Scribbler's Throwback of the Week: Lyn Collins, "Think"

So I've decided to start this new thing on my blog where I try to feature a song at least once a week that has been sampled in classic hip-hop and R&B songs or gave a much-needed boost to an otherwise dud.  (Keyword: "try".  Although this blogging thing can be highly therapeutic, it can also be time-consuming--especially since I'm a step away from being a windbag.  I know, I know...some of y'all are like, "Ummmm, 'a step away from being a windbag'? Dude, you're already there!")  There might not be a better song to kick off this post than with a song that I mentioned on my Facebook page the other day: "Think (About It)" by Lyn Collins.

Who, you might ask?  Gloria Lavern Collins from Abilene, Texas, who spent most of her career as a backup singer and only released two official albums: Think About It (1972) and Check Me Out If You Don't Know Me By Now (1975).  However, it often takes just one song to be the pinnacle of someone's recording career, and "Think (About It)"--penned and produced by the original Soul Brother #1, James Brown--is that song for this particular "bad sister".  After one good listen to this anthem for fed-up wives, girlfriends and side pieces everywhere, any urban music buff will instantly recognize the vintage breaks that have been sampled in numerous hip-hop and R&B hits.  "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa.  "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men.  "Mic Checka" by Das EFX.  "Golddigger" by EPMD.  "Somebody For Me" by Heavy D & The Boyz.  "Alright" by Janet Jackson.  "Dreams" by Lil' Kim.  "The Best Things In Life Are Free" by Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson.  "Hit Me Off" by New Edition.  "911 Is a Joke" by Public Enemy.  "Children's Story" by Slick Rick.  "Ain't No Fun" by Snoop Lion (when he was still known as Snoop Doggy Dogg).  Of course, the most obvious example is "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.  Those are just to name a few--and there are many, many others.  Before she passed away in 2005, she could've easily left a parting note for hip-hop that said only two words: "You're welcome."

However, let's put the song's influence on an entire genre of music aside for a second.  When the beat comes in, I don't see how anyone isn't ready to start a house party on-site--even if that house party is standing on top of a bench in a subway station or on a desk in a cubicle at work (perhaps not even your desk).  The J.B.'s (James Brown's backing band) go to work with gospel-like organ movements, blaring horns, drums that smack you in the face, and some of the most hype off-mic comments ever recorded...not to mention that somebody is shaking a mean tambourine that puts Eve to shame.  Simply put, this song moves and moves you right along with it.  So please enjoy the first installment of "Scribbler's Throwback of the Week"...heck, if no one else stops by my page to listen, I know I will.