Billie Jean VS No Can Do | AN INVESTIGATION

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  • Опубліковано 15 чер 2023
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    Did Michael really rip off Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" for his song "Billie Jean"? This is a clear cut case of copyright infringement with NO other learning, NO fun mashups, and NO larger lessons about creativity*
    STREAM THE SPOTIFY LISTENING GUIDE: open.spotify.com/playlist/1hl...
    *False
    __________________________________
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    __________________________________
    SOURCES
    Hall and Oates Huff Post Interview: • The Song Michael Jacks...
    "Billie Jean, but in a major key": www.cheatsheet.com/entertainm...
    Austin Kleon's "Steal Like an Artist": amzn.to/3X8vd6q
    ________________________
    TOPICS COVERED
    Michael Jackson
    Hall and Oates
    I Can't Go For That
    No Can Do
    Billie Jean
    Rip Off
    Steal
    Austin Kleon
    Copyright Case
    The People's Court
    Creativity
    #michaeljackson
    #hallandoates
    #music

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,7 тис.

  • @Mrtre32199
    @Mrtre32199 11 місяців тому +624

    I always felt Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To The Rule World" & MJ's "The Way You Make Me Feel" had a similar drum pattern too.

    • @anthonyrowland9072
      @anthonyrowland9072 11 місяців тому +28

      i hear basically no similarities here but that was totally lifted.

    • @bronxkies
      @bronxkies 11 місяців тому +41

      Agreed. Whenever I hear “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” I automatically think of “The Way You Make Me Feel”. It’s the drums and bass line.

    • @kalanreese5551
      @kalanreese5551 11 місяців тому +6

      I’ve always thought that too!!!

    • @gabrielmatthews9494
      @gabrielmatthews9494 11 місяців тому +40

      The songs sound nothing alike! 😮

    • @justcharles7429
      @justcharles7429 11 місяців тому +13

      I hear the drums and bass you talking bout but still totally differ songs and vibes. The way you make me feels melody is infectious and goes in a completely different direction

  • @DaveRucci
    @DaveRucci 11 місяців тому +335

    I think Darryl was flattered his song inspired arguably MJ's biggest hit ever! The songs and basslines are NOT that similar other than they have catchy dance grooves and are pop hits!

    • @paradoxical_taco
      @paradoxical_taco 11 місяців тому +27

      He actually said he was flattered in the interview shown here. Kudos to Michael for his honesty and to Daryl for not taking Michael’s statement and running to a lawyer. Michael was dragged into court on a few occasions for supposed copyright infringement and few artists escape these lawsuits.

    • @skineyemin4276
      @skineyemin4276 11 місяців тому +20

      @@paradoxical_taco Run to a lawyer? For what? Please, point out the one thing that makes these 2 tunes so similar? The rhythmic pattern of the bass on the H&O tune was much closer to the early '60s hit "Shotgun" by Jr. Walker & The All Stars (ua-cam.com/video/cq6jquFrb08/v-deo.html) and the bass part on Billie Jean has an eighth note pattern, nothing like that of "I Can't Go For That". So.., H&O owns the almost 4 on the floor type of disco drum beat that was being playing in predominantly black and disco music all throughout the 70s funk and disco era? That's just nonsense and some wishful thinking.

    • @glowwaveofficial
      @glowwaveofficial 11 місяців тому

      After listening to it a bit ,they are Exactly the same bassline! It'd just that BJ starts a note earlier, that's enough to make it different, genius!

    • @SPAZZOID100
      @SPAZZOID100 10 місяців тому +13

      Daryl claimed he could not hear the similarity. Neither do i. 🤷‍♂️

    • @skineyemin4276
      @skineyemin4276 10 місяців тому

      @@SPAZZOID100
      Because, he already knew. It's goofy ass, know nothing videos like this that proves my point even more.

  • @SheaSF
    @SheaSF 11 місяців тому +109

    This should be taught in school. This is THE definitive explanation of how art works. From food trends to painting to music. So good!

    • @melbuck194
      @melbuck194 2 місяці тому

      It is to creatives.

    • @coreym162
      @coreym162 Місяць тому

      The entertainment industry can't go for that.

  • @patriciasalmon4
    @patriciasalmon4 11 місяців тому +117

    I always thought “Part Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder and “Maneater” by Hall & Oates also sounded eerily familiar (with very similar lyrical themes!) Loved this video!!

    • @chrisclark1471
      @chrisclark1471 11 місяців тому +22

      Hi! And to me, the bassline for "Maneater" seemed to have a similar groove to the Supreme's "You can't hurry Love" as well.

    • @juliemcdaniel499
      @juliemcdaniel499 2 місяці тому +4

      According to SW, he drew on You Can't Hurry ❤ and My World Is Empty W/Out You by the Supremes as an influence 4 Part-Time Lover.

