Lost Song Finds Fame: Travis Scott Sample
Have you ever heard a song and thought, "Man, this is so familiar?" That's often the case with Travis Scott's music – he's known for using samples from other tracks, breathing new life into forgotten melodies. But sometimes, those samples themselves become stars, gaining newfound attention thanks to the rapper's massive platform.
This happened with the song "Faded" by Yung Lean, a Swedish rapper who was already gaining popularity with his unique blend of trap and emo. But "Faded" wasn't a hit until Travis Scott sampled its iconic melody in his song "Watch." Suddenly, this obscure track from 2014 was on everyone's lips, attracting a whole new fanbase to Yung Lean's music.
From Obscurity to the Spotlight
The story of "Faded" becoming a cult classic is a bit wild, to be honest. Yung Lean wasn't exactly a household name back in 2014. He was part of a small, but passionate, underground scene of internet rappers making music with a distinct lo-fi sound. The internet played a big role in the song's initial success – fans shared it on blogs, social media, and message boards.
But it wasn't until Travis Scott used the instrumental in "Watch" that "Faded" truly took off. The song became a meme, with people constantly quoting the lyrics – "We drink, we smoke, we take pills, we go shopping." It's a testament to Travis Scott's influence that he could take an obscure song like "Faded" and turn it into a smash hit.
The Power of Sampling
This kind of thing isn't new, though. Sampling has been a cornerstone of hip hop since the genre's beginnings. It's a way to pay homage to past artists while simultaneously creating something new and fresh. But Travis Scott's use of sampling is unique. He doesn't just take a random beat or lyric; he carefully chooses songs that perfectly match his vibe.
He's known for picking songs that have an emo, melancholic feel – like the classic synth melody of "Faded." That's a perfect match for Scott's music, which often deals with themes of isolation, heartbreak, and existential dread.
More Than Just a Meme
The newfound fame of "Faded" isn't just a meme, though. It's a reminder that even obscure music can find its audience if it's good enough. It's also a testament to the power of sampling in hip hop. When done right, it can create a powerful and unique soundscape, breathing new life into old songs.
So, next time you hear a Travis Scott song, pay attention to the samples. You might be surprised by what you hear. And maybe, just maybe, you'll discover a new artist who was hidden in plain sight.