How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : 50 Cent, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, G-Unit, Oxide & Neutrino, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Outkast, Samantha Mumba, Timbaland, Lemar
They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (51/52) BUT … in the Noughties 2000s.
1. Which musician provided background vocals on Rihanna’s “Rehab”?
- A Timbaland
- B Justin Timberlake
- C Jay-Z
2. What 1972 song does Janet Jackson’s track sample?
- A “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
- B “Heart of Gold”
- C “You’re So Vain”
3. Who was responsible for producing G-Unit’s “Stunt 101”?
- A Dr. Dre
- B Mr. Porter
- C Timbaland
4. What collective were Oxide & Neutrino part of during their early career?
- A N-Dubz
- B So Solid Crew
- C Roll Deep
5. Which artist’s song “Brooklyn Zoo” is interpolated in “Girlfriend” by Alicia Keys?
- A Ol’ Dirty Bastard
- B Big Daddy Kane
- C Slick Rick
6. What is the tempo of Busta Rhymes’ track “Fire”?
- A 120 BPM
- B 93 BPM
- C 105 BPM
7. Which mash-up album features Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”?
- A *Collision Course*
- B *Encore*
- C *The Grey Album*
8. What unique choir is featured in Outkast’s “B.O.B”?
- A Harlem Gospel Choir
- B Vienna Boys’ Choir
- C Morris Brown College Gospel Choir
9. Which city is referenced in Samantha Mumba’s “I’m Right Here” music video?
- A Miami
- B Los Angeles
- C New York
10. What theme inspired the song “Morning After Dark” by Timbaland?
- A Vampires
- B Robots
- C Superheroes
11. Which single by Lemar samples Jay-Z’s “Can’t Knock the Hustle”?
- A “50/50”
- B “If There’s Any Justice”
- C “Dance (With U)”
12. Which artist is featured in the US version of “I’m Right Here” by Samantha Mumba?
- A Sean Paul
- B Damian Marley
- C Beenie Man
Tracklist
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1 . 50 Cent – Baby By Me (w/ Ne-Yo)Featured on the 1997 album “Before I Self Destruct”.
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2 . Rihanna – Rehab (w/ Justin Timberlake)Featured on the 2009 album “Good Girl Gone Bad“.
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3 . Janet Jackson – Son Of A GunFeatured on the 2007 album “All for You“.
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4 . G-Unit – Stunt 101Featured on the 2001 album “Beg For Mercy”.
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5 . Oxide & Neutrino – Only Wanna Know You Cos Your FamousFeatured on the 2001 album “Execute”.
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6 . Alicia Keys – GirlfriendFeatured on the 2002 album “Songs in A Minor“.
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7 . Busta Rhymes – FireFeatured on the 2001 album “Anarchy”.
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8 . Jay-Z – Dirt Off Your ShoulderFeatured on the 2000 album “The Black Album“.
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9 . Outkast – B.O.B. [Bombs Over Baghdad]Featured on the 2003 album “Stankonia“.
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10 . Samantha Mumba – I’m Right Here (w/ Damian Marley)
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11 . Timbaland – Morning After Dark (w/ Nelly Furtado, Soshy) |
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12 . Lemar – 50/50Featured on the 2009 album “Dedicated”.
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Justin Timberlake lent his vocal talents to “Rehab,” both in singing and writing. His contribution complemented the song’s metaphorical take on relationship addiction.
2. Janet Jackson’s track cleverly incorporates Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain.” Simon not only gave permission but added her voice to the remix.
3. Mr. Porter took the production helm for G-Unit’s debut single “Stunt 101.” It was a standout track on their album *Beg for Mercy* in 2003.
4. Oxide & Neutrino count themselves as members of the UK garage titan, So Solid Crew. They made waves with their singles in the early 2000s, often collaborating with crew members.
5. Alicia Keys’ song “Girlfriend” creatively integrates elements from Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Brooklyn Zoo.” Such interpolations give the track a familiar edge while maintaining originality.
6. At 93 BPM, “Fire” by Busta Rhymes keeps a steady tempo. Its chart performance was lukewarm, but it reinforced his dynamic style.
7. Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” found a new audience in *Collision Course*, his collaborative mash-up album with Linkin Park. The blend of rock and rap was something novel for its time.
8. Outkast’s spirited track “B.O.B” features the Morris Brown College Gospel Choir. Their inclusion added a rich, layered sound that heightened its gospel undertones.
9. Los Angeles provides the backdrop for Samantha Mumba’s “I’m Right Here” video. It depicts her in a firefighting role, furthering her artistic narrative.
10. With “Morning After Dark,” Timbaland tapped into the vampire craze. The track toys with themes of night, mystery, and allure, drawing inspiration from pop culture’s bloodsuckers.
11. “50/50” by Lemar samples Jay-Z’s “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” The track showcases his knack for crafting songs that blend various musical influences seamlessly.
12. Damian Marley features in the US release of Samantha Mumba’s “I’m Right Here.” His presence gave the track a distinct reggae layer, broadening its appeal.
For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here
