    • @kevinmorgan263
      @kevinmorgan263 2 місяці тому +4

      ​@@chrisclark1471alot of 80s pop rock tunes influenced by the motown sound for sure

    • @chrisclark1471
      @chrisclark1471 2 місяці тому +1

      @kevinmorgan263 I AbsoLUTELY Agree!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

    • @chrisclark1471
      @chrisclark1471 2 місяці тому

      @juliemcdaniel499 Oh Wow, I never knew that! And after all this time, now that I hear those songs in my head, the bass lines are incredibly similar! But it's also nice to know that legends like SW borrow a little occasionally themselves, thanks for the info!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

  • @KtotheG
    @KtotheG 11 місяців тому +197

    I was a fan of both artists in the '80s. Both are great songs.

    • @mjmedia09returns
      @mjmedia09returns 11 місяців тому +2

      ua-cam.com/video/obvf95aCyWs/v-deo.html
      Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

  • @joaomoreira5996
    @joaomoreira5996 11 місяців тому +303

    It is truly amazing the way you structure your storytelling. And there's always a twist at the end ( like the fact that the people's court baseline is actually similar to ALL the basslines shown before).
    You sir are my favorite youtuber for sure. I hope to still learn about music with you for a long time.
    Regards from Portugal 🇵🇹

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  11 місяців тому +13

      🙏🙏 much love from the US!

    • @Subjective_JoshNelson
      @Subjective_JoshNelson 11 місяців тому +3

      #joao Moreira - I agree 100%. Brandon is probably the best musicologist for 20th Century Black american music+ on YT!

    • @drac3650
      @drac3650 11 місяців тому

      yawn

    • @kennithgeorge6520
      @kennithgeorge6520 11 місяців тому

      Regards to the bass line, you assuming MJ wrote it which is not true. Louis Johnson wrote it and up to the time of his death was receiving royalties for it.

    • @Kinseliplier
      @Kinseliplier 11 місяців тому

      @@kennithgeorge6520 oh really? That's interesting. I didn't know that.

  • @XAMAKA...
    @XAMAKA... 2 місяці тому +6

    To be honest I think Darryl is lying. MJ never said that this song was his inspiration. And both songs sounds completely different. Even the Basslines are complete different. So I think Darryl wants to get extra attention

  • @dadsonworldwide3238
    @dadsonworldwide3238 10 місяців тому +5

    Inspiration is something that cant be denied or blocked out. Everyone influences each other

  • @GeneSavage
    @GeneSavage 11 місяців тому +159

    Every video from you is a master class on how to make a UA-cam video endlessly engaging. You keep me interested to the last word, and then you serve desert with your remixes and mashups. Thank you for being one of the most entertaining and informative channels on UA-cam!

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  11 місяців тому +15

      🙏🙏

    • @eneomeanthony4500
      @eneomeanthony4500 11 місяців тому +6

      That's true
      "lnterested to the last word"

    • @mjmedia09returns
      @mjmedia09returns 11 місяців тому +1

      ua-cam.com/video/obvf95aCyWs/v-deo.html
      Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

    • @klaurcschwackerberg1880
      @klaurcschwackerberg1880 11 місяців тому +1

      I smell a new 5 billion dollar lawsuit case here ! Everybody will be indicted !

    • @klaurcschwackerberg1880
      @klaurcschwackerberg1880 11 місяців тому +1

      @@occamsrazorblade and the Donna Summer song got its bassline from the Moog sequencer, so it will be the Moog Synthesizer who will win all the lawsuits against every musician on earth !

  • @thevisionaryassassin4352
    @thevisionaryassassin4352 11 місяців тому +35

    That supercut mix at the end was the best one I've watched you make.
    This was a fantastic watch, thanks. The Discord community is great as well.

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  11 місяців тому +6

      Thank you! Glad to have you here and on Discord!

  • @mrpreacherman8262
    @mrpreacherman8262 2 місяці тому +3

    Out of all of your videos, this pinpoints your talent and musical ear. From organizing to earring of scales between multiple songs. You my brother, really got it going on.

  • @1977TA
    @1977TA 10 місяців тому +4

    As a music composer I can confirm that inspiration is the engine that drives creativity. Being inspired to create something is not the same as stealing what inspired you. Michael used a poor choice of words when he told Darryl Hall he stole I can't go for that. What he meant to say was he was inspired by I can't go for that.

  • @PowerOfSubmission
    @PowerOfSubmission 11 місяців тому +34

    How can anyone leave negative comments under your videos? You make such great content, I always get excited when I see that you uploaded a new vid!

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  11 місяців тому +9

      Eh, to each their own. Glad to have you here 🔥

  • @tshore0601
    @tshore0601 11 місяців тому +57

    I bring up this story all the time when talking about musicians being inspired by others. Another great video, you don't miss!

  • @RaymondCastile
    @RaymondCastile 11 місяців тому +22

    Vangelis and Jon Anderson released State of Independence in 1981. It has that baseline. Quincy Jones produced a successful cover of State of Independence for Donna Summer in 1982. Michael Jackson sang backing vocals on that song, along with other celebrity guest vocalists. Quincy Jones then produced Billy Jean for Michael Jackson.

