In the world of music, certain songs transcend their release date, becoming cultural touchstones that resonate across generations. JJ Fad’s “Supersonic” is undoubtedly one of these tracks. As we delve into the sonic archaeology of this groundbreaking Supersonic Song, we uncover a fascinating story of innovation, influence, and enduring appeal. Originally emerging from the vibrant West Coast hip hop scene, “Supersonic” not only propelled JJ Fad to Grammy nomination history but also laid the groundwork for countless artists who would follow, sampling and interpolating its iconic sounds.
Before we explore the impressive list of tracks that have sampled or referenced “Supersonic,” it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape of music sampling. Copyright law protects two key elements of a song: the composition (lyrics and melody) and the master recording (the specific recorded version). The composition copyright typically belongs to the songwriter, while the master recording rights are usually shared among the record label, performing artist, and producer. For anyone wanting to use a portion of an existing song, there are generally two routes: direct sampling or interpolation. Direct sampling involves literally cutting and pasting a segment of the original recording into a new track. Interpolation, on the other hand, means recreating elements of the original song, such as melodies or drum patterns, using new instruments. Regardless of the method, “clearing the sample” is essential, meaning obtaining permission and negotiating fees with the copyright holders before releasing a new song. Interpolation can sometimes be a more cost-effective option as it often involves negotiating with the songwriter of the original composition rather than the record label owning the master recording. The story of “Supersonic” in popular music is rich with examples of both direct sampling and clever interpolation, demonstrating the song’s versatile influence.
One of the earliest and most celebrated examples of “Supersonic” sampling comes from the enigmatic MF DOOM. A true iconoclast in the rap world, MF DOOM, known for his complex rhymes and underground status, masterfully incorporated the supersonic song into his work. In his 2004 album “MM Food,” where every track revolves around food themes, DOOM sampled “Supersonic” for the song “Hoe Cakes.” He ingeniously looped the opening beatbox from “Supersonic” to create the driving drum track for his song. Interestingly, the beat itself was crafted in 2003 and initially titled “Jasmine Blossoms,” but it wasn’t until 2004 that DOOM laid down his rhymes over it. A particularly brilliant touch is how DOOM utilizes JJ Fad’s vocals, specifically the word “Super,” to punctuate his opening lines, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
A few years later, in 2006, the chart-topping hit “Fergalicious” by Fergie, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, brought another wave of attention to the legacy of the supersonic song. Will.i.am, the producer behind “Fergalicious,” interpolated the iconic title riff of “Supersonic,” creating a catchy and instantly recognizable element within Fergie’s high-energy track. While the interpolation was quite overt, many listeners were unaware of its origins in the 80s hip hop classic.
This interpolation, however, wasn’t without its controversies. While JJ Fad members received songwriting credits on “Fergalicious,” as per the sample clearance agreement brokered by Will.i.am with Ruthless Records (who held the majority rights to “Supersonic”), Arabian Prince, the producer of the original supersonic song, felt he was unfairly excluded. Arabian Prince owned 20% of the publishing rights and argued that he should have been involved in the clearance process and receive a proportionate share of the royalties paid by Will.i.am to Ruthless Records. The dispute led to legal action and was eventually settled out of court. However, as of a 2016 interview, Arabian Prince expressed that he still felt he hadn’t received just compensation.
While both MF DOOM’s sample and Fergie’s interpolation drew from the main body of “Supersonic,” it’s the song’s outro that has arguably left an even more indelible mark on music history. The “supersonic” section, where JJ Fad members unleash a torrent of rapid-fire rhymes, a mix of actual lyrics and playful gibberish, delivered at an astonishing sixteen-note rhythm, became a defining moment. Released during an era when rap tempos were generally slower and more laid-back, “Supersonic” stood out as a pioneering example of pushing the boundaries of rap speed while maintaining mainstream appeal. This section, starting around the 3:20 mark of the original song, is the most frequently referenced and paid homage to.
The rapid-fire outro of the supersonic song has resonated deeply with subsequent generations of rappers, particularly those embracing fast-rhyming styles in the 2010s and beyond. Run the Jewels, the acclaimed duo of rapper/producers Killer Mike and El-P, have directly referenced JJ Fad’s innovation in the rapid-fire sections of their tracks “Go!” and “Call Ticketron.”
Perhaps the most widely recognized homage to “Supersonic” comes from Eminem. The iconic rapper explicitly mentions JJ Fad by name before launching into a supersonic speed verse in one of his tracks. This direct shout-out and sample was met with enthusiastic approval from JJ Fad. In a 2013 interview, MC JB of JJ Fad expressed her excitement, stating, “We’re just so honored and thrilled that he chose us to do that.”
This exploration of “Supersonic” samples and interpolations barely scratches the surface of the song’s vast influence. Hopefully, these examples effectively illustrate the breadth and depth of how this supersonic song has been reinterpreted and celebrated across diverse musical landscapes over the decades. “Supersonic” is more than just an 80s hit; it’s a foundational track that continues to inspire and shape the sound of music today.
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