Back with another Dr. Dre Sample Saturday. According to his words, the man had something major to prove with this project.
For the last couple of years, there’s been a lot of talk out on the streets about whether or not I can still hold my own, whether or not I’m still good at producing. That was the ultimate motivation for me. Magazines, word of mouth and rap tabloids were saying I didn’t have it any more. What more do I need to do? How many platinum records have I made? O.K., here’s the album — now what do you have to say?” – Dr. Dre on 2001
I never doubted him personally, but those that did better have smartened up after their first listen of 2001. Generally speaking, Dre’s production on this album brought back the West Coast sound and saved the style from perpetual obscurity. “Xxplosive” personifies everything a typical West Coast joint should represent; a laid back crisp beat, gangsta lyrics, and of course a Nate Dogg feature. This track always stood out on the album because it’s the only song that doesn’t feature a verse from Dre himself. Instead the underrated trio of Hittman, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg take the reigns and destroy one of the standout records on 2001.
“Xxplosive” features an interesting sample from the Soul Mann and The Brothers song “Bumpy’s Lament”. This song was originally composed and performed by Isaac Hayes for the Shaft soundtrack. Soul Mann and The Brothers produced a cover album of the soundtrack which contained the version of “Bumpy’s Lament” that Dre decided to use. In true Doctor fashion he had the sample replayed professionally, giving him the flexibility to make it his own. The bell melody counters the guitar riffs perfectly… great music. (P.Walsh/K.Casey)
Soul Mann and The Brothers – Bumpy’s Lament
via KevinCaseyMusic