Madlib Samples #22: Deniece Williams – Niecy (1982, Columbia)

Deniece Williams to me has one of the most ethereal and wonderful voices of all time. Her debut 1976 album This Is Niecy is a classic, a true masterpiece of her time that truly highlighted her vocal range and ability to create music that stands the test of time. Her 1982 album Niecy is another masterpiece in her discography, one which I haven’t discovered and digested properly in full. However, one of the tracks especially stands out from the rest. Not only is is sampled by the legend himself Madlib, but because the groove and soulful quality of it is what makes it so special. I’m of course, speaking about “Waiting,” track 6 of the album, sampled by Madib on “Lakers” (ft. Ab-Soul, Polyester The Saint) off his collaborative 2014 classic with Freddie Gibbs Piñata.

It’s the synth-led and drum intro that was sampled by the hip-hop legend. The guitar notes and string arrangements at the start of the track make for an amazing intro for Deniece to steal the show with her gorgeous vocal performance that is soulful and incredibly sensual. Her aura really comes through on the track, and Madlib uses the instrumental at the start as well as Deniece’s vocals to loop it effortlessly over a beat that features heavy boom-bap drums, as well as polished, modern sound that still has a charm about it. The vocal sample near the end is also perfectly executed. Overall, Madlib does a terrific job of capturing the soul and essence of the Deniece Williams classic, and a true testament to his talent as a producer and artist.

Listen to Deniece Williams’ “Waiting” off her 1982 album Niecy below via YouTube. You can find purchase information for the record via discogs.com.

You can listen to Madlib’s collaborative record with Freddie Gibbs, “Lakers,” featuring Ab-Soul & Polyester The Saint off their collaborative 2014 album
Piñata below via YouTube. You can find purchase information for the record over at discogs.com.