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The Spin on Original and Sampled Tracks

Hosts, Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell, connect the musical dots between legendary tracks and the often lesser-known songs they sampled. Uncover how these epic songs borrow from music of the past, enriching the musical landscape for generations to come.

All Episodes

Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:10
Join Joe and Toby as they throw shade towards groups that people (for some reason) love to hate
Listen to Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

Am I Wrong for Loving K Pop?

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:9
Join Joe and Toby as they look into BTS and the Korean Wave.
Listen to Am I Wrong for Loving K Pop?

Songs That Are Just Plain Wrong

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:8
Join Joe and Toby as they examine tracks from Royce da 5’9”, Apathy, Benny Mardones, Neil Diamond, and others.
Listen to Songs That Are Just Plain Wrong

Lane Changes

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:7
Join Joe and Toby as they explore the history of artists that have changed musical genres and found equal — or sometimes greater — success.
Listen to Lane Changes

I Need You to Break My Heart Tonight

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:6
Join Joe and Toby as they connect Dua Lipa’s smash hit “Break My Heart” to another 80’s era hit from a popular band from the land down under, INXS.
Listen to I Need You to Break My Heart Tonight

Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:5
From tainted love to undisputed truths, Joe and Toby dig deep to find the secrets behind smiling faces.
Listen to Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Rock-a-Bye Humpty Hump

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:4
Let's face it, nursery rhymes can hide some dark and twisted messages — yet we sing them to our kids! Join Joe and Toby as they follow the itsy bitsy spider’s web that connects Humpty Dumpty to Humpty Hump. Don’t let the beat, or the cradle, drop!
Listen to Rock-a-Bye Humpty Hump

Can't Stop the La Di Da Di

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:3
Slick Rick is respected as being one of the greatest MC storytellers of all time while Doug E Fresh is known as the human Beat Box. Put them together and you're guaranteed a good time and you get a classic hip hop song that's been sampled more times than Joe and Toby can say "back in the day" in an episode.
Listen to Can't Stop the La Di Da Di

Music 2 Protest 2

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:2
In this episode, Joe and Toby discuss protests from a musical perspective, exploring songs both past and present that have fueled protests. The revolution will not be televised, but it will be podcasted!
Listen to Music 2 Protest 2

Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Riffs on Riffs | S:2 E:1
You wanna be startin’ somethin’? Well, that’s fine, but mama say please don’t stop the music. Join Joe and Toby as they kick off the brand new season of Riffs on Riffs with a revised format and Spotify playlists!
Listen to Mama Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Evil Beep

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:43
The Electric Light Orchestra and the Pussycat Dolls were both groups that achieved a lot of success, though at during different times.
Listen to Evil Beep

Ms. Jackson is OUT of Strawberries

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:42
There is a bit of confusion about what exactly was sampled from Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23” to help create Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson”. But one thing that isn’t up for debate is that both of these songs are hits.
Listen to Ms. Jackson is OUT of Strawberries

I'd Rather Have Whiskey

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:41
Etta James and Chris Stapleton are generations apart in age but kindred spirits in vocal talent. The question is, did these two ever sip whiskey together, and did one of them go blind as a result? Join us as we spill the tea.
Listen to I'd Rather Have Whiskey

We Have Bobby in Common

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:40
Bobby Caldwell is most famously known for crooning the classic “What You Won’t Do for Love”. In this episode, Joe and Toby “Open Your Eyes” to the connection Bobby has with Common and his song “The Light”.
Listen to We Have Bobby in Common

The Shape of a Scrub

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:39
Is Ed Sheeran in good shape or is he just another scrub? We’ll find out as we explore his connection to TLC and their epic 90’s track.
Listen to The Shape of a Scrub

All Night Around the Way

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:38
When you’re looking for an Around the Way Girl, you might find someone that will want to stay up late – maybe even All Night Long. Joe and Toby connect the dots between these tracks by the Cool James that Ladies Love and The Mary Jane Girls.
Listen to All Night Around the Way

My Brother Jonas is a Chicken

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:37
It is Only Human to shake a tail feather when The Chicken Dance hits the airwaves. Joe and Toby connect the dots between this wedding staple and the new hit from The Jonas Brothers.
Listen to My Brother Jonas is a Chicken

