Some songs just lend themselves well to sampling. This is definitely one of them. MJ's classic laid back vibe works gorgeously with Pos and Dove's flow. A smidgen of Smokey Robinson's 'Quiet Storm' is mixed in as well, but it's the MJ track that perfectly anchors this one. Typically, I prefer more clever, obtuse use of samples in hip-hop. But this one works beautifully.

one of my alltime faves.

also contains the chant from "Sang And Dance" by Barkays, and the drums from Pointer Sisters "Yes We Can Can".

All adds up to a great backing track.


Oddly, I think Michael Jackson's song "Breakadawn" references the De La composition, because it sounded like "I Can't Help It" mixed with Smokey's refrain.

CinisterCee said:

MJ has a track called 'Breakadawn'?

Speaking of that MJ song...is it me or does it sound like Pharrell use that song somewhat in "Frontin'"?

one of my favorite De La songs form my absolute favorite De La album

I thought it was funny that the track sampled an MJ song and then MJ's own 'Break of Dawn' is sung in the same tone when he sings those words.

violator said:

Ellie said:

"I was born in the Boogie Down Catskills"

De La was one of the best hip hop groups at using samples. "Say No Go"'s usage of Hall & Oates' "I Can't Go For That" is a great example as well as "Me Myself and I" with Funkadelic's "Knee Deep."

SoulScrybe said:

along w/ 'Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa' which used Funkadelics 'I'll Stay' to great effect.

one2three said:

As soon as I heard "Frontin" the first think I though about is "I can't Help it".