How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.

The subjects du jour are : Dr. Dre, Simon Webbe, B2K, Usher, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, T.I., Chris Brown, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Macy Gray

They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (13/52) BUT … in the Noughties 2000s.

1. What famous sample is used in 50 Cent’s “Hustler’s Ambition”?

  • A “I Need You” by Frankie Beverly and Maze
  • B “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye
  • C “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

2. Which Jay-Z song is sampled in T.I.’s “Bring Em Out”?

  • A “99 Problems”
  • B “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
  • C “What More Can I Say”

3. What role does Chris Brown play in the “Kiss Kiss” music video?

  • A A doctor and an actor
  • B A nerd and a jock
  • C A teacher and a student

4. Where does Rihanna sneak into in the “Don’t Stop the Music” music video?

  • A A candy store
  • B A movie theater
  • C A nightclub

5. What real-life event prompted the inspiration for “Orchard Road” by Leo Sayer?

  • A A reunion concert
  • B A phone call to his wife
  • C A chance meeting on a train

6. What incident inspired the naming of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”?

  • A A TV Guide listing
  • B A newspaper headline
  • C A lyrics book

7. Which iconic song does Alicia Keys combine classical piano and R&B to perform?

  • A “A Woman’s Worth”
  • B “Empire State of Mind”
  • C “No One”

8. Where was the music video for Icehouse’s “Crazy” filmed?

  • A The Sydney Opera House
  • B Pyrmont Power Station
  • C Bondi Beach

9. What distinguishing instrument does Bryan Ferry play in Roxy Music’s cover of “Jealous Guy”?

  • A Harmonica
  • B Melodica
  • C Whistle

10. Which performance location was featured in the music video for Joe Jackson’s “Breaking Us in Two”?

  • A Abbey Road Studios
  • B Oakworth railway station
  • C Madison Square Garden

11. Who provided backup vocals on David Cassidy’s “The Last Kiss”?

  • A Elton John
  • B George Michael
  • C Michael Jackson

12. What is the central theme of Macy Gray’s “Still”?

  • A Joyous reunion
  • B Troubled relationship
  • C Loneliness of fame
WATCH IN FULL
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For TWELVE more Hip-Hop & Soul – Vintage 2000s Music Videos – week 13/52 – click here

AUDIO ONLY

Tracklist

1 . Dr. Dre – Bad Intentions (w/ Knocturnal)

Featured on the 2002 album “The Wash : Soundtrack”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . Simon Webbe – No Worries

Featured on the 2006 album “Sanctuary”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

3 . B2K – Badaboom

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Usher – Caught Up

Featured on the 2004 album “Confessions“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

5 . LL Cool J – Hush (w/ 7 Aurelius)

Featured on the 2004 album “The DEFinition“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

6 . Busta Rhymes – Break Ya Neck

Featured on the 2001 album “Genesis”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

7 . 50 Cent – Hustler’s Ambition

Featured on the 2005 album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’ : Soundtrack”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

8 . T.I. – Bring Em Out

Featured on the 2004 album “Urban Legend”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

9 . Chris Brown – Kiss Kiss (w/ T-Pain)

Featured on the 2007 album “Exclusive”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . Rihanna – Don’t Stop The Music

Featured on the 2007 album “Good Girl Gone Bad“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

11 . Alicia Keys – A Woman’s Worth

Featured on the 2001 album “Songs in A Minor“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

12 . Macy Gray – Still

Featured on the 1999 album “On How Life Is“.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:

1. The song “Hustler’s Ambition” prominently features a sample from Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “I Need You.” It underscores 50 Cent’s transition from hustling on the streets to achieving success in the music industry.

2. T.I.’s track “Bring Em Out” samples Jay-Z’s voice from “What More Can I Say.” This sample, produced by Swizz Beatz, helped to give the song its signature hook.

3. In the “Kiss Kiss” music video, Chris Brown portrays both a nerd and a jock. This dual portrayal is a playful twist on his attempts to win over a girl’s attention at a university.

4. In Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” music video, she sneaks into a nightclub through a candy store. The video captures the vibrant transition from store to dance floor.

5. “Orchard Road” recounts a real-life conversation Leo Sayer had with his wife over the phone. This heartfelt plea for reconciliation became a poignant narrative in the song.

6. The title “Time After Time” was inspired by a TV Guide listing for the 1979 film of the same name. This small detail became part of the song’s lasting legacy.

7. “A Woman’s Worth,” a song by Alicia Keys, showcases her blend of classical piano mastery and contemporary R&B. It’s a testament to Keys’ signature style and musical prowess.

8. The Australian music video for “Crazy” by Icehouse was filmed at the Pyrmont Power Station in Sydney. This choice of location added an atmospheric backdrop to the video.

9. In Roxy Music’s rendition of “Jealous Guy,” Bryan Ferry’s distinctive whistling replaces the original guitar solo. It adds a unique touch to their cover.

10. The music video for “Breaking Us in Two” by Joe Jackson was filmed at the Oakworth railway station. This setting provided a quaint and nostalgic backdrop for the video.

11. George Michael provided backup vocals in David Cassidy’s “The Last Kiss.” His contribution helped add depth to the track’s pop sensibilities.

12. “Still” by Macy Gray explores the theme of a troubled relationship. The lyrics reflect the emotional conflict and turmoil in a complex partnership.

For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here

(*) According to our own statistics, updated on November 30, 2025