Everybody Loves My Life

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:36
Joe and Toby explore how a man and his vibraphone became the inspiration for Mary J. Blige’s life — and why everyone else loves it, too.
Listen to Everybody Loves My Life

Now That We Found Heavy Love

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:35
Joe and Toby search for the love connection between the original Overweight Lover Heavy D and The O’Jays. The question is, when they find it, what are they going to do with it?
Listen to Now That We Found Heavy Love

Born to Express Yourself

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:34
Joe and Toby connect the dots between The Material Girl and The Fame Monster and explore how these two iconic women have always done things their own way.
Listen to Born to Express Yourself

Regulate Your Doobie

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:33
Joe and Toby connect the dots from Warren G to Michael McDonald and see how this blue-eyed soul master influenced west coast G funk.
Listen to Regulate Your Doobie

It’s All Over Now, Jack-Ass

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:32
Have I told you lately, that I love this episode! Joe & Toby dive into a legend of the 90’s, Beck, and explore his folksie, funky, electronic track “Jack-Ass” (1996) and it’s moondancin’ origins.
Listen to It’s All Over Now, Jack-Ass

Should I Rock the Train in Vain?

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:31
Calling all rebellious spirits with green mohawks! It’s time to unite for this all-things-Clash episode of Riffs on Riffs.
Listen to Should I Rock the Train in Vain?

Ain’t No Sunshine Last Summer

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:30
I know, I know, I know you’ll love this episode featuring Shawn Mendes “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2015) with Camilla Cabello.
Listen to Ain’t No Sunshine Last Summer

The Fall Out at Tom’s Diner

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:29
Let’s explore Fall Out Boy’s 2015 hit “Centuries” and the 1990’s indie-folk sample that influenced it’s fist-pumping pop-punk sound. 
Listen to The Fall Out at Tom’s Diner

Riffs on Riffs Episode 28 Bloopers

Riffs on Riffs | S:1
A compilation of outtakes featuring the hosts of Riffs on Riffs from Episode 28: “Bring the Noise”. Enjoy!
Listen to Riffs on Riffs Episode 28 Bloopers

Bring the Noise

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:28
Get ready for this epic rap metal episode featuring the groundbreaking collab “Bring the Noise” (1991) by Public Enemy & Anthrax!
Listen to Bring the Noise

Bye Bye Til I See You Again

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:27
Get into the smooth vibes of Charlie Puth singing “See You Again” (2015) and a very, very, very subtle Ray Charles sample used in this heart-melting song.
Listen to Bye Bye Til I See You Again

Summertime Madness

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:26
This super hot episode takes the heat to another level with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and their mega hit “Summertime” (1991) with musical ties to a soul gang from the 70’s.
Listen to Summertime Madness

The Rockman and the Rocketman

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:25
This epic episode is comprised of two music icons… Boston and Elton John! Joe & Toby explore the sounds of “More Tha
Listen to The Rockman and the Rocketman

Getting Igor’s Attention

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:24
Joe and Toby connect the musical dots from Tyler, the Creator’s hit track “Igor’s Theme” (2019) and trace it back to a Paris-based 70’s soul group. 
Listen to Getting Igor’s Attention

Donny is Too Short

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:23
Joe and Toby connect the musical dots from Too $hort’s hit track “The Ghetto” (1990) and trace it back to an unforgettable 70’s soul singer.
Listen to Donny is Too Short

The Shape of My Lucid Dreams

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:22
Good night and sweet Lucid Dreams… Joe & Toby dive into a fan favorite by Juice WRLD and the 1993 sample he used to make this hit!
Listen to The Shape of My Lucid Dreams

Old Town Ghosts

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:21
A rappers plight… is country music friend or foe? Joe & Toby answer this and more in a discussion about Hip-Hop Cowboy Lil Nas X with hints of NIN.
Listen to Old Town Ghosts

Trans-European Hot Tubs

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:20
Joe & Toby take you to another dimension with the futuristic sounds of an iconic German Electro-pop band. To Kraftwerk and beyond!
Listen to Trans-European Hot Tubs

Pop Goes the Sledgehammer

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:19
Joe & Toby connect the many musical dots between the iconic hip-hop trio 3rd Bass and their biggest hit “Pop Goes The Weasel” (1991).
Listen to Pop Goes the Sledgehammer