    • @lexxmusic7549
      @lexxmusic7549 10 місяців тому +6

      Exactly. That's where the bassline is from.

    • @guitarek1136
      @guitarek1136 4 місяці тому +1

      I also remember, that Quincy Jones openly admitted that. At least I read that somewhere. But I guess the point is: nobody knows Vangelis' and Anderson's State of Independence :D ... such a good song.

    • @globalcitizenn
      @globalcitizenn 2 місяці тому +1

      Michael came up with that one though.. I think it all came together for him, bits & pieces he’d heard from here & there came together in a new song. Sometimes things subconsciously seep in. Like Heal the World is from Jaws end credits

    • @godjgo
      @godjgo 2 місяці тому +1

      ​@@globalcitizennQuincy stated that Michael took the bassline from Donna Summer's song. I didn't know about the Jaws thing, that's crazy!

  • @liamthomas4644
    @liamthomas4644 6 місяців тому +4

    This man does video essays right. I'm entertained and informed. I'm glad I subscribed.😂

  • @AMHC19
    @AMHC19 11 місяців тому +45

    The better question is how do you keep putting such entertainment content out for this long. And that sick brick wall behind you is the perfect backdrop for a music related channel. Thank you for your hardwork

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  11 місяців тому +5

      Thank you so much 🙏 I appreciate the support!

  • @DanielBasilicato
    @DanielBasilicato 11 місяців тому +70

    This channel deserves WAYYY more views and subscibers than it currently has. Masterful storytelling, adn the twists and turns throughout are mind blowing. I love you and your content, you are a hidden gem and you will become more successful in your ventures, it is inevitable.

    • @mjmedia09returns
      @mjmedia09returns 11 місяців тому

      ua-cam.com/video/obvf95aCyWs/v-deo.html
      Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

    • @dgblac0
      @dgblac0 11 місяців тому +1

      I agree 100 percent.

    • @dsewellga
      @dsewellga 7 місяців тому

      As a former music teacher, this is inspiration...not a rip-off.

    • @dsewellga
      @dsewellga 7 місяців тому

      Hall and Oats aren't the creator of that baseline either. In a 12 tone system, there are only 12 notes. Someone is bound to use the same progression. Next, people are gonna claim that "some guy stole my 2-5-1 progression"....lolol.

  • @freeyomnd_619
    @freeyomnd_619 11 місяців тому +6

    All artist took from somebody so this subject doesn't move me. Especially because they're are both great songs that i still enjoy til this day. And everytime i hear Billie Jean, i hear .... Billie Jean, not I can't go for that & vise-versa.
    But you did a great job with this 💯

  • @joshbarnett1984ish
    @joshbarnett1984ish 9 місяців тому +2

    I found your UA-cam channel after i became disabled in 2020. I have been a musician most of my life, and you inspired me to start making hip hop beats again. Keep doing what you do!

  • @Diggy22
    @Diggy22 11 місяців тому +113

    I always felt that “I Can’t Go For That” had a groove that Michael Jackson could dance to. “Billie Jean” definitely had a rhythm and tempo reminiscent of “I Can’t Go For That”, which is a testament to Hall & Oates’ songwriting abilities being able to inspire even the biggest superstars. And Hall & Oates definitely didn’t shy away from saying who influenced them. They grew up listening to The Temptations and (as stated in the video) Curtis Mayfield. In fact, one of Hall & Oates’ biggest performances was at the Apollo Theater, performing with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Motown artists inspired Hall & Oates, and Hall & Oates inspired a former Motown artist in return. Full circle.

    • @LJGreni
      @LJGreni 11 місяців тому +4

      I thought "I can't go for that" sounds alot like Lowell fulson's "Tramp" Check the bassline.

    • @skineyemin4276
      @skineyemin4276 11 місяців тому +11

      Whenever I hear any Hall & Oats track, nothing about Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" never pops through my head......., ever.

    • @LJGreni
      @LJGreni 11 місяців тому +3

      @@skineyemin4276 Well in the 80s there was a song called Do It Again Billie Jean it had elements of Steely Dan and Michael Jackson.

    • @mjmedia09returns
      @mjmedia09returns 11 місяців тому +5

      ua-cam.com/video/obvf95aCyWs/v-deo.html
      Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

    • @sirjer73
      @sirjer73 11 місяців тому +2

      ​@@LJGrenidamn I remember that. That was 83/84 I was in 5th grade. That was my first memory of Do it again, now I'm a full fledged Danite!!!!

