Musicians have a long history of sampling songs from other artists and incorporating them into their own work. This practice has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, crossing genres and demographics. One example of a song that has been heavily sampled is “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John. This iconic song has been covered and sampled by many artists across a variety of genres, including rap. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the rappers who have sampled “Bennie and the Jets,” and how they’ve used this classic song to create their own unique sound.
Kanye West
One of the most prominent rappers to sample “Bennie and the Jets” is Kanye West. In his 2013 album, “Yeezus,” West used the song as the basis for his track “Send It Up.” The sample is used in the chorus, with the words “Ain’t nobody fresher than my motherf—ing clique” repeated over the familiar piano riff of “Bennie and the Jets.” West has long been known for his creative use of sampling, and this track is no exception. By adding the hard-hitting beats and aggressive rapping that are characteristic of his sound, West gave “Bennie and the Jets” a modern update while still paying homage to the original.
Wiz Khalifa
In 2012, Wiz Khalifa released “Bout Me,” which features a sample of “Bennie and the Jets” in the chorus. Khalifa’s version is much more subdued than West’s, with a slower tempo and a more relaxed vibe. However, the sample is no less effective in adding to the overall mood of the song.
Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane was one of the first rappers to sample “Bennie and the Jets,” incorporating it into his 1989 track “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy.” The sample is somewhat buried in the mix, but it’s still recognizable as the piano riff from “Bennie and the Jets.” Kane’s version is a more traditional hip hop track, with a heavy beat and fast-paced rhyming that contrasts with the laid-back feel of the original song.
Eminem
In his 1999 hit “My Name Is,” Eminem sampled “Bennie and the Jets” by taking the line “Oh, my God, it’s the shameless advertising” from the original song and using it as a sound clip in his own track. The sample is used to poke fun at the commercialization of rap music, a theme that runs throughout the song.
Conclusion
“Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John is a classic song that has been covered, sampled, and remixed by many artists over the years. Rappers in particular have found this song to be a rich source of material, using its catchy piano riff and distinctive sound to create their own unique tracks. From the hard-hitting beats of Kanye West to the relaxed vibe of Wiz Khalifa, these artists have shown how “Bennie and the Jets” can be adapted to fit any style of rap music. As long as musicians continue to use creative sampling and remixing techniques, songs like “Bennie and the Jets” will continue to inspire new generations of artists for years to come.
FAQ
What song sounds like Star-Spangled Banger?
“The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States, can be a subjective experience for its listeners. While most Americans have grown up hearing the rousing tune, some find it difficult to sing or uninclusive of all Americans. As a result, there have been discussions about alternative songs that could replace it, or at least serve as an additional patriotic song.
One song often touted as a replacement for “The Star-Spangled Banner” is “America the Beautiful.” The original words are from a poem by Katharine Lee Bates, first published in The Congregationalist in July 1895. The music is by Samuel A. Ward, and first appeared in 1910.
“America the Beautiful” has a very different feel to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It is more melodic and easier to sing, and its focus on the United States’ striking landscapes and natural beauty has made it a popular choice to represent American patriotism. Due to its widespread recognition, many performers have sung their own versions of “America the Beautiful” at sporting events and other public gatherings, often to rousing applause.
Another potential substitute for “The Star-Spangled Banner” is “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. Though it is a more general celebration of America, the song acknowledges the diversity of its people and the beauty of its landscapes. It is an upbeat, jaunty tune that can be sung by people of all ages, and its simple message of connection and shared heritage has resonated with generations of Americans.
While many Americans still cherish “The Star-Spangled Banner” as their national anthem, there are alternative patriotic songs that could be considered as a replacement or complementary anthem. “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land” are two highly regarded choices that have resonated with Americans as an expression of patriotic pride and national unity.
How to find a song name by sound?
If you’re trying to find out the name of a song but you only remember how it sounds, there are a few options to help identify it. One popular method is to use the Shazam app, which is available for free on both iOS and Android devices. To use Shazam, simply open the app and tap on the Shazam button in the middle of the screen. Hold your device up to the speaker or play the song aloud and wait for Shazam to analyze the sound. Within seconds, it should display the name of the song, the artist, and other useful information like lyrics, music videos, and the option to listen to the song on a streaming service or purchase it.
Another option is to use the Google app, which includes a feature called “What’s this song?” To use it, simply open the Google app, tap on the microphone icon, and say “What’s this song?” or type those keywords in the search box. Then you’ll hear a sample of the song and receive a prompt to learn more about it via Google search results. This option also works with the Google Assistant on your device, which can be activated by saying “Hey Google” (or “OK Google”) and asking the same question.
If those options don’t work, you can also try to hum or sing the melody of the song into a voice recording app like Voice Memos (iOS) or Voice Recorder (Android), and use the app’s share function to send it to a friend or post it on social media with the hope that someone can identify the song for you. You can also search for the lyrics of the song online and try to find matches based on the words you remember. Additionally, some music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora offer a feature called “Song Radio” that creates a playlist based on a song you like, which might help you discover similar songs or artists you enjoy.
What was the Beach Boys sound?
The Beach Boys were a prominent American rock band known for their unique and recognizable sound. One of the defining features of their sound was their complex harmonies, which were a core element in nearly all of their music. The Beach Boys perfected their signature harmonies through a great deal of coordination and mutual understanding, which allowed them to create some of the most exciting harmonies in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
In addition to their harmonies, the Beach Boys’ sound was built upon a mix of different musical influences. One early influence was the surf music that was prominent in Southern California in the early 1960s. This genre featured distinctive guitar sounds, driving rhythms, and catchy melodies, which the Beach Boys incorporated into their sound. They also drew upon R&B and soul music, which is evident in their use of the saxophone and other brass instruments, as well as their focus on rhythm and groove.
Another key aspect of the Beach Boys’ sound was Brian Wilson’s arrangements. Wilson, who was the band’s primary creative force, was known for his innovative and complex orchestrations, which often featured unusual instruments. For example, on the song “Good Vibrations,” Wilson used a wide range of instruments, including a theremin, a bell tree, and a harmonica, to create a complex and layered sound.
Beyond their technical and musical skills, the Beach Boys’ sound was also notable for its themes and lyrics. Many of their songs celebrated youth, surfing, and California culture, making them a popular band among teenagers and young adults. However, they also explored more complex themes, such as love, loss, and loneliness, which helped them appeal to a wider audience.
The Beach Boys’ sound was a unique blend of complex harmonies, surf music, R&B and soul, and innovative arrangements. This distinctive sound helped make them one of the most influential and beloved bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.