Be Careful of Exes

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:18
Okurrr! We’ve got Carbi B and her hit single “Be Careful” and all it’s samples and interpolations ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to Barbra Streisand.
Listen to Be Careful of Exes

Shooting Pains

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:17
It’s the song that plays in every sporting arena ever known to man and Joe & Toby JUMP back into time to find it’s musical roots.
Listen to Shooting Pains

Oops Upside Your Funk

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:16
Joe and Toby put the puzzle pieces of samples together for Mark Ronson’s  Grammy winning hit, “Uptown Funk,” and explore its many funk-inspired beats.
Listen to Oops Upside Your Funk

The Way to a Little Bit of Love

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:15
Joe and Toby connect the music dots between Ariana Grande’s 2013 hit “The Way” and a fellow ballad singer from 1979.
Listen to The Way to a Little Bit of Love

I Know You Want a Street Player

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:14
Uno. Dos. Tres. Cuatro! Let’s connect the musical dots between Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull with his mega hit “I Know You Want Me” and one of America’s most prolific rock bands of all time.
Listen to I Know You Want a Street Player

True Memories of Bliss

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:13
You are about to set adrift on a journey through time, where P.M. Dawn’s romantic rap ballads took hip-hop by storm and the new waves of British pop make a splash.
Listen to True Memories of Bliss

People Say You’re That Somebody

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:12
This episode recalls the remarkable life and talent of 90’s music and film sensation, Aaliyah, and the funk band that inspired one of her greatest hits.
Listen to People Say You’re That Somebody

Nothing Alone Can Stop Me

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:11
This episode will soar through the sultry vocals of pop singer Halsey and into the funky and free spirited 5th Dimension.
Listen to Nothing Alone Can Stop Me

Biggie Sheets

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:10
This episode will hypnotize you with a not-so-well-known funk/soul sample from 1983 featured in Biggie’s hit track, “Big Poppa.”
Listen to Biggie Sheets

The Tom Tom Fantasy

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:9
Revel in the genius of Mariah Carey and the eclectic new wave sounds of a 1980’s tune that inspired Carey’s 1995 mega hit “Fantasy.”
Listen to The Tom Tom Fantasy

The Hamilton Hip-Hop Mixtape

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:8
Riffs on Riffs hosts celebrate the wonders of hip-hop infused music sampling that created this miraculous thing called Hamilton.
Listen to The Hamilton Hip-Hop Mixtape

When Doves Pray

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:7
In this episode, Joe and Toby dive into the prolific life of Prince and how his music helped hammer a career path for a former bat boy of the Oakland A’s.
Listen to When Doves Pray

Thank You for Sittin’ In My Rhythm Nation

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:6
It’s the nation that Janet Jackson built for millions of fans across the world while interweaving a legendary funk band and a 90’s R&B diva - all in one tantalizing episode of Riffs on Riffs!
Listen to Thank You for Sittin’ In My Rhythm Nation

Look, You Made Me Too Sexy

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:5
Let’s hop into the time machine and explore three genres across three decades of music’s iconic artists including a modern pop star, a 90’s British dance duo and a Woodstock era guitar legend.
Listen to Look, You Made Me Too Sexy

99 Problems and a Big Fire Ain’t One

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:4
In this episode, we’ll find out how this 80’s video legend helped eliminate some of hip hop’s biggest problems ... and along the way, help Alicia Keys set the world on fire.
Listen to 99 Problems and a Big Fire Ain’t One

Underdog Ain’t Nuthin’ to Mess With

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:3
Grab your Pop-Tarts and a bowl of Baron Von Red Berry’s; we are going to crash Saturday morning cartoons and discover the original sounds of the genius rap group, Wu-Tang Clan.
Listen to Underdog Ain’t Nuthin’ to Mess With

The Edge of Police Booty

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:2
Let’s go to the edge of an 80’s classic track with rock goddess, Stevie Nicks! We explore the origins of “Edge of Seventeen,” beginning with a legendary English rock band...
Listen to The Edge of Police Booty

California Woman

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:1
If it’s possible to Zapp through time and trace the iconic Tupac song, “California Love,” all the way back to one of the greatest blue-eyed soul legends of the Woodstock era… we will do it!
Listen to California Woman

Season 1 Trailer

Riffs on Riffs | S:1 E:1
Get a little taste of what's in store for Season 1 of Riffs of Riffs.
Listen to Season 1 Trailer

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