I’m working on a writing discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Many of the artists you are listening to this week were influenced by jazz. This was a departure of sorts from some of the other musical reference points of other hip-hop artists. Discuss a contemporary artist (in any genre) who you think has been influenced by what might be considered an unusual source of inspiration (an example may be a country artist who is influenced by classical music).  Describe—in an original post of 200 words minimum—the influence in the particular artist you choose. If possible, include a link to a song by your chosen artists that exemplifies the influence you describe.

(Please do not select an artist that is already on our syllabus!)

Original post

De La Soul, “Eye Know (The Know It All Mix)” (1988)

Queen Latifah, “Ladies First” (1989)

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Queen Latifah, “Ladies First” (1989)

A Tribe Called Quest, “Excursions” (1991)

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A Tribe Called Quest, “Excursions” (1991)

Nas, “N.Y. State of Mind” (1994)

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Nas, “N.Y. State of Mind” (1994)

1. Fatback Band, “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” (1979)
2. James Brown, “Funky Drummer” (1970)
3. The Jimmy Castor Bunch, “It’s Just Begun” (1972)

4. Gil Scott-Heron, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (1970, 1971)

5. Afrika Bambaataa, “Zulu Nation Throwdown” (1980)
6. Blondie, “Rapture” (1980)
7. Rammellzee and K-Rob, “Beat Bop” (1983)
8. Kurtis Blow, “The Breaks” (1980)
9. Funky 4 + 1, “That’s the Joint” (1981)
10. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, “The Adventure of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel”
(1981)
11. Herbie Hancock, “Rockit” (1983)
12. Sugar Hill Gang, “Rapper’s Delight” (1979)
13. Treacherous Three, “The New Rap Language” (1980)
14. Roxanne Shante, “Roxanne’s Revenge” (1984)
15. Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force, “Planet Rock” (1982)
16. Brother D with Collective Effort, “How We Gonna Make the Black Nation Rise?” (1980)
17. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, “The Message” (1983)
18. Run-D.M.C., “Rock Box” (1984)
19. Beastie Boys, “Paul Revere” (1986)
20. LL Cool J, “I Need Love” (1987)
21. Eric B. & Rakim, “Microphone Fiend” (1988)
22. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince, “Summertime” (1991)
23. Boogie Down Productions, “Criminal Minded” (1987)
24. Ice T, “Rhyme Pays” (1987)
25. N.W.A., “Straight Outta Compton” (1988)
26. N.W.A., “Fuck tha Police” (1988)
27. Public Enemy, “Fight the Power” (1990)
28. Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Doggy Dogg, “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” (1992)
29. Notorious B.I.G., “Juicy” (1994)
30. 2Pac, “California Love” (1995)
31. 2Pac, “Dear Mama” (1995)
32. Wu-Tang Clan, “C.R.E.A.M.” (1993)
33. De La Soul, “Eye Know (The Know It All Mix)” (1988)
34. Queen Latifah, “Ladies First” (1989)
35. A Tribe Called Quest, “Excursions” (1991)
36. Nas, “N.Y. State of Mind” (1994)
37. Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby” (1990)
38. Eminem, “’Till I Collapse” (2002)
39. Lady B, “To the Beat Y’all” (1979)
40. MC Lyte, “Poor Georgie” (1991)
41. Salt-N-Pepa, “Let’s Talk About Sex” (1990)
42. Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
43. Lil Wayne, “Dr. Carter” (2008)
44. Kanye West, “Power” (2010)
45. Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording), “Cabinet Battle #1” (2015)