I've always been fascinated by how Michael adapted African rhythms into his songs. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is revolutionary not only because the kick doesn't fall on the downbeat, but because of the heavy emphasis on the offbeat 8th notes in the shaker/hi-hat. It's dizzying, and powerful. After I read your latest column, I adapted the rhythm tracks in the song from LinnDrum samples to African percussion, and whoa, it's a banger.
I've always been fascinated by how Michael adapted African rhythms into his songs. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is revolutionary not only because the kick doesn't fall on the downbeat, but because of the heavy emphasis on the offbeat 8th notes in the shaker/hi-hat. It's dizzying, and powerful. After I read your latest column, I adapted the rhythm tracks in the song from LinnDrum samples to African percussion, and whoa, it's a banger.