Know Your Samples: Dilla Flips Weird Child Tribute to “Players”

“To me you’re more than a child…”

The late J Dilla was one of the best producers when it came to finding new samples and creative ways to flip them. One such example in his distinguished catalogue is the Slum Village track “Players,” off Fan-tas-tic Vol. 2. The original is “Clair,” a 1972 hit for Irish singer Gilbert O’ Sullivan. The song is a tribute of sorts to the young daughter of his manager/producer Gordon Mills. While it may have been innocent enough, I doubt I would be thrilled with a grown man singing these lyrics to my adolescent daughter. Her giggling at the end of the track doesn’t make it any better.

But why I spite of our age difference do I cry/ Each time I leave you I feel I could die/ Nothing means more to me then hearing you say/ I’m going to marry you/ Will you marry me Uncle Ray/ Oh! Clair Clair

GILBERT O’ SULLIVAN “CLAIR”

Dilla came into possession of the 1973 remake, done by a vocal jazz quartet called The Singers Unlimited. He stuck with it until one particular word caught his ear. At the 2:18 mark of the song, Sullivan soothingly croons out Clair’s name followed by a succession of low scat notes. Dilla slowed down and changed the sample note, creating what many of us thought were vocals saying “players” instead of the actual “Clair.” By the emcees constantly repeating the former, the listener doesn’t even consider he or she could be hearing a completely different word. Disinformation never sounded so good.