The Deep History of "7 Rings"

EPISODE #103

“7 Rings” is Ariana Grande’s latest smash, a glittering banger that owes much to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1959 classic “My Favorite Things.” 60 years later, Grande updates the track for a modern audience, making her the latest artist to repurpose this anthem from the “Sound of Music.” When it comes to Ari’s flow, however, questions of appropriation arise. Author Lauren Michele Jackson joins to break down who has the right to repurpose sonic history.

MORE

Check out Lauren Michele Jackson’s article “To Whom Does ‘7 Rings’ Owe its Sound?”, hear more connections between Coltrane and the Doors in this NPR story, and discover the triplet Migos flow on Vox’s Earworm.

SONGS DISCUSSED

Ariana Grande – 7 Rings

Julie Andrews – My Favorite Things

John Coltrane – My Favorite Things

The Doors – Light My Fire

Lauryn Hill – Black Rage

Migos – Bad and Boujee

Princess Nokia – Mine

Two Chainz – Spend It

Soulja Boy – Pretty Boy Swag