Deep Vinyl #1: B.T. Express – Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied By Frost Gamble
The “Deep Vinyl” series showcases classic albums of the past that are strong from the first to last track”
Deep Vinyl #1: B.T. Express – Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied By Frost Gamble
Early in my diggin’ career, I came across this gem in a used record spot – and I couldn’t believe how many samples had been used off it! Every time I dropped the needle, I heard a different track that one my favorite MCs had rhymed over. Normally, I was looking for a loop that nobody had touched yet – but this album just amazed me, so I shelled out the $7 to cop it. (Trust that $7 was no joke to me back then – I was checking for 25-cent records at the Salvation Army on the regular!)
B.T. Express was a funk/disco band who put out nine albums between ’74 and ’81, but their debut, Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied, provided the back drop for more hip-hop classics than almost any other record *not made by James Brown*.
Track 1: Express
This track is a great intro to the album – train sound effects build up to funky guitar riffs, horns, and a couple ill breakdowns. Light on vocals, heavy on funk; this song has been sampled by a gang of artists – from the Jungle Brothers to Gang Starr to old school legend Chief Rocker Busy Bee.
BT Express – Express
Busy Bee – Express
Track 2: If It Don’t Turn You On (You Outta Leave It Alone)
If “Express” was the warm-up, the funk is in full effect when this cut drops. This song is more traditional with vocals and chorus, and has been sampled by lots of producers – but most noticeably used by EPMD for their classic “So Whatcha Sayin’?”
BT Express – If It Don’t Turn You On
EPMD – So Whatcha Sayin’?
Track 3: Once You Get It
The guitar/drum intro screams “rewind!” and definitely has gangster appeal – as it was used by Above The Law, DJ Quik and Philadelphia pioneer Schoolly D.
B.T. Express – Once You Get It
Schoolly D – Parkside 5-2
Track 4: Everything Good To You
At the time, I thought the first bar on this track had been retired after EPMD smashed it on “Get The Bozak” – but a few years later, DMX brought it back and killed it again, re-animator style.
Track 4: Everything Good To You
At the time, I thought the first bar on this track had been retired after EPMD smashed it on “Get The Bozak” – but a few years later, DMX brought it back and killed it again, re-animator style.
BT Express – Everything Good To You
DMX – Get At Me Dog
Track 5: Mental Telepathy
One of only two songs on this album that I don’t recognize as having been used – but hit me up if you do! This joint sounds like it belongs on a blaxploitation soundtrack – and definitely has chops for the taking.
BT Express – Mental Telepathy
Track 6: Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied
You know the title track had to be funky! Those drums have been sampled by a handful of producers, but more recently (and most notably) by the good Doctor on Truth Hurt’s “Addictive”.
BT Express – Do It ‘Till You’re Satisfied
Truth Hurts – Addictive Ft. Rakim
Track 7: Do You Like It
Again, so many parts of this song can, and have been, sampled – but it always reminds me of Ice-T’s smooth intro on “The Iceberg”.
BT Express – Do You Like It
Ice-T – The Iceberg
Track 8: That’s What I Want For You Baby
The 2nd track I can’t place as having been used before – but the strings and little guitar stabs are crazy on this one; it has to have been touched by someone. Maybe you!
BT Express – That’s What I Want For You Baby
Track 9: This House Is Smoking
A melodic, extra-funky 2-bar loop of bass guitar, horns and drums drops on the one – and got snatched up by 3rd Bass for one of the best songs on the Cactus Album – “Triple Stage Darkness”.
BT Express – This House Is Smoking
3rd Bass – Triple Stage Darkness
Again, there aren’t too many (*non-James Brown*) albums where damn near every cut has been touched by hip-hop elite – but this album brings so many sample opportunities it was bound to happen! Their later records (especially “Non Stop”) had a few songs that have been looped up too; but this record has to be their most important to the hip-hop heads and beat diggers.
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“addictive” was produced by DJ Quik, not Dre, you ******* *****.
Strong words there…