Salaam Remi Reworks Classic Samples for Nas and Amy Winehouse | The Formula, S1E5
Unlike most super producers, Salaam Remi doesn’t have an identifiable sound he loans out to various acts. He’s better known for mining a sound from each act he works with that, in turn, becomes their signature sound. He pushes artists through their songwriting process and that helps him figure out where to go musically.
Watch the second season early at npr.org/theformula
READ THE COMPANION ESSAY
“I’ll Give My Love If You Return It To Me: Babyface And The Bonds Of Collaboration” by Danyel Smith // Salaam Remi defines his skill as a producer via the art of collaboration. Writer Danyel Smith says that’s also true of songwriter Babyface, who for decades has been shaping the sound of R&B by showing deep respect for the singers — mostly women — with whom he’s working. That essay is here: https://n.pr/2yhZN6w
FULL SERIES PLAYLIST HERE
CREDITS
Host: Rodney Carmichael; Producers: Nick Michael, CJ Riculan; Animator: CJ Riculan; Assistant Producer: Ben Naddaff-Hafrey; Director of Photography: Colin Marshall; Editors: Tsering Bista, Maia Stern; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Nickolai Hammar; Audio Recording Engineer: Chris DeAngelis; Audio Mix Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Production Assistant: Shanti Hands; Supervising Producer: Nick Michael; Senior Producer: Abby O’Neill; Consulting Editor: Jacob Ganz; Managing Editor: Becky Lettenberger; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins, Lauren Onkey
MUSIC
“Tears Dry on Their Own,” Amy Winehouse, Back to Black (2006)
“Made You Look,” Nas, God’s Son (2002)
“In My Bed,” Amy Winehouse, Frank (2003)
“Apache,” Incredible Bongo Band, Bongo Rock (1973)
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, United (1967)
“Rose Water,” DJ Face [series theme track]
I gotta say, "Tears Dry on Their Own" is the least interesting thing that two such talented people could have created. He didn't do anything with the sample! Congrats, you realized you can take a classic record and substitute in any pentatonic melody.
so unfortunate we lost Amy, would have loved to see her perform live. Salaam went on next level production when working with her, the music was just immaculately produced with her voice and style
I'm a bboy. I have danced to both the bongo band and Made You Look hundreds of times and have never put the two together. Especially from such a simple flip. Lol wow.
I swear Salaam is a quiet genius. This man is every bit as talented and calculated as Premier, QTip, and Timbaland, but never gets recognized as such. Great video NPR!
"Are no mountain high" song is a legendary song
1:20 created an entirely new beat
This series is superb and especially appreciate that the producers are well spoken.
I gotta say, "Tears Dry on Their Own" is the least interesting thing that two such talented people could have created. He didn't do anything with the sample! Congrats, you realized you can take a classic record and substitute in any pentatonic melody.
Salaam Remi is a legend♥️
This guy remixed the marvin gaye – save the children on souncloud.
Rip amy
I love you and the outtakes, she was a queen
Respek to the GOD! Salaam, inshAllah, I will meet you in my lifetime.
so unfortunate we lost Amy, would have loved to see her perform live. Salaam went on next level production when working with her, the music was just immaculately produced with her voice and style
I love those intimate moments from moments of recording. It's always fun.
mind blown
One of the most genius beats ever
Great… pop music for the 2000s s glad you brought this up
⁵
I wish he went over his process with Ready or Not by the Fugees instead of all the Amy…oh well
Sonic DNA…yes.
God I would listen ALL ….DAY….LONG!!!
I'm a bboy. I have danced to both the bongo band and Made You Look hundreds of times and have never put the two together. Especially from such a simple flip. Lol wow.
I swear Salaam is a quiet genius. This man is every bit as talented and calculated as Premier, QTip, and Timbaland, but never gets recognized as such. Great video NPR!
I wish this was longer
Beautiful ✨
RECOGNITION!
This is the school
transcript?
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