HEAR THIS: Rye Rye Revists Robyn

So much alliteration. It makes me happy.

Question -- what happened to forever?
Me and you always together?
Too bad I was much too clever
Can't be played a fool, that's never
Suppose she made you happy or whatever
Learn from the past -- proceed, get better
Good girl gone mad
Guess you didn't realize just what you had

-"Never Will Be Mine" (feat. Robyn), Rye Rye

Ryeisha Berrain, better known by stage name Rye Rye is an artist you should know, and I will tell you why. First, her main musical champion is M.I.A.. Second, she has cuts produced by Diplo and The Neptunes. Third, she has opened up for Gossip. Fourth, her fashion sense is colorful, avante garde and basically sick.

Intrigued? You should be. After hearing her first hype single in "Bang" (which featured aforementioned M.I.A.), I silently rooted for the baby-voiced Baltimore rapper, but when I heard word she was releasing a major single campaign with a slow jam based around the ballad/acoustic version of my favorite Robyn song ever -- "Be Mine" -- and I just had to hear it. And I wasn't dissapointed.

Too often with sampling shenanigans, especially in the urban arena, I suffer from bittersweet emotions. A part of me wants to fist pump internally because an awesome song that was popular to such a niche audience is brought to a different (and in some cases broader) audience. That being said, there is nothing more infuriating than when the artist that was sampled isn't properly credited or (even more egregious) acknowledged by the general public. Perfect example -- Jason DeRulo's "Whatcha Say". The whole reason why most people loved that song was because of the Imogen Heap "Hide & Seek" sample. But for Joe Radio Music Fan, the majority had no idea (or worse, couldn't care less) who she was.

I'm happy to say this is not the case with Rye Rye's "Never Will Be Mine". The entire song is set to Robyn's "Be Mine" (acoustic version), with the chorus fully in tact, but not only does Robyn get a feature tag, she appears in the music video.

In truth, Rye Rye sampling Robyn doesn't feel strange or unexpected at all. They both are from similar musical circles and its fair to suggest fans of one might be interested in the other. 

Here's to musical collaboration, positive pop sampling and promising new artists! Now, only if Interscope would get on the stick and release Rye Rye's much delayed debut Go! Pop! Bang! and I'd be a truly happy camper.