  • @chloemchll3774
    @chloemchll3774 11 місяців тому +22

    I’ve heard it said that “creativity is the art of hiding who you’re stealing from”. In a sense your success as an artist is taking the art that makes you go “I should do something like that”, mixing and matching other art that gives you a similar feeling, maybe adding one thing that is uniquely you, and the final product ends up as something new that expresses your artistic vision.
    When you got the atoms and molecules part I started getting shades in a different direction (for a bass forward band I love, namely Tool) who have a song (Lateralus) that deals with the interconnectivity of the universe, the fibonacci sequence/golden ratio in nature and art, and the possibilities of human experience. I realize prog metal may not be your thing but given your ability to interconnect some pretty distant (at least at first blush) ideas I figured I’d mention this particular distant connection my brain thought you were about to make until you made a completely different (but somehow related) one.
    A great video as always, and I’ll say that if you do go back and look at some recent comments on your older videos, you’ll see me pretty consistently singing your praises. One of the absolute best music analysis/history channels on UA-cam and I always finish your videos having learned something and with a deeper appreciation for the music in question, even going back to reexamine some artists I had previously missed or drawn a negative conclusion about.

    • @matlaselomakosholo3166
      @matlaselomakosholo3166 2 місяці тому

      Inspiration.... I don't think it's stealing, the artist we listen to, help hone our individual feel. I listened to Jay Dee, Pete Rock, Premo, E-dub, RZA......I have my feel but you can hear something to say, ''do you listen to Pete Rock?''

    • @jalaaaah
      @jalaaaah 2 місяці тому

      yep; i’ve always heard the saying “good artist borrow, great artist steal.”

    • @jalaaaah
      @jalaaaah 2 місяці тому +1

      @@matlaselomakosholo3166 they don’t mean actually stealing; just taking that reference and selling it so well it appears original.

  • @joeskys2362
    @joeskys2362 11 місяців тому +3

    I just discovered you, because I was on a MJ binge. Your video is really insightful, and creative I'm defiantly subbing!

  • @ryanmcgrady4978
    @ryanmcgrady4978 11 місяців тому +2

    Damn, you really keep raising the bar with every video! I remember finding ur channel a while back when you only had a handful of uploads, its been really awesome to see your channel grow. You deserve it! I tell everyone I can about your incredibly thoughtful and entertaining content, always stoked when I see a new one. Keep it up, man! 😁

  • @im2cxe4u
    @im2cxe4u 11 місяців тому +34

    Hall & Oats bass is much more similar to The Turtles's 'Buzzsaw' (sampled by D-Nice) which is eerily similar to Tramp by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas (sampled by Salt & Pepa) which also sounds like Shotgun by Jr. Walker & the All Stars and so on and so on... It's a very common style of bass line for it's era and onward.

  • @Highlander-qf8ho
    @Highlander-qf8ho 11 місяців тому +54

    Damn that beat you made from that was crazy ! Haven’t rapped in 20 plus years but when I heard that I went off the dome and it was crazy! Love to here the full version? Love ya break downs keep up teaching the big picture!

    • @cableloosethreads
      @cableloosethreads 11 місяців тому +1

      Agreed; best was cold! Reminded me of Premier

    • @samwest1097
      @samwest1097 11 місяців тому +1

      I’m not a rapper, but I won’t lie, I tried to spit something when he cooked that beat up 😂

    • @GgWifi-ot2sh
      @GgWifi-ot2sh 11 місяців тому +2

      It's the classic instrumental fa real lol like rakim song I believe

    • @GOMDYLAH
      @GOMDYLAH 11 місяців тому

      Coulda seen Doom on it lowkey

  • @A_Train
    @A_Train 10 місяців тому +3

    That last part was so good! You're very talented!!

  • @kadu51044
    @kadu51044 11 місяців тому +2

    That mix at the end... Awww snap! We gonna need like 2 minutes of that, if I could humbly ask please.
    On the rest of this... This is getting good. You are coming up with some really good topics. If you run out, let me know, because I don't want you to!

  • @Fred_De_La_Fokoff
    @Fred_De_La_Fokoff 11 місяців тому +45

    Once again, BRAVO !! Always mindblown! Each time you analyze , you see the similarities and digging deeper to see the inspiration in the inspiration without trying to be intellectual or elitist , superior or above the other, no, you vulgarize, just to be sure that anybody can understand and absorb your passion, even if its not a song or style that the person likes initially. Im never bored with your videos, it makes me go deeper and deeper in my listens and my way of create songs and creativity. You are an inspiring person! Ultra Mega respect! Stay true to yourself ! THANKS!

    • @mjmedia09returns
      @mjmedia09returns 11 місяців тому

      ua-cam.com/video/obvf95aCyWs/v-deo.html
      Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

  • @steve_santiago
    @steve_santiago 11 місяців тому +12

    Dope vid as always. The great Niles Rogers masterfully broke down on Sway in the morning a few years ago how baselines are constantly “stolen“ on a must watch interview that is available on UA-cam.
    PS. Fun fact: It was at that aforementioned We are the World studio session that Quincy Jones coined the phrase “Check your ego at the door“

  • @croay
    @croay 2 місяці тому +1

    This was so nice to watch, the research you put into it and the editing were on point man! Congrats and thanks for the content :)

  • @PastorFunK
    @PastorFunK 2 місяці тому +1

    Love how you brought all of that together!! Salute to you, man!! 👊🏾🎶🤘🏾🔥

  • @l0riz624
    @l0riz624 11 місяців тому +22

    Vangelis - State of Independence seems to be also very similar to Billie Jean. The opening Arpeggio sounds very similar to the Bassline of BJ.

