When making my last list discussing my 5 most formative dance tracks, I mentioned in the comments that I could probably write an entire list containing my favorited songs featuring samples from Nina Simone. For my second list on Steem I'm following through on that promise.
Nina Simone is one of those rare artists that transcends time with an often imitated but never duplicated voice. While my first introduction to her was through a particularly notable remix of Sinnerman by Felix Da Housecat, I became fully aware of the power of her music after the inclusion of Feeling Good on the soundtrack to the show Six Feet Under. Her music is fantastic in its own right, but the frequent sampling of her music on a variety of records keep the spirit of her music going in a modern context.
For this list, I'll be noting releases that not only feature her vocal but the music surrounding them as well. I hope this post can also shed some light on how sampling can often recontextualize music for modern audiences in a way that can provide an entryway into older music.
1. Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes
Featuring an obscenely beautiful and haunting video, Flying Lotus cleverly flips a sample of the breakdown of Nina's Sinnerman in a way that becomes a nearly unrecognizable loose groove.
2. Massive Attack - Paradise Circus
Once again avoiding using her vocals, Massive Attack uses the low key thump of Nina's See-Line Woman to create a memorable and unique backing track for the delicate vocal track to shine through. You may remember this song from several commercials that aired in 2010, but the track remains a key song in Massive Attack's extensive discography the embodies the moodiness and atmospherics they are known for.
3. Common - Misunderstood
Another brilliant sample flip shows Common relishing in the storytelling style that he's cultivated over the years. Nina's vocals from Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood flutter in and out, cleverly reconstructed to reverse the vocal phrasing. Nina proves to be a perfect pair with Common with his flow detailing the lives of people on the fringe of society, a concept that Nina herself struggled with her entire career.
4. Jay-Z - The Story of O.J.
While Jay-Z's latest effort didn't resonate with me lyrically, the production coming from 9th Wonder made for some of the most lush and memorable productions of 2017. On this record, Jay-Z reinterprets the themes of Four Women into an ode to black independence. Controversial, but never boring.
5. Loco Dice - Breakfast at Nina's
Loco Dice has made a career out of fuzing late night hypnotic minimal techno with an occasional spatting of hip-hop influence for many years now. It comes as no surprise that he would eventually touch on the music of Nina Simone. Here he brings the cool vocal of After Your Gone into a dissonant minimal beat making for a haunting affair for 3am crowds. The beat throbs with the vocal creating a longing vibe. For adventurous dancefloors only.