Before Marvin Gaye took Motown by storm with “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” in 1967, the original version was released by Gladys Knight & The Pips, a tune co-written by the famous Norman Whitfield designed to “out-funk Aretha Franklin”. While the original never received the acclaim of Gaye’s rendition, it certainly doesn’t lack conviction, and most importantly, soul. Put this expressive sample in the hands of Mr. Carmack, and very, very good things will happen.
Honolulu’s own crafts the perfect hybrid of both eras in his “Grapevine” edit. Motown meets modern-day production as croons accompanied by jazzy arpeggios layer seamlessly over airy drum work and buoyant soundscapes. End result? My favorite flip of the month. Let this free remix help you cruise the week away.