Five Songs from Pop Smoke, Polo G and Roddy Ricch with samples from R&B and Hip Hop Classics

Music influences. It inspires. It impacts. Every generation has its musical style and flavor. As I listen to the music around me, I hear so many influences and genres. Some songs remind us of hymns, Country music, or DooWop. Artists have been sampling lyrics and instrumentals or elements of both for many years. I love listening to the ZBVI Radio Oldie Goldie Show because I often comment on how the newer music contains elements of the classics.

My favorite genres are R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, and Soca. It is common for artists from different genres to sample music or lyrics from other genres and or generations. I do not listen to Hip Hop as much as I used to ten years ago. Both music and performance have evolved in a way that I do not appreciate as I did before.

However, I have children, and they stay in tune with the music of today, as expected. I would hear them playing songs to which I would respond that the songs have a little piece of an older tune. Here are five (5) songs by popular artists that have sampled songs that I enjoy.


"Got It On Me" by Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke sampled the 2003 hit, Many Men by 50 Cent, in his 2020 release of "Got It On Me." 50 Cent sampled "Out of the Picture" by Tavares for his hit. Pop Smoke sampled the hook and the instrumental, and featured 50 Cent in other songs on the album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. Unfortunately, Pop Smoke died on February 19, 2020.

"What You Know Bout Love" by Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke sampled the 2001 release "Differences" by Ginuwine by using the instrumental in "What You Know Bout Love," which he released in 2020. Ginuwine was one of the popular solo R&B artists who had several hits on the charts, including "Pony" and "Last Chance."

"Ricch Forever" by Roddy Ricch
"Put That Woman First" was Jaheim's 2002 hit that encouraged ladies to hold the men accountable for their actions. Roddy Ricch sampled the instrumental and expressed his feelings about making money in his 2018 release, "Ricch Forever."

"Something Special" by Pop Smoke
In 1998, everyone was listening to Tamia's "So Into You" which was remade in 2003 by Fabolous featuring Tamia. Since this is the third song on this list from Pop Smoke, I think we can agree that he enjoyed R&B and Hip Hop because he sampled both the hook and instrumental from this classic.


"Wishing For A Hero" by Polo G
"Changes" was released in 1998 after 2Pac died in 1996. 2Pac had sampled Bruce Hornsby and the Range's 1986 hit, "The Way It Is," and the 1972 song "Changes" by Black Sabbath. 2Pac's "Changes" had a huge impact and is one of the greatest Hip Hop songs ever written. Polo G sampled the instrumental and hook and used it to spread a message of awareness about the ongoing struggles people are facing in his 2020 release, "Wishing For a Hero."

Some people say that the artists today are not as creative, but I commend them for showing their love for those musicians who have inspired them. It may be cliche, but "Imitation is the best form of flattery."

POEM: I Dared to Care

I dared to care but
fear took over my sight
and while I got to a certain height
I had already lost my fight
and my bite became painless
that's when I got careless
and felt depressed and stressed
but nevertheless
I still want to care
and while I often stare

in the dark beyond
or get caught up in the
talking all around
and the other sounds
that resound and distract
from my mission
I still have the vision 

I just have to regain my passion

and leave the passing fashions

I have to start caring

and stop staring

I have to reset

and leave the regrets

and I bet

things will turn around

© Linette Rabsatt

Ribbon

How Do You Address Differing Opinions or Expectations?

So many factors influence our expectations. We believe that everyone thinks the way that we do. We expect our children to have the same aspirations as we have had. Our leaders should mirror the leaders of the more developed countries, even when we see them floundering and disorganized. We want others to support the political parties we support and are upset when they do not. We get very offended when others do not see things our way, and this causes division and disagreement.

Some people argue while others pull away quietly. When it comes to children and parents not agreeing on the education or career choices, you may cause lifelong hurt because of differences of opinion. Family members stop speaking to each other because of political affiliation.

I can be quite headstrong, but I know that people will have different opinions. I expect that everyone will not agree with me. Sometimes, I get the opportunity to say that I "saw this coming." Other times, I have to "eat my words" because I chose a losing side.

