10 Perfect Hip Hop Music Samples Of Classic Rock Songs
5. M.I.A.'s Paper Planes - Straight To Hell (The Clash)
If you're going to be bold enough to sample a track as instantly recognisable as the Clash's "Straight To Hell" (1982) then you better back it up with some hell fire. No problem for M.I.A. Her scathing take down of America's immigration policy - and its persecution of immigrants post 9/11 - was the perfect accompaniment to the Clash's unconventional drum beat and staccato guitar progression.
Lending his hit-savvy mind to the mix was American producer Diplo. His decision to use the Clash sample was fitting given the lyrical themes of both tracks. The Clash's original lyrics also focused on America's treatment of non-US citizens, particuarlaly in the light of the Vietnam war - specifically referencing the children born to US soldiers and Vietnamese women, who were abandoned after the conflict .
M.I.A. carried the same condemning spirit, but disguised it with an upbeat delivery, making it a staple at every club night in the years after its release. It's a little disheartening to think that in the 25 between these two tracks, America's issues with racial prejudice hadn't really changed that much. Come to think about it, they still haven't.