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What Is The Big Energy Sample?

Photograph of the blog post author, Annika Hope

Annika Hope

22.9.2023

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Big Energy sample

If you’ve tuned into Latto’s confident and bold track “Big Energy,” chances are you’ve recognized it, given its impressive 30-week stay on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Upon listening, you might have noticed a distinct similarity to Mariah Carey’s popular 1995 hit, “Fantasy.” This resemblance isn’t coincidental. Both songs have ingeniously incorporated elements from the 1981 hit “Genius of Love.” This iconic track, crafted by the talented duo Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, transcends genre boundaries and has proven its lasting influence in the music industry. Its distinctive groove has not only inspired Latto and Carey but also continues to resonate with audiences, decades after its original release. Let’s dive into the Big Energy sample.

The Big Energy 

“Big Energy” is a hit single by American rapper Latto, released on September 24, 2021. The song is a part of her third studio album “777”. This bubbly track is a vibrant, catchy tune that showcases Latto’s versatile rap style and her ability to create a captivating hook. The song samples Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love,” which was previously sampled by Mariah Carey in her 1995 hit “Fantasy”.

“Big Energy” quickly garnered attention and praise, climbing the Billboard charts. The song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Latto’s highest-charting single to date. It also topped the Billboard Rhythmic Songs chart, making it a huge success for the rapper.

 The Remix: Mariah Carey Joins the Fun

The remix of “Big Energy” was released on March 28th, 2022, and features pop legend Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled. The remix maintains the infectious energy of the original while adding a fresh layer with Carey’s iconic vocals and DJ Khaled’s distinctive sound.

The collaboration was well-received, with many praising the seamless blend of Latto’s rap style with Carey’s vocal prowess. The remix further propelled the song’s success, helping it maintain its strong presence on various music charts.

 Impact and Reception on The Big Energy Sample

“Big Energy” and its remix have made a significant impact on the music industry. The song’s catchy hook, danceable beat, and empowering lyrics have resonated with listeners worldwide. Critics have praised Latto’s confident delivery and the song’s production, highlighting its clever use of the “Genius of Love” sample.

The remix with Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled has been lauded for enhancing the original track without overshadowing it. The presence of Carey, a legendary vocalist, brought a new dimension to the song and helped it reach a broader audience.

Sampling Songs

Sampling is a popular technique in the music industry, allowing artists to pay homage to their predecessors, while also introducing classic hits to new generations. A recent example of this practice is seen in Latto’s 2021 track, “Big Energy,” which samples Mariah Carey’s 1995 hit song “Fantasy.” Both songs, interestingly, draw their samples from the same source: the 1981 song “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club, a side project of Talking Heads’ members Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth.

The Big Energy Sample

“Genius of Love” is a seminal track in the annals of pop music, characterized by its iconic keyboard riff and funky rhythm. Its distinct sound has made it a popular choice for sampling. The song has been used in numerous tracks across various genres, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

When Mariah Carey sampled “Genius of Love” in her song “Fantasy” in 1995, she brought a fresh perspective to the classic tune. The song became a chart-topping success, fusing elements of pop and R&B with the infectious groove of the original track. Carey’s rendition of the song introduced “Genius of Love” to a new generation of listeners, demonstrating the power of sampling as a tool for musical evolution.

Fast forward to 2021, the rapper Latto released “Big Energy,” a track that samples not only the original “Genius of Love,” but also incorporates elements of Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.” By doing so, Latto not only pays homage to these two iconic songs but also creates a unique blend of hip-hop and pop that resonates with contemporary listeners. The song’s catchy hook, combined with Latto’s confident delivery, has led to the track becoming a popular hit.

The journey from “Genius of Love” to “Big Energy” demonstrates the enduring power of music and the creative potential of sampling. By using elements from these classic songs, both Mariah Carey and Latto have created unique tracks that honor the past while pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. This technique allows for the continual evolution of music, ensuring that classic hits like “Genius of Love” remain relevant and appreciated by new generations of listeners.

Closing Thoughts on The Big Energy Sample

In conclusion, the use of sampling in music, as shown in the lineage from “Genius of Love” to “Fantasy” and then to “Big Energy,” is a testament to the timeless appeal of certain tracks and the creative possibilities that arise when artists draw inspiration from their predecessors. It’s a fascinating journey through time, demonstrating how a 1981 hit can still be a vital part of the music scene four decades later.


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