Sample Saturday: MIKE - Airdrop

Welcome back to Sample Saturday, where we discuss samples from some of your favorite songs. Today we will be discussing the sample used in MIKE’s song “Airdrop,” self-produced under the pseudonym DJ Blackpower, off his 2021 project “Disco!” This suggestion was sent in by Obi, you can follow Obi on Instagram @obipng. Now, let’s get into this breakdown! 

“Airdrop” explores MIKE’s vulnerability after a failed relationship. Recalling his experiences through his lyrics, “Only us, it was the only suggestion I gave / I take the rush, then I slowly regret it,” over a bright synth-y tune, MIKE hopes there is still a way he can send his love to his former lover. 

“I sent my love, let me know if you get it,” MIKE closes the song with the sound of an airdrop, cleverly displaying how he wishes he could easily display his still existent love to his ex as simply as an airdrop.  

The sample used in the song is “Flying” produced by Stanley Clarke and Bill Shields off the 1987 album “Shieldstone.” The upbeat jazz record displays a number of instruments, including the trumpet and the synthesizer as the shining stars, and the light percussion centering the ambiance of the track. Following the upbeat melody, a cohesive luminous track is created. 

DJ Blackpower blends the worlds of soulful jazz and hip hop by centering his song around the synthesizer and the simple percussion from the sample. Taking the pitch down a bit making the beat slow down, looping the same part throughout the duration of the song as he raps over the beat. Instead of adding heavy instrumental elements to the song, DJ Blackpower leaves the sample as is. The simple production of the song blooms into a refreshing perspective on jazz + hip hop fusion.