BeatSession 02|21|11

Original Sample:

Slow Dance by David Ruffin

What’s good, WBS? Once again, I’m holding down this week’s write-up while your boy, illa, is putting the finishing touches on his beat. This week we sample one of my favorite vocalists of all time: David Ruffin. Most of you should know Ruffin as one of the most notable lead singers of The Temptations—his first song as lead singer and undeniably most memorable being “My Girl.”

“Slow Dance” was featured on Ruffin’s last studio album entitled Gentlemen Ruffin (the cover of which was used for Wiz Khalifa’s mixtape, Kush and OJ) which was released on Warner Bros in 1980. Ruffin had a pretty dysfunctional relationship with The Temptations throughout the years. It’s the classic tale of the hubris of man. After several hit songs as lead, Ruffin started to let the fame go to his head. That, coupled with his growing addiction to cocaine, ultimately left the Temptations with no other choice but to kick him out of the group. After being fired, Ruffin would grab the mic (uninvited, mind you) at Temptation shows and literally steal the show from the group. Ruffin would go on to record several solo albums with Motown to fulfill his contract (after attempting to sue the label) before signing with Warner Bros. Ruffin later died after an apparent cocaine overdose in 1991. Despite his apparent self-destruction, his voice will forever be regarded as one of greatest of all time.

If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend watching the television mini-series, The Temptations. Although controversial, you get a glimpse into some of Ruffin’s life and times in the Tempations.

Check this scene from the Temptations miniseries:

Namaste. – Soco (@bsoco/@generationill)

Featured Beats and Producers:

Exit Twenty 1ne by illa (Miami, FL)

Si Nas ay parang by Chrizo (Las Piñas, Philippines)

Not For The Vault by Sideways (Orlando, FL)

Slow it Down Noy by Defurious for Beatronix Production (Davao City, Philippines)

Airwalker by Blackph03nix (London, England)

Drake Track by 25/8 (Miami, FL)

Slow Blow by D (Lipa, Batangas)

Slow (Revisited) by C. Bran (Charlotte, NC)

Close Encounters by Agent Smith 78 (Chicago, IL)

Slow Down by Flava Matikz (Q-York City, Philippines)

Love Rush (Boo Boo) by SDM/BoxoutBeats (Makati City, Philippines)

Another Song Which Uses This Sample:

Slow it Down by Little Brother (Prod. by 9th Wonder)