Rihanna Wild Thoughts Sampling: A Masterclass in Musical Legacy

DJ Khaled's 'Wild Thoughts' featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, was a massive hit, topping the charts worldwide. But what made this song so special? The answer lies in its sampling of Santana's classic hit, 'Maria Maria'. In this article, we'll explore the art of sampling and how it contributed to the success of 'Wild Thoughts'.

Sampling is not new to the music industry. From hip-hop's early days to today, sampling has been a staple of many genres. However, when done correctly, it can elevate a song from good to great. In the case of 'Wild Thoughts', DJ Khaled and his team knew exactly how to flip Santana's iconic beat to create something fresh and exciting.

The song's lyrics praise a lover who inspires sexual thoughts, with Rihanna delivering her signature smooth vocals. The mid-tempo pop track is accompanied by Latin percussion, acoustic guitar lines, and riffs that pay homage to the original 'Maria Maria' hit single. PartyNextDoor assisted in writing the song, while Khaled handled production.

The result was a commercial success, reaching number one in the United Kingdom, marking Khaled's second and Rihanna's ninth number one. The song spent five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, holding steady at number two for several weeks.

But what made 'Wild Thoughts' truly special was its connection to Wyclef Jean, who produced Santana's original hit single. In an interview, Clef revealed that he cleared the sample with Santana himself, citing their close relationship as his godfather.

The art of sampling is a delicate balance between paying homage to the original and creating something new and innovative. When done correctly, it can result in songs that stand the test of time. 'Wild Thoughts' is a testament to this, as it has become one of the most popular songs of 2017, with many praising its unique blend of Latin rhythms and modern pop sensibilities.

In conclusion, Rihanna's 'Wild Thoughts' sampling of Santana's 'Maria Maria' was a masterclass in musical legacy. The song's success is a testament to the power of sampling when done correctly, and a reminder that some of the best money is indeed money you don't have to lift a finger to collect.

Rihanna wild thoughts sampling