EPISODE #40

How do you create a hit that both breaks sound barriers and chart records? Drake has done this with a unique mix of international music from Africa, the Caribbean, the U.K. and Canada. But is his chart topping success musical appropriation or celebration? A deep listening reveals diverse influences and musical rhythms that have crossed oceans centuries before “One Dance” was even conceived. Plus, we debut Blinky Bill’s “So Strong,” his first single off his upcoming solo album.

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Check out Blinky’s music on Soundcloud.

Supported by Casper and Amazon Prime Music’s Song of Summer Playlist Amazon.

SONGS DISCUSSED

Drake – One Dance (feat. Whizkid & Kyla)

Ojuelegba Remix – Wizkid ft. Drake & Septa

2Baba – Coded Tinz ft. Phyno, Chief Obi

DJ Maphorisa – Soweto Baby feat Wizkid & Dj Buckz

Crazy Cousinz – Do You Mind ft. Kyla

The Revolutionaries – General For General

Barrington Levy – Dance Are Changing

Joh Thomas – Ghetto Dance

Papa Biggie – Youth Them Have To Grow

Yellowman – Adam & Eve

Mighty Diamonds – Love Me Girl

Drake – Hotline Bling

Timmy Thomas – Why Can’t We Live Together

D.R.A.M. – Cha Cha

Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie XX – Take Care Of You

Drake – Take Care ft. Rihanna

Drake – JunglePaul Simon – Graceland

Paul Simon – I Know What I Know

Moby – Natural Blues

Vera Hall – Trouble So Hard

David Guetta – Hey Mama (ft. Nicki Minaj)

Sangkala – Gamelan Degung

Joel Francisco Perri – Las llamas de Potosi

Habib Koité – Africa

Kwaa Mensah – Odo Me,

Me Sum No DoChico O’farrell – Sin Titulo

Trio Matamoros – El Que Siembra Su Maíz

Joseph Kabasele – Africa Bola Ngombi

E.T. Mensa & The Tempos – Fom Fom

Fela Kuti – Lagos Baby

Fela Kuti – Elbe Moi (Carry Me)

Fela Kuti – LadyWizkid – Show You The Money

Blinky Bill – So Strong