M.I.A x Bappi Lahiri: 5 Times Pop Music Sampled Retro Bollywood Music
Sampling, a transformative practice in music production, emerged in the 1970s and initially found its roots in hip-hop, quickly becoming a defining element of the genre. Over the years, however, sampling has transcended its origins, permeating various musical genres and contributing to a globalized soundscape. This evolution has resulted in iconic tunes being contemporized and seamlessly integrated into diverse musical landscapes, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Here are a few examples of this cross-cultural exchange when samples from Bollywood songs were used in Western pop music.
Don't Phunk With My Heart by Black Eyed Peas
Aye Naujawan Hai Sab Kuch Yahan, is a composition sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle five decades ago for the 1972 movie Apradh. Despite its simplicity, the song gained iconic status, even catching the attention of the widely recognized musical group, the Black Eyed Peas.
Feel by Bombay Bicycle Club
British indie rock band sampled Lata Mangeshkar's Man Dole Mera Tan Dole from the 1954 film Nagin in their track Feel. Jack Steadman from the band called the sample "the most infectious piece of music" he had ever come across in his record-shopping visits to Southall.
Jimmy by M.I.A
Bappi Lahiri's addictive song Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja, originally featured in the iconic 1982 film Disco Dancer, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of numerous Bollywood enthusiasts. British artist M.I.A not only sampled this track but also incorporated its chorus and a significant portion of the rest of the song into her own composition, aptly titled Jimmy.
Ponderosa by Tricky
O Maa Tujhe Salaam (not to be confused with A.R. Rahman's track) by A.R. Rahman, made its debut in 1993 as part of the soundtrack for the film Khal Nayak. The distinctive beat of the track was even sampled in producer and rapper Tricky's song Ponderosa, completely shifting its tone from a Hindi classic to an almost psychedelic reggae/rnb production.
Odessa by Caribou
Canadian artist Caribou sampled Are Dil Se Dil Mile, yet another enchanting romantic composition by the iconic RD Burman, in his track — Odessa. This timeless melody, released five decades ago, was featured in the 1981 film Bulundi. Despite not gaining significant traction upon its initial release, the song continues to resonate with middle-aged Indian adults, and has attained an enduring popularity over the years.
