I can't upload mp3s to this site, so I have to use YouTube clips. Here's a clip of one of the best R&B songs ever, and the reason Teddy Riley (and Dr. Dre) have to be in the discussion for greatest hip hop producers of all time. Black Street, "No Diggity":
This is straight up 1996. Back in 1996, everyone had a Lil' Penny. Teddy Riley's Lil' Riley is seen here in the video playing the piano. I had a Lil' SML back in the day. It was the must-have accessory, along with a beeper.
I remember when this song came out. It was on the radio (Hot 97) everyday while I was working at a one-month temp job at my college bookstore as a stockboy. That job made The Greek Prof's list of Top-5 Shadiest SML Jobs. The Friday before classes was suppose to begin, one of my coworkers (the other one who also happened to attend the school) told me "today is your last chance to get your books (wink wink). It'll be too crowded when school starts." Taking the hint, I asked him what the plan was."See that corner over there. That's the only place in the store that the security cameras can't see. Once you've secured your books, go to the bathroom and hide them there. We'll pick them up at 5:00, at the end of the day."
Well, long story short... I walked over to the corner, put a few textbooks (and study guides) down my baggy pants, tied my stock boy apron, and waddled out to the hallway outside the store, where the bathroom was (conveniently located halfway between the security guards locker room and the book store, in the basement of the building). Upon getting to the bathroom I had to figure out where to put the damn books. I wasn't sure where my coworker was hiding his books. Thinking quickly, I put them in the garbage, underneath the bag, and piled on a few tissues to make the lump in the center of the trash bin not so noticeable.
I got the hang of it soon, and "acquired" all the books and study guides for my classes. Then I phoned the Greek Professor (back then just the Greek), and asked him what classes he was taking. I hooked him up. Even got him the study guides, too. It required like 10 trips to the bathroom, but you know... what are friends for? I also got a few books for another friend. And a few extra books just to sell back to the store. The first guy that taught me how to steal told me a great lesson: "You're a thief if you take one pack of NFL sticker cards (hey, those things were hot when I was 10), or a whole box. So you might have well go for the box". Indeed.
At 5:00 I went to the bathroom to meet up with my coworker. The garbage was practically filled to the top, and I had four bags of books. Luckily I planned ahead, and had my boy meet me so I had help carrying the books (and keep guard at the bathroom door, in case someone walked in). I was curious about where this coworker of mine was hiding his books.
He shows up, and jumps on top of the urinal. He pulls out a boxcutter, and starts carving up the ceiling, and moves a tile. Then he starts removing the books from inside the ceiling, and tossing them down at me.
Undeniably true.
Okay, so where did Ted Riley get that sample he used for "No Diggity"? From a great Bill Withers song called "Grandma's Hands". Here is Withers playing it live:
It's a beautiful song. Bill Withers also did the song "Soul Shadows", which was the sample used in this Tupac song ("Papa'z Song"). For some reason this song always made me sad. Maybe because I could sympathize with not having your dad around:
Also, here are some great Bill Withers songs, even if they aren't exactly sampled (though most of them are):
Lovely Day:
Lean on Me:
Use Me
And finally - Ain't No Sunshine (Live):
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I had totally forgotten about Papa'z Song. That used to be my shit.
Damnit! You mean I could have gotten my books for FREE?
Well, at least I have my stock options.
Thanks, SML. I read this post yesterday, and today I went around everywhere singing the song "No Diggity" at random intervals during the day.
Great story, although, I feel like I just went on one hell of a mind bender.