    • @aaronverico1396
      @aaronverico1396 11 місяців тому

      Quincy Jones produced both of those songs, so that makes sense.

    • @l0riz624
      @l0riz624 11 місяців тому

      @@aaronverico1396 The Vangelis version i'm referring to wasn't produced by Quincy Jones. There's a cover version from Donna Summer that was indeed produced by him, but it came out later in 1982.

    • @SPAZZOID100
      @SPAZZOID100 10 місяців тому

      Not really.

    • @aaronverico1396
      @aaronverico1396 10 місяців тому

      @@l0riz624 Oh ok.

  • @vancewilliams8101
    @vancewilliams8101 9 місяців тому +1

    I just discovered this channel today and it’s brilliant. The work and the comedy made my day. I’m definitely a fan.

  • @andyscott5277
    @andyscott5277 11 місяців тому +5

    Another song that was completely inspired by Billie Jean was Billy Ocean’s "Caribbean Queen," I think admittedly. They even took the synth accents 😅

    • @bsquared4604
      @bsquared4604 10 місяців тому +3

      I thought the same thing first time I heard it.

    • @dabro1569
      @dabro1569 8 місяців тому +1

      Hey, I was looking for THIS comment as soon as I saw the video title. I remember this like it was yesterday!! I remember being 8 years old and angry that somebody was ripping off my boy Mike!!! Of course didn’t understand artistic license and imitation being a form of flattery then. Still good times and memories 💪🏾🇺🇸🔥🇺🇸🔥🇺🇸🔥✊🏿

  • @woodch
    @woodch 11 місяців тому +10

    9:45 - I think my head exploded. That statement resonates so strongly with me-- it was like a sudden "A HA!" That explains so much about what I felt while learning my instrument of choice, and how my creative process developed as a result.
    Also, keep making these videos-- they're super neat. :)

  • @hoodhippychick
    @hoodhippychick 11 місяців тому +8

    You play the hell outta that bass! I wasn’t ready for the people’s court theme song to be tied in this
    You are a genius!!!!

  • @james_james_james
    @james_james_james 11 місяців тому +4

    I would love to see more videos like this. This was awesome. Something I would enjoy is something like Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ and the obvious resemblance to Killing Jokes ‘Eighties’. Honestly a series of these style videos would be amazing. And, I don’t think you look like a muppet. Keep up the good work!

  • @hipsnews2914
    @hipsnews2914 Місяць тому

    Each video get better and better,
    You give a music lesson and a history lesson!
    I’m interested if you have a cd or released cuts.
    I really dig the smash mixup at the end
    That is fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @SalaahudDiyn
    @SalaahudDiyn 11 місяців тому +10

    Never been this early to one of your videos! I’m glad you debunked this rumor that has been going on for too long. But I gotta say whenever I think I know everything about pop music history, you go deeper and teach me something new. Your approach to storytelling, history and your musical demonstrations are top tier. Everything you do is informative and entertaining!!! And finally the way you end your videos by connecting it to another one of your videos is some Marvel Studios type interconnection! Even if I’ve already seen that video you’ve recommended, I’ll watch it again because how well you tie everything together. You’re one of the best UA-camrs out there!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

  • @carlossantos689
    @carlossantos689 11 місяців тому +4

    I've always thought that the bass line for no can do was ripped off, probably unconsciously, from shotgun by Junior Walker and the Allstars. Great video

    • @arlaur
      @arlaur 11 місяців тому

      ^THIS^

  • @philfallway
    @philfallway 2 місяці тому

    Such a great breakdown effective explanation of the true creative process and how inspiration leads the way. Breaking it down for those younger kiddos like this helps them see the path forward! Nice work man!🤘🤘🤘

  • @christianb8900
    @christianb8900 11 місяців тому +6

    I wish you would've touched on about the rumor that when MJ said to Hall & Oates that he stole the bassline, Hall & Oates apparently said, "It's ok Mike. We stole it from someone else". (Perhaps Hall & Oates didn't quite explain their response to MJ in this interview you featured, but they still sort of explained it in a round-about way that they do 'steal' things).

  • @kendonshaw
    @kendonshaw 11 місяців тому +8

    I love love loved this one. Speaking my language on creativity. Loved the universe metaphor, loved the mashup at the end. The Pythonesque use of the People’s Court Theme, the Austin Kleon reference. Man 11/10

  • @null_state
    @null_state 11 місяців тому +8

    Your content is so good. Subscribed a few weeks ago. As a musician, I really appreciate the depth you go into, while also giving basic explanations for non-musicians. Best regards.

