Digital Black ft. Aaliyah: Don't Think They Know

Released: 2005

Recorded: 2001

Label: Elite Muzic

Now before I begin this post, I believe that people should always understand and be aware of where the original samples come from. Now as dedicated Aaliyah fans, we all know that the song Don't Think They Know was a rare, unreleased track which was originally a duet with Playa's – Digital Black. Recorded in 2001, it was later released on his album Memoirs Of A R&B Thug in 2005. Afterwards, a whole frenzy took place in 2013 and we encounter Chris Brown's – Don't Think They Know (first introduced as They Don't Know, but was later changed for digital retailers) who adds his own little flavor to this track on his album X.

Now when I first came across the little snippet of Chris Brown's version, I gotta say that I was both excited and skeptical. Excited because nothing brings me more joy then knowing what Aaliyah is featured on, but skeptical as I know a lot of rappers such as Drake for example, who seem to be a little too 'obsessed' with someone who is not even around. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Drizzy (more so his singing compared to his rapping) but sometimes people go a little too far, and we have to remember that respect should be of the utmost high importance.

With that being said, I am really impressed by Chris Brown's version of the track, production wise Babygirl's vocals fit very well. Still got love for the original though. The only criticism I would have is the video, as it doesn't really fit with the song content. I can understand someone waning to do something for a good cause, but keep the content coherent. On a positive, I like the use of red, black and white in the video since these were colours which Aaliyah was very fond of (You can clearly see I have thought out the layout of my blog accordingly!) Another important factor which not many people would of realised is that Chris Brown has a interpolation from Jon B's – They Don't Know. You can find the video down below to see how the lyrics have been sampled.

I also came across a full written interview from Digital Black himself talking about Chris Brown's version (read below for interview) which you can also find here at http://youknowigotsoul.com/. Enjoy guys! :o)

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Chris Brown’s new single “Don’t Think They Know’ featuring the late Aaliyah. Of course fans of Aaliyah would already know that the song is actually a remake of the record she originally recorded with Digital Black from the R&B group Playa. YouKnowIGotSoul had a chance to speak with Digital Black about the history behind the track “Don’t Think They Know”.

The origins of “Don’t Think They Know": "It was a trip, J-Dub gave me the track in Australia when Aaliyah was working on “Queen of the Damned”. It was one of those records that I specifically wanted to do for the fans because Aaliyah really cared about her fans. It was a song to give back to them. Just knowing her and being around her, I just tried to write a record to let the fans know that we would do this thing for free because it’s an honor for people to appreciate our music. We recorded the record when we got back to LA and that was after they had mixed and mastered the album, so it was supposed to be on Playa’s album".

Finding out Chris Brown would be remaking the song: "I was blessed, I felt it was an honor because of how many songs Static and I had recorded that haven’t been released. For him to choose a record that was probably already heard, it was an honor. In this business, you do it with a chance of making money which is good, but for me it was also confirmation that the Playa sound is still alive. I always felt we were underrated as a group, so it’s just confirmation that years later, a record that wasn’t even heard, would come out. It just shows you that you’ll never know how long it takes for that seed to become a tree, but once it becomes a tree, it bears a fruit. It’s a blessing".

Chris Brown’s version: "I love it. I’m a fan of Chris Brown. He’s one of the true singers in the younger genre of R&B/Pop. I’m just being honest, it’s a dope record. I love what they did".

Thoughts on new artists using unreleased Aaliyah material: "It’s a touchy subject. I’m indifferent with it because I feel both sides. I understand the people who say the stuff shouldn’t be touched and I feel the people who feel like it should come out. Aaliyah poured her heart out to everything she did and sometimes you feel like it’s a shame that some of the stuff won’t be heard".

Playa’s influence on the new generation: "Drake sampled us last year and Chris Brown is using our record now. I know I can speak for Static Major and Smoke E. Digglera on this, when you do music you want people to enjoy it. Sometimes it takes a minute for people to catch on. I know we have a huge underground following and I know I’ve heard people say that Playa was the most underrated group. I guess our legacy is still being written. I’m just enjoying my view right now. I mean come on man, Chris Brown and Drake listen to our music. I wish Static was here to see it. It feels pretty good though, I can’t complain".

