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blogs about music, compton's most wanted, good soul music, hip hop songs that sampled isaac hayes music, i can't go to sleep, isaac hayes tributes, me against the world, old school friday, old school music, tupac, tupac samples, wu tang clan
by vivrant thang on old school fridays
This week we’re featuring songs with a political/social-political themes.
Plenty of ways I could have gone with this. Immediately I thought of spotlighting James Brown and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, specifically how he used his music to heal America after Dr. King’s assassination.
However, I just felt the need to keep celebrating the music of Issac Hayes. I’ve also been listening to a lot of old school hip hop this week, getting hyped for The Legends of Hip Hop concert tomorrow night. As we know, Ike was rapping before we even knew what we even knew what it was. Seems fitting.
I consulted Kevin Nottingham’s list of songs that sampled his music and here’s what I came up with. Not all old school but they sure did pay tribute to the classics.
“Hood Took Me Under”, Compton’s Most Wanted (samples “Walk On By”)
Got another gang story to tell.
Peep, about how a black nigga was born in hell.
And right then and there it’s no hope
cause a nigga can’t escape the gangs and the dope.
Damn! And when its black on black, that makes it shitty.
Can’t survive in the Compton city.
“Me Against The World,” Tupac (samples “Walk On By”)
Had to have some ‘Pac on the list. Should also mention “Souljah’s Story” from his debut album 2Pacalypse. It samples “No Name Bar” from the Shaft album.
When will I finally get to rest? Through this suppression
they punish the people that’s askin questions
And those that possess, steal from the ones without possesions
The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons
Don’t settle for less – even the genius asks-es questions
Be grateful for blessings
Don’t ever change, keep your essence
The power is in the people and politics we address
Always do your best, don’t let the pressure make you panic
And when you get stranded
And things don’t go the way you planned it
Dreamin of riches, in a position of makin a difference
Politicians and hypocrites, they don’t wanna listen
“I Can’t Go To Sleep”, Wu-Tang Clan f/ Isaac Hayes. He appears in video. (samples “Walk On By”)
I can’t go to sleep, I can’t shut my eyes
They shot the father of his moms, killed him seven times
They shot Malcolm in the chest front of his little seeds
Jesse watched, as they shot King on the balcony
They spat at Marcus, Garvey cause he tried to spark us
with the knowledge of ourselves, and our forefathers
Ohh Jacqueline you heard the rifle shots cracklin
Her husband head in her hair, you tried to put it back in
AMERICA’S WATCHIN, BLOOD STAINED INK BLOTCHES
MEDGAR TOOK ONE TO THE SKULL FOR INTERGRATING COLLEGE
WHAT’S THE SCIENCE? SOMEBODY? THIS IS TRICK KNOWLEDGE
THEY TRY TO KEEP US ENSLAVED AND STILL SCRAPE FOR DOLLARS
Right on.
Electronic Village | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae | Thembi
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 
Viv good choices!
Not really a hip-hop head myself (with the exception of Common, The Roots & Hezekiah), but I can appreciate quality music.
Suppose the obvious choice would have been Marvin Gaye.
BTW nice pics of Miss Jack Davey …. cant wait for the vids/review.
PS thanks for the DJ Cuzzin B mixtape … still aint got round to listening but it will be in heavy rotation over the weekend!!
Nice picks! Wow! I didn’t realize that Issac Hayes’ Walk On By was sampled so much!
Have a great weekend!
Great Wu choice! Happy OSF.
VERY well done.
You got my feet to tapping!
Everyone went with political and I went with social – I immediately thought of Starry, Starry Night and posted 2 versions – one the original by Don McLean and the second by the incomparable Josh Groban.
I grew up with a crayon in my hand and this song speaks to me deeply.
Happy OSF!
You know anyone with some Pac is IMMEDIATELY on my fave list…
Very nice choices…like how you incorporated the Isaac Hayes…
Happy OSF!!
@ Soul UK – You should definitely check out some 80s and 90s hip hop – when it was hip hop and not rap. When it was about the message. I truly think you would like what you hear.
And yes, Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On” and “Makes Me Wanna Holler” were my 2nd thoughts- especially since I’ve used the songs so much on the site. But I had to go with Isaac again this week.
The JDavey vids are already going up. Are you subscribed to my You Tube channel? If not, you should be! I don’t know when the review will come along since I’m on my way to 8 blissful days of vacation!
@regina – I didn’t either!
@Pop Art Diva – You must be new! Welcome to the meme family. I need to update my list.
Wow! You came out swinging, and I’m glad you did. I stayed away from hip-hop, although Tupac was calling my name. I should have listened, because I forget how prolific he was…
I have to listen to the words of that Wu again, people sleep on the good side of rap…
Tupac and Compton’s Most Wanted – the bomb songs.