ne-Yo’s appeal is already solidified with today’s young radio audience, now they have to hit those people on the verge. The people that remember music like this from when they were the young radio audience. Smart move on the label’s part to push this. Shit, I keep getting sidetracked…..back to the issue at hand for the second time: DJ PREMIER CALLED AND HE WANTS HIS DRUMS BACK!! Ever heard “U Know My Steez” by Gangstarr? Even if you have, check it below and you’ll hear what I’m talking about:
Ok, so using someone else’s drums is nothing new. That is the foundation of hip-hop, right? Truth be told these are breakbeat drums anyway. I’m not mad at anyone for re-using drums, I can’t tell you how much of my production has been created using other people’s drums (about 100% of anything I made prior to last year, haha). This is simply me noticing a trend.
Soaked all that in? Good, let’s move on to example number 2:
Also while listening to radio, I heard the new Christina Milian single. Anyway, “Say I” is produced by cool and dre. I’m a fan of theirs too, if only for their ability to make hybrid tracks and actually be good at it. Anyway, cool and dre basically re-used their drums from “hate it or love it” by the game. I wish I had an mp3 to share with you, but I couldn’t find one in time (if anyone has it, please email it to djforge{at}gmail.com and i’ll post it up). It’s actually quite blatant, and once again a smart move because today’s audience thrives on familiarity. Add in a version that features Young Jeezy and you’ve essentially got a hit on your hands.
If you need one more example of the continuing trend, just listen to Toni Braxton’s new single. If the drums sound familiar it’s because they’re ripped from an Amerie song. Both songs produced by Rich Harrison. Coincidence? Labels want to cash in on a formula that they know works. Those drums worked wonders for the numbers on Amerie’s single (1 Thing).
Once again, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, just a current trend that we noticed.
P.S. I have an important announcement coming in the next few days, once I make sure it’s 100% in concrete. I made it to one of my career goals. It’s not super-huge but it should garner me some alright publicity and help to get my name out there a bit more.