I think these are most important when it comes to differing opinions or expectations:

1. Everyone forms their opinions on events, crises, life, etc.
2. Share your opinion if you choose to. You will be fine if you keep it personal.
3. If you are going to express yourself, share factual information politely.
4. Listen to the other opinions without showing distaste or disrespect.
5. Know that you cannot have your way all the time.
6. Be willing to compromise.
7. Be encouraging and supportive if it is a life decision.
8. Walk away and come back with more information to support your ideas/side.
9. Know when to leave it alone.

Life continues to flow even when we disagree. If someone committed a criminal act, they may or may not get caught, but their conscience will deal with them. If your child chooses a career that you do not support, still be encouraging unless it is criminal, unethical, or immoral. Your conscience will have to guide you based on the situation.

I am not argumentative, but I know how to state my stance on a matter. Also, I know when to walk away. I prefer to use my energy honing my writing or weeding my garden.

Poem: Guardian of My Galaxy

I may not be "Brandy",

but I think I am a fine girl

and despite what you think,

"Ain't no mountain high enough"

that can keep me from reaching my goals

because I've got music and I've got soul

So even though I don't say

"Come and get your love" often

that doesn't mean I don't want to "Escape"

and drink some "Pina Colada"

We have to live in this moment so

"Come a little bit closer"

because I'm happiest when I see

the bright "Mr. Blue Sky"

because the "Spirit in the Sky"

has me "Hooked on a Feeling"

It's not like "I'm not in love"

it's just that

"I fooled around and fell in love"

and "Ooh Child",

"Bring it on home to me"

So don't change your mind

and don't leave me behind

because you are the Guardian of my Galaxy

 © Linette Rabsatt 2020

Poem: The Weeds

We often ask ourselves why 

About many things

Like how birds learn to sing 

Or how weeds take over a garden 

Instead we need to watch

The numerous happenings 

And the way nature keeps thriving 

How it replenishes and accommodates

And how the circle of life is displayed 

Look at how simply flora and fauna 

Coexist to provide our basic needs

Even though we act more like the weeds

and take over all the spaces

Choking all other beings

If we watch the simplicity 

Teamwork, survival and diligence 

We can mirror the behaviors 

To make the world a better place 

Poem: Navigation

I want to navigate
and elevate
but not just gravitate to the next thing
I have my eyes set on a goal
and this soul
doesn't give up that easily
so don't talk to me teasingly
because you don't know what I'm feeling
or if I am healing
don't assume what people are dealing with
because you don't know where they sit
or if they've been hit
or bitten
because what comes from within
is what lies beneath
so take a seat
and rest your feet
let me take my ride
let me confide with the Most High
as I navigate
resuscitate
and elevate

 © Linette Rabsatt 

BVI Book Highlight: Arona's First Garden by Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes

Do you remember the first time that you did something that you love? We consider Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes as the BVI's most qualified and experienced agriculturalist. She has been passionate about agriculture from a young age and wanted to share this inspiring story with children by writing "Arona's First Garden."

This author has also written "Matters of the Heart" and has co-authored "Medicinal Plants with a BVI Cultural Twist" with Mrs. Virginia Hodge. "Arona's First Garden" caters to children aged three (3) to seven (7). In nine (9) chapters, she describes her journey of inspiration to start the garden to her first sale of produce at the market. The creative artwork of Dwayne Mactavious has enlivened this story.



The author has given us a glimpse into her early life and how her parents endorsed and encouraged her potential in agriculture. The BVI was traditionally a farming territory that produced food for local and regional consumption in the US Virgin Islands. Mrs. Fahie-Forbes has chronicled how she started by selecting a spot to garden, getting her parent's permission, and getting training from an Agri Easter and Summer Camp.

In Chapter 7, the author shares the first moment when she saw fruit budding. The story reads, "Look! Look! Okras are bearing on the plants!" I am currently planting okras and have a full appreciation of how exciting it is to see them bear from the seedling stage to harvest size. In the latter part of the book, the author shares how she reaped her produce and sold them at the market. As you read, you feel the excitement as she details how much money she made at the market.

Mrs. Fahie-Forbes shared that the book can be used as a medium to transfer and sustain the agricultural culture for future generations. She encourages parents to get one for their children in the age range. I encourage you to get a copy for the children in your home. The only way that we can appreciate our culture and the importance of agriculture is if we put our hands to practice by starting a garden.