  • @Trynacatchfish88
    @Trynacatchfish88 11 місяців тому +1

    Keep making your videos bro. You make good content and it’s a good addition to all of the music and you do a great job breaking things down, being non bias, and leaving the bullshit out. Forget them haters, keep making that 🔥

  • @photo_n_art
    @photo_n_art 10 місяців тому

    You are one of the most under appreciated “muppets” on YT, keep on keeping on 😎👍
    “Good artists copy, great artists steal”

  • @DJAakaAnsell
    @DJAakaAnsell 11 місяців тому +3

    ABSOLUTE magic here, is your way of enlightening the masses of the MAGIC of creativity from all artists, whether music or otherwise and this my genius friend, is ORIGINAL and to only YOU, as no one compares to your way of show and tell like you do. - BEST on UA-cam...end of story.🙏

  • @Dr_JackHammer
    @Dr_JackHammer 11 місяців тому +5

    The actual sample is a 60s track "Flowers Flowers" by The Licorice Schtik, not just bassline but also chords

  • @mathewwallis2863
    @mathewwallis2863 2 місяці тому +1

    As a musician/composer, I'd ofen admit to musicians, "yeah, I stole that part from [whoever]."
    They'd say, "noooo."
    So, I'd point out the part and they still say they couldn't hear it.
    That's when I truly came to terms with myself over theft vs inspiration. What was being heard, in the end, was clearly different than what I was hearing in my head.

  • @lennypena5587
    @lennypena5587 11 місяців тому

    That "Peoples Court" bit was so hilarious man, you got the voice down! Great video! I really do appreciate your content.

  • @heatwole
    @heatwole 11 місяців тому +5

    your content makes me want to make music myself and i’ve never had this feeling. You’re a damn legend man

  • @Avonbarksdaleable
    @Avonbarksdaleable 11 місяців тому +3

    Corrected you about this story in a video you made last year. Glad you are making a whole video about it now 👍🏾

  • @d-rzarkocubrinoski
    @d-rzarkocubrinoski 11 місяців тому +5

    Billie Jean sounds nothing like I Can't Go For That, at all.

  • @Alpha-wr5ft
    @Alpha-wr5ft 11 місяців тому +7

    They are not the same, and Michael is not here to refute hall & oats . As a matter of fact, if they were the same , I'm sure Hall & oats would have sued Michael for copyright infringement, and everyone knows the millions of dollars Billie Jean made. I can agree that Michael loved and respected Hall & oats, as I do and love to listen to them also but no . Remember, in music, there are only seven notes, and one note higher is the octave bottom note or as one word say , starting with C and ending up with the octave C. All music comes from those notes, and you can argue the notes are the same. Well, hell, then on that premise, everyone is stealing from everyone because they all have to use the same notes to make a song.

  • @HaliB75
    @HaliB75 11 місяців тому +23

    I heard from music historians that Michael got the bass line for Billie Jean from something much older-the intro from The Four Tops, “I Can’t Help Myself, Sugar Pie Honeybunch” Which make much better sense being that MJ was also a young Motown artist. The Hall and Oates claim is BS.

    • @carolanestanley4030
      @carolanestanley4030 2 місяці тому +2

      So I just finished listening to I Can't Help Myself by The Four Tops, and I agree with you. 👍

    • @globalcitizenn
      @globalcitizenn 2 місяці тому +1

      No Michael got the drum pattern from I can’t go for that and bassline from Donna Summer/Vangelis “State of independence”. But the latter wasn’t a conscious thing. When you listen to so much music something might subconsciously seep in

    • @yogijaya2897
      @yogijaya2897 2 місяці тому +1

      MJ was a huge Hal and Oates fan.

    • @HaliB75
      @HaliB75 2 місяці тому +2

      @@yogijaya2897 MJ was a huge fan of good music but he was not referencing Hall and Oates for ideas and concepts, they need to stop it. If MJ were here they wouldn’t spew such foolishness. Hall and Oates are great artists.

    • @johndipinto4084
      @johndipinto4084 2 місяці тому +2

      @@carolanestanley4030 Those bass lines are different. As with the Hall & Oates comparison, they're somewhat similar but they're not the same.

  • @christopherballero866
    @christopherballero866 11 місяців тому +24

    Pretty sure if Billie Jean were stolen someone would've sued big time

    • @chiarosuburekeni9325
      @chiarosuburekeni9325 11 місяців тому +1

      Just watch the video. Daryl Hall says that Michael told him that he jacked the song 🙄

    • @matlaselomakosholo3166
      @matlaselomakosholo3166 2 місяці тому +4

      I just think it's inspiration

    • @richardkovacs2006
      @richardkovacs2006 2 місяці тому +3

      ​@@chiarosuburekeni9325and what does that prove? Not even Hall&Oats thought it was theft, they didn't even recognize it, till MJ told them they were the INSPIRATION. Just like they were inspired by others as THEY THEMSELVES say it.

    • @yogijaya2897
      @yogijaya2897 2 місяці тому +1

      Idk if you guys realize how mf cool Daryle Hall is!