Future plans: "I’m working with my son on his project right now. I’ve been working with a few producers and just getting my feet wet again. I still do music when I feel like it because I’m a father as well. The next thing is definitely my son Richy B, he’s only 18. All my kids sing and I wasn’t singing as a good as my daughter when I was 14. You definitely heard the last of me because with music, you’re always a hit away".

And there you have it! But that's not all, if you really wanna go into depth here's Chris Brown's reasoning behind the video. (Source http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1709531/chris-brown-dont-think-they-know.jhtml) 

Timbaland & Magoo ft. Aaliyah and Missy Elliot: Up Jumps Da Boogie

Released: July 11th 1997

Recorded: 1996

Label: Blackground Records/Atlantic

Now here's a throwback for all of you Babygirl fans out there! Here is the the debut single from Timbo and Magoo's Welcome To Our World. The track also features Missy Elliot and a guest appearance from Ginuwine who was very close with all of the Timbo crew as a whole. Charts wise, the song reached to number one on the Hot Rap Singles (no surprise there!)

I don't know about you, but to me this shows what true talent was all about. No one is flaunting their body all out there for attention, and the rapping shows true skill and imagination, something which a lot of new artists lack these days. Take notes folks! And as always, Aaliyah's mesmerising voice just sends shivers down your spine with her alluring, angelic appeal. The Timbo crew was definitely a force not to be reckoned with, since they were at the peak of their game during the 90's. Both production wise and lyrically I cannot fault this track since it delivers 100%. Anyways, you know the drill, check out the video below and enjoy some real good music! :o) 

Kris Kross: Live And Die For Hip-Hop ft. Aaliyah, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri and Mr.Black

 

Released: February 8th 1996

Recorded: 1995

Label: So So Def Recordings/Ruffhouse Records/Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment

Live And Die For Hip Hop was the second and final single from the album Young, Rich And Dangerous. The single features rappers Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Mr.Black and background vocals from our Babygirl. The actual song itself contains a sample from Regina Belle's – Baby Come To Me. You can check this out below to compare and contrast. Dj Clark Kent who I mentioned earlier in my Junior M.A.F.I.A. post also contributed by making a remix version of the track. However, all in all production wise for this classic hip-hop joint goes to Jermaine Dupri.

Overall I like the track, but I don't think Aaliyah is featured in it enough as I would of liked. I also feel that she should of at least been in the video to show some kind of recognition, but hey! It is what is it is...I aint gonna complain, because I'd rather hear some vocals from Babygirl then none at all. Oh and I would also like to say R.I.P to Chris Kelly A.K.A– Mac Daddy who passed away on May 1st 2013. It's a real shame he had to go like that through the drugs route, along with others like Amy Winehouse. All we can do is remember the great music they have left us with in this music industry. I still remember the trend they made by wearing their clothes backwards, crazy times... But as a tribute I have left the videos Jump and Tonite's Tha Night which you can check out down below. Enjoy everyone! :o) 

                                

Junior M.A.F.I.A. – I Need You Tonight ft. Aaliyah

 

Released: August 9th 1995

Recorded: 1995

Label: Big Beat

I Need You Tonight was one of Babygirls early 'as featured performer' tracks. It was the second single from Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s debut album Conspiracy, where Faith Evans originally sang the chorus on the album, however on the single version Aaliyah was singing instead. Production wise, DJ Clark Kent (nice name!) was responsible for this track sampling Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam's – I Wonder If I Take You Home (clearly used for the chorus part) and Patrice Rushen's – Remind Me. You can peep these versions down below to have a listen.

I always think it is important to educate people and get to the true roots of an original song/version, as you can see how the sample was used both lyrically and musically, but also listening to the difference in the vibe of the track itself. A lot of people may encounter a jam they like, but 9 times out of 10, most samples have been taken from the late 70's and 80's, so the next time you listen to something always think to yourself hmm...can this track date back even further? or am I listening to the original?

Personally, I feel the sampling has been done very well, and marry together nicely. Babygirl's voice alone just hooks you onto that chorus and makes you forget about the original version entirely. I also love the 90's vibe of the video as you can see the humor side to it. It's amazing to see how people didn't take life so seriously back then, and worry about their looks in comparison to now. Definitely a time where it was all about being carefree and having kindred spirits. Ironically, you'll find Lil' Kim in this video, rapping some killer lines I must say. It's a shame she had to go under so much plastic surgery because she actually looked quite pretty in this video. I guess she was one person who did pay attention to her looks but hey! With that being said... sit back, relax and enjoy this summer, jamming track.