Aside from having one of the coolest names in music history, Coke Escovedo was an accomplished, underrated percussionist. He started out in the Carlos Santana band in 1969 before launching his own band (Azteca) with brother Pete and niece Sheila E. in 1972. After releasing two albums, Coke would launch his solo career with a 1975 self-titled album. He followed it up in 1976 with Comin At Ya, a project aimed at getting more radio airplay.
The album featured a funky, guitar-driven number called “Hangin’ On.” The rough edges of the song are smoothed by a melodic piano intro and female background vocals. The song reaches its apex with a guitar solo that reaches a screeching, orgasmic peak. That point would be the basis for Doom, under his King Geedorah persona, to use the loop for the beat “Fastlane,” off 2003’s Take Me To Your Leader.
COKE ESCOVEDO “HANGIN’ ON” (SAMPLE AT 2:44 MARK)
KING GEEDORAH (MF DOOM) FT. BIOLANTE “FASTLANE”
MF DOOM “MUGWORT” (INSTRUMENTAL)
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 