  • @OnlyDaFunk4444
    @OnlyDaFunk4444 2 місяці тому

    This was a Fire 🔥 Episode. I watch every vid that comes out but missed this 1. Happy I was updated👍🏾. Dope “Digging in the Greats” Beat at the Homie‼️🫡

  • @indivisibleman
    @indivisibleman 2 місяці тому +1

    There's only 12 notes in western music folks. It's hard to believe how many variations we've managed to come up with as it is. Both of those songs are astonishing.

  • @lunacampos5094
    @lunacampos5094 11 місяців тому +12

    As a side note to the “I can’t go for that” Backbeat, it’s worth noting it’s the rock 1 preset on the Roland CR-78 drum machine 🤭

  • @arifmemovic3383
    @arifmemovic3383 11 місяців тому +3

    Wow. I can't think of a better music analysis channel. Keep em coming!

  • @NoobTrollster
    @NoobTrollster 2 місяці тому

    The way you went full circle was fantastic! Keep up the good work!!!

  • @ariesgirl9592
    @ariesgirl9592 11 місяців тому +1

    You just got a new subscriber!! I love the People's Court analogy and the way you break things down! Im a music lover and your channel is just what I've been looking for!
    Your honor, was Michael Jackson still alive when when John Oates made this claim? Enquiring minds wanna know.

  • @avace917
    @avace917 11 місяців тому +3

    The baseline to Like A Virgin is actually closer to that of "I Can't Help Myself " by The Four Tops. Just in a different key. Somebody else pointed it out to me and my jaw dropped

  • @customjohnny
    @customjohnny 11 місяців тому +3

    I love this video! You explain the eternal cycle of ideas and inspirations the same way that Rick Rubin explains it in his book, The Creative Act 🤘🏼 I agree with all of it! Thanks for the video, as always, homie

  • @zachbenson9548
    @zachbenson9548 11 місяців тому +1

    Best thing I've seen on UA-cam in a long time. Thank you!

  • @ProdbyPackTV
    @ProdbyPackTV 8 місяців тому +1

    Nah the way u made that full circle moment at the end was Masterful 12:33 lol

  • @badnewsproduction01
    @badnewsproduction01 11 місяців тому +5

    That mix at the end goes hard🔥 Amazing videos as always. As a huge Oasis fan, I know the struggle of imitation lol

  • @ThisIsTheMCZX
    @ThisIsTheMCZX 11 місяців тому +3

    FANTASTIC and Eye Opening! The people’s court deal really made me smile! I learn so much every time you drop a video. Thank you!!!!

  • @sirhc-pain5573
    @sirhc-pain5573 11 місяців тому +1

    Your breakdowns are amazing 👏

  • @chri2tos
    @chri2tos 7 місяців тому +1

    ALSO.... Donna Summer's song "State of Independence"... This shows how intense MJ's ear was and how he was in a way "Machiavelli'n" in his way of listening for inspiration and crafting something totally different from what he originally heard before. His genius has too many deep layers and portals.

  • @djpolo99
    @djpolo99 11 місяців тому +3

    Brother, don't worry about the haters. Keep producing great work! Your videos are the only ones that I listen to a regular speed. Everything else is sped up to 1.5 😂

  • @apersonontheinternet4071
    @apersonontheinternet4071 11 місяців тому +9

    I do not understand how this channel can get hate. its entertaining yet educational

    • @arlaur
      @arlaur 11 місяців тому +2

      Well, in the words of a great underappreciated musician, “Some men’s world is only hate and money/ Afraid of everything and they laugh at nothing/ And they only live to criticize.”
      Seriously, there are people whose lives are so empty, the only joy they can find comes from belittling others. Those types are best ignored.

  • @stephenmassey9159
    @stephenmassey9159 11 місяців тому +4

    I always knew I was a potato.
    Love you and Love your work! Thank you for educating me, surprising me and sharing your knowledge, love and passion for music with me. I have found so much new music to enjoy and am able to appreciate the skill and nuances involved in the making of it thanks to you.
    You’re a musical embassador.
    Thank you

  • @barbaramarttila5280
    @barbaramarttila5280 Місяць тому

    “I can’t go for that” is one of those tracks that will make me dance every damn time EVERY time

  • @brendonwilson591
    @brendonwilson591 11 місяців тому

    Great video! One of the very best UA-cam Channels on the internet. You my friend, are GREAT at what you do.

  • @cstarcrusher
    @cstarcrusher 11 місяців тому +3

    disregard all haters and troll comments, you are doing the lord's work with your content for ALL of us music nerds out there. we love ya, man.

  • @p.o.p.presents
    @p.o.p.presents 11 місяців тому +3

    I love the musical journey you took us on. Music is a constant stream of symbiosis. It's a cycle that appears to evolve using those same elements. 12 Notes. I recommend Quincy Jones Audiobook by the same name.

  • @TheAaronmallen
    @TheAaronmallen 11 місяців тому

    Hey Dig!!! I Sub’ed when I saw You start Cookin’ 🤣🤣🤣 Dope!!! ✊🏽😎👍🏽✌🏽

  • @jnyerere
    @jnyerere 11 місяців тому

    When you were able to connect "The People's Court" theme to the thesis of this video I was like HOT DAMN. That's why I subscribed to this channel. You never miss.

