Some of the most iconic sounds in hip-hop history came from unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the legendary breakbeat from Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras"—one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip-hop—and its deep connection to the culture, especially through Run-D.M.C.’s classic "Peter Piper."
But the story doesn’t start with Bob James. Its origins trace back to a lesser-known name in this musical journey—Paul Simon, the original composer of "Take Me to the Mardi Gras." This episode uncovers how a jazz-fusion reinterpretation of a folk-inspired song became a cornerstone of hip-hop’s golden era, proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention.
From the streets of New Orleans to the turntables of the Bronx, this is a deep dive into how music transcends genres, generations, and expectations. The same rhythms that once filled jazz clubs now form the backbone of hip-hop classics, showing that innovation is often born from reimagining the past.
SONG OF THE DAY
BOB JAMES | TAKE ME TO THE MARDI GRAS
RUN-DMC | PETER PIPER
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