How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Coolio, Luther Vandross, Black Sheep, TLC, Diana King, Trey Lorenz, N.W.A., Janet Jackson, The Boys, Onyx, Brand New Heavies, Groove Theory
They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (47/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.
1. Which classic song is interpolated in Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”?
- A “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
- B “Pastime Paradise” by Stevie Wonder
- C “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder
2. Whose original song did Luther Vandross cover on his album *Songs*?
- A Carole King
- B Stevie Wonder
- C Stephen Stills
3. Who provided additional production for Black Sheep’s “Without A Doubt” remix?
- A Salaam Remi
- B Pharrell Williams
- C Q-Tip
4. Which music video director worked with TLC on “CrazySexyCool”?
- A Spike Jonze
- B F. Gary Gray
- C Hype Williams
5. Which film’s soundtrack features Diana King’s cover of “I Say a Little Prayer”?
- A “My Best Friend’s Wedding”
- B “The Bodyguard”
- C “Notting Hill”
6. Which two musicians co-wrote with Trey Lorenz on “Someone to Hold”?
- A Whitney Houston and L.A. Reid
- B Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff
- C Madonna and Babyface
7. Which N.W.A. track marks the group’s transition post-Ice Cube?
- A “Express Yourself”
- B “100 Miles and Runnin'”
- C “Straight Outta Compton”
8. What visual theme inspired Janet Jackson’s “Janet” era music video?
- A Jane Austen novels
- B 1960s surf culture
- C Russ Meyer films
9. Which artist’s videos are parodied in The Boys’ “Crazy” music video?
- A Prince
- B Madonna
- C Bruce Springsteen
10. What cultural expression does Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz” reference?
- A Jamaican gun salute
- B Wax on, wax off
- C Brazilian capoeira
11. Which genre fusion characterizes The Brand New Heavies’ “Spend Some Time”?
- A **Trip-hop**
- B **Nu-jazz**
- C **Afrobeat**
12. What song is interpolated in Groove Theory’s “Tell Me”?
- A “Every Little Step” by Bobby Brown
- B “All Night Long” by Mary Jane Girls
- C “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson
For TWELVE more Hip-Hop & Soul – Vintage 90s Music Videos – week 47/52 – click here
Tracklist
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1 . Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise (w/ L.V.)Featured on the 1995 album “Gangsta’s Paradise”.
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2 . Luther Vandross – Love the One You’re WithFeatured on the 1994 album “Songs”.
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3 . Black Sheep – Without A DoubtFeatured on the 1994 album “Non-Fiction”.
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4 . TLC – Diggin’ On YouFeatured on the 1994 album “CrazySexyCool“.
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5 . Diana King – Say A Little PrayerFeatured on the 1997 album “Think Like a Girl”.
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6 . Trey Lorenz – Someone To HoldFeatured on the 1992 album “Trey Lorenz”.
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7 . N.W.A. – 100 Miles And Runnin’
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8 . Janet Jackson – You Want ThisFeatured on the 1993 album “Janet“.
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9 . The Boys – CrazyFeatured on the 1990 album “The Boys”.
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10 . Onyx – Throw Ya GunzFeatured on the 1993 album “Bacdafucup”.
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11 . Brand New Heavies – Spend Some TimeFeatured on the 1994 album “Brother Sister”. |
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12 . Groove Theory – Tell MeFeatured on the 1995 album “Groove Theory”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” cleverly revamps “Pastime Paradise” by Stevie Wonder. The interpolated song lends its poignant melody to the hip-hop interpretation.
2. Luther Vandross graced us with his rendition of Stephen Stills’s “Love the One You’re With,” adding a soulful spin to the classic tune.
3. Salaam Remi lent his expertise on the remix of Black Sheep’s “Without A Doubt,” giving the track a fresh beat.
4. F. Gary Gray directed the music video for TLC’s song from “CrazySexyCool,” linking Las Vegas glitz with the track’s vibe.
5. Diana King’s version of “I Say a Little Prayer” made waves on the “My Best Friend’s Wedding” soundtrack, meshing reggae flair with a classic ballad.
6. Trey Lorenz collaborated with Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff on “Someone to Hold,” infusing it with vocal and compositional brilliance.
7. N.W.A.’s “100 Miles and Runnin'” marked their post-Ice Cube era, noting past conflicts while stepping into the mainstream spotlight.
8. Janet Jackson’s video from the *Janet* album drew inspiration from Russ Meyer films, blending bold visuals with her signature pop sound.
9. The Boys parodied Madonna’s iconic music videos in “Crazy,” adding a playful twist to their own hit visual.
10. Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz” nods to the Jamaican tradition of a gun salute as a gesture of respect, though the group insisted it knelt to hip-hop, not hostility.
11. The Brand New Heavies fused **nu-jazz** with vibrant genres in “Spend Some Time,” keeping dancefloors lively with a blend of old-school grooviness.
12. Groove Theory’s “Tell Me” rejuvenates Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long,” harnessing rhythmic nostalgia and chart success.
For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here
