HIP HOP CLASSICS - Digital Underground - 'The Freaks of the Industry'
Digital Underground - 'Freaks of the Industry' (1990)
The sad passing of Donna Summer last week, not only meant we lost the queen of disco but also perhaps the queen of sauce, with of course 'Love to Love You' and 'I Feel Love', particularly racy numbers (as featured in Shell Hunters fitting tribute here). It also reminded me of this cheeky number by California Hip Hop collective, Digital Underground, who brilliantly use a sample of 'Love to Love You', making it one of my favourite and certainly sleaziest tracks in my arsenal. Phwoar!!
They've managed to make it ruder by slowing down and splicing up Donna Summer's steamy vocals over a slinky bassline which is, oh so good. But it's the spicy well delivered and witty rhyming, so synonymous with Digital Underground's style, that clinches it for me.
Digital Underground....a bit saucy!
'Freaks of the Industry' is taken from their debut album, Sex Packets, one of the most groundbreaking and innovative Hip Hop albums from the early 90's. Signed to trailblazing label Tommy Boy, it's little wonder they were stable mates with fellow Hip Hop pioneers, De La Soul. Even Rap legend, Tupac Shakur first plied his trade with them before going solo. Heavily influenced by Jazz and Funk, particularly Parliament, they managed to create their own unique trademark sound, almost psychadelic in nature, with distinctive beats and bubbling basslines. They never took themselves too seriously as most tracks were predominately about sex, booty and parties - what more could a hormonal teenager want? Hmm...or a man approaching middle age for that matter? Nope, a long lie will do.
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