Rappers tend to receive a lot backlash from older artist when they sample old tracks to make a new one. Many older artist find it disrespectful, and complain like spoiled brats. However, that is not the case for legendary R&B singer Timmy Thomas, who’s track Why Can’t We Live Together was sampled on Drake’s hit single Hotline Bling. The singer says he was very excited to hear the record, and he loves it! Hit the jump for more.
During a recent interview, Timmy Thomas was asked how he felt about Drake’s hit single.
When was it that you first heard that Drake had sampled — or was thinking of sampling — your song? Did he get into contact with you, or did you talk with his people or anything?
Well, the first time that I heard it, believe it or not, was one of my family members from out of the city calls me: “Timmy, have you heard Drake’s new record?” I said “No.” He said, “I swear it sounds like ‘Why Can’t We Live Together.’ Like the original track.” Then I get another phone call. So I said, “Let me listen to that.” And as soon as I heard it, I said, “WOW. That’s the original ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’!” I said, “My Goodness!”I was very proud to listen to what he had done with it. Even though he had changed the message that I had, you know, “Why can’t we live together.” But what it does is it gives me a chance for my name to be back out there, and gives me a chance to say something to the young people again. And that’s what exciting about it with me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s gonna do well.
I honestly love this. So many artist who’s music is sampled on hip-hop songs complain, complain and complain. There’s been countless of times Kanye sampled a track and made it better than the original, but still received backlash. Stronger is the perfect example.
Listen to Timmy Thomas’s track, and you can clearly hear the part Hotline Bling sampled.