  • @WTL98
    @WTL98 11 місяців тому +56

    Never been this early before!

  • @thedjgrayhat3082
    @thedjgrayhat3082 11 місяців тому +4

    That mashup that you did at the end … #SheerBrilliance … need a longer version. 😊

  • @damiangraves9794
    @damiangraves9794 11 місяців тому

    Dude you killed that beat,at the end🤦🤦👍👍Keep up the good work✌🏾✌🏾

  • @jotisidhu362
    @jotisidhu362 7 місяців тому

    dude .. just loving your channel ! 😍

  • @crowfoot7355
    @crowfoot7355 11 місяців тому +5

    Your content is masterfully done. Keep up the good work 👏

  • @shanonkiyoshi4784
    @shanonkiyoshi4784 11 місяців тому +5

    Whenever I hear "Like a Virgin" all I REALLY hear is THE FOUR TOPS' 1965 hit "Sugarpie Honeybunch"... 🤣🎶🤷‍♂️
    But YES -- great video. I completely admit I am the Sum Total of EVERYTHING that has ever INSPIRED me. I can't think of an artist I know that isn't ⚡️😎👍⚡️

    • @Musicradio77Network
      @Musicradio77Network 10 місяців тому +1

      Or shall I say “I Can’t Help Myself”.

    • @shanonkiyoshi4784
      @shanonkiyoshi4784 10 місяців тому

      @@Musicradio77Network When I was a kid I thought it was named that too 😉🤩😁👍

  • @Slimpickinsorl
    @Slimpickinsorl 11 місяців тому

    Thx 4 fixing that thought for me. Even though the only MJ album I listened to these days is otw, I regularly catch H&O’s & think that’s a MJ song but never took the time to investigate

  • @linux230
    @linux230 2 місяці тому

    Ok. You've got me intrigued sir.
    You've earned a follow. Keep up the good work. 👍

  • @esTena19
    @esTena19 11 місяців тому +2

    Hi, hope you read this.
    Your videos have helped me to not give up my dreams in music. The way you talk about it, how you study it, and even how you metaphor your way through your explanations have given me hope.
    If people hate, just let'em hate and watch the money pile up.
    Hope you have a great day

  • @happygilmore2100
    @happygilmore2100 11 місяців тому +3

    The master class of breaking down the tracks.

  • @alexandredesilets4909
    @alexandredesilets4909 11 місяців тому +1

    Hey man. Your videos are offf the « scale » in terms of quality. They are funny, clever, well edited, and with real content. Bravo 👏🏻 and keep them coming!!!

  • @ezsmith3765
    @ezsmith3765 Місяць тому +1

    5:38 “I can’t go for that’s version is”.... exactly 33 seconds into
    “The Changeling” by The Doors 😆

  • @derryksandiford5434
    @derryksandiford5434 11 місяців тому +11

    I'm 46, and I grew up in the 80s. And I NEVER actually realized that Madonna's Like A Virgin was basically the Dollar Tree version of Billie Jean 😮🤯😵.
    This might be because I literally never reach for Like A Virgin when I'm in the mood for Madonna, maybe, because of the rumors that the song is secretly an ode to 'doggy style' and/or An*l sex.
    Take a minute to REALLY examine the lyrics in the hook..." Search your feelings UA-cam, you know it to be true..."
    Anyhoo, I'm more of a Get Into The Groove kinda guy.

  • @schoolspirit2751
    @schoolspirit2751 11 місяців тому +6

    Both Artists are amazing and making art is all about inspiration and taking ideas from another artist.

  • @csotrumpet4
    @csotrumpet4 2 місяці тому

    Your videos are great! So much interesting info. Keep it up!

  • @DopestDope24
    @DopestDope24 11 місяців тому +1

    Holy shit wasn’t waiting for an M. Night Shyamalan level twist at the end.

  • @kelleylmiller
    @kelleylmiller 11 місяців тому +3

    See, this is why I stopped creating content. Doesn't matter what good you are putting out into the world, people will still be trash in the comments. Your channel is awesome. You are awesome. And, I learn a lot from you. Keep up the good work!

    • @metrowater2819
      @metrowater2819 11 місяців тому

      Focus on What u love, not the negative people.

    • @kelleylmiller
      @kelleylmiller 11 місяців тому

      @@metrowater2819 I appreciate that. I do. Thank you for the encouragement. 💚

  • @Phyclone
    @Phyclone 11 місяців тому +3

    I just love how much of a labyrinth music is. I know exactly what they are talking about and I love it

  • @dariusdossman5450
    @dariusdossman5450 11 місяців тому +1

    Yoooo the beat at the end is soooo randomly fye 🔥🤯🐐

  • @mibeutbig8909
    @mibeutbig8909 10 місяців тому +1

    2:45 That intro is from the Hollywood Tonight demo also made by Michael Jackson