SAMPLED is a recurring column that examines the skeletal production of a contemporary Rap/R&B/Hip-Hop or Pop song. From what song did the loop, sample, or chopped up vocal providing the backbone for a new interpretation originate? We look at the original song with some historical context, and then review the modern-day production that samples the original. For better or worse, this is the process by which a huge portion of contemporary pop music is assembled. On a weekly basis, SAMPLED aims to approach it case-by-case, and examine the dividing practice of using samples in the creation of music.

This week, the sample in question comes from “Pop That Pussy” by the legendary Miami hip-hop group 2 Live Crew:

From the very beginning, 2 Live Crew took hip-hop music to a new level of obscenity, with lyrics so sleazy that a record store clerk was once charged for selling their debut record The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are to a 14-year-old girl. For better or worse, 2 Live Crew are primarily known for their nasty lyrics, and the much publicized legal controversy that ensued. The publicity helped 2 Live Crew amass one platinum and four gold records spanning 5 years, and while doing so, their taboo lyrics pushed the boundaries of hip-hop to new levels. The song “Pop That Pussy” is from 2 Live Crew’s 5th full-length album Sports Weekend: As Nasty as They Wanna Be Pt. 2 (1991), which would be the final album featuring all original members. “Pop That Pussy,” a raunchy strip club anthem produced by 2 Live Crew member Mr. Mixx, is far from 2 Live Crew’s most iconic song (that honour likely belongs to “Me So Horny” or “Banned In The U.S.A.”), but it’s a good example of what the group does best.

2 Live Crew’s “Pop That Pussy” was recently sampled on French Montana’s debut single “Pop That” featuring Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne:

As a solo artist and with his rap group The Coke Boys, French Montana has released no fewer than 19 mixtapes to date. With this level of hustle, he’s managed to simulataneously ingratiate himself to hip-hop artist collectives Maybach Music (Rick Ross) and Young Money (Lil Wayne). Rather than sign with either of these label magnates, he’s set up shop with Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment for his major label debut. Despite pledging his allegiance to Mr. Ciroc, both Wayne and Rozay seem interested in maintaining some kind of an affiliation with French, as demonstrated by their high-profile features on this track. Excuse My French drops on July 17th, and the Drake, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross assisted “Pop That” is the album’s first single. The beat was crafted by Lee of the Amazins, featuring crisp, synthetic trap production, and a repeating vocal loop from “Pop That Pussy” in the chorus, occasionally reappearing during the verses. Over the past 5 years, French Montana has made some pretty powerful friends, and his first single sets him up for good things in 2012. Twerk!