Midweek Newsletter: The Roots make a statement, Russell Simmons returns to Occupy Wall Street and more

Solve all your problems by giving me money!

Russell Simmons is a hip hop legend. This does not and should not make him immune to criticism. Mr Simmons is also worth an estimated $340 million, so it’s pretty safe to say that he is not part of the 99%! It’s his money and he can do what he likes with it. However, Mr Simmons has stated that he would support paying more taxes. The problem with increased taxation in my opinion, is that it would have a crippling effect on the middle classes and small businesses, simply because after taxes their would not be enough money going around to spend frequently. The consumer would be forced to save money and spend wisely.

Anyway, yesterday Russell said that he is planning an

Sampling: Free Spirit/ I Will Be Your Friend

Here is Sade: I Will Be Your Friend.

And here is Drake: Free Spirit.

Unfortunately, this track didn’t make Drake’s latest album (Take Care) due to

Drake: Free Spirit/Sade: I Will Be Your Friend

One of my favorite Sade records, I Will Be Your Friend.

I like how 40 flipped the Sade sample for Drake: Free Spirit. Especially the way it’s filtered so it’s almost unrecognizable, really impressive stuff.

It sounds like the loop plays in reverse throughout the track, then at the end it plays normally. The pitch is slightly lower than the original.

I’ve always wanted someone to loop this intro up though.

Other good Sade samples:

Curren$y: Famous  (Sally)

Half  A Mil: Fast Money & Foreign Objects (Kiss of Life)

MF Doom: Doomsday  (Kiss of Life)

Krayzie Bone ft Sade: Hard Time Hustlin (Feel No Pain)