My Quest for Breaking Everything: John Cale's Favourite Music | Page 3 of 14

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

2. Snoop Dogg‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ ft. Pharrell

This was my intro into the world of hip hop as avant-garde minimalism. I can’t think of a recording that stopped me in my tracks like this one did. I was already a fan of Snoop and having trawled through Pharrell’s hit production resumé, the idea of something so sparse having so much personality was that moment for me when I realised the nexus between all genres being linked to a ‘good hook’ and abstract thought. The listener fills in the spaces with whatever they hear to complete the beat or even the melody.

PreviousNext Record

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today