I’m so geeked — I was featured in HoustonPress writer Shea Serano’s weekly column, “Ask a Rapper,” in which I was asked to examine remixes…fitting, since I sample regularly in a lot of my production. Keep reading to see the prompt and how I answered or you can read the full article here! Feel free to share your thoughts on your favorite remixes too :)

Extra credit if you don’t include Wayne’s “A Milli.” Double extra credit if you can name a Houston artist who did a remix of the song that you picked.

1. The Isley Brothers, “Between the Sheets”

Sammus says: Production-wise, [it’s] one of the smoothest, sexiest pieces of music I’ve ever heard. I melt and clutch my pearls every time I hear it, no matter who’s rapping over it.

Rappers Who Have Hijacked It: Gwen Stefani with Slim Thug (“Luxurious”), Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, J. Cole, Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Royce Da 5’9.

2. Kid Cudi, “Day and Night”

Sammus says: One of the most haunting pieces of production I heard from 2009 with a compelling hook that can take on so many meanings depending on the context in which its rapped around (love, hustling…)

Rappers Who Have Hijacked It: Lil Wayne, Jim Jones, Young Cash, Styles P, Young Dro, Aidonia, K’naan, Chamillionaire, Chiddy Bang

3. M.I.A., “Paper Planes”

Sammus says: The beat and hook [from M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes”] are undisputably gripping, whether placed under M.I.A.’s sing-songy hypnotic rapping or mashed up with the funk of DFA. Nuff said.

Rappers Who Have Hijacked It: DFA Remix, Diplo Street Remix feat. Bun B & Rich Boy, Kid Cudi, Rick Ross, Jadakiss
4. Jim Jones, “We Fly High”

Sammus says: I’m not a big fan of Jim Jones, but [the original] (and its complementary hand motion) are catchy, and every artist I’ve heard killed his remix.

Rappers Who Have Hijacked It: Jay-Z, Weezy, Cassidy
5.Rich Boy, “Throw Some D’s”

Sammus says: I love the original song, but I’m particularly drawn to the various remixes because I love hearing what kinds of things rappers feel need to be thrown on that B, or what words can be put to the rhyme scheme: “Oh-some-ee.” Blow some weed, for example.

Rappers Who Have Hijacked It: Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Kanye West, DJ Whoo Kid and Young Buck, Hell Rell

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