Billie Jean VS No Can Do | AN INVESTIGATION

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Did Michael really rip off Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" for his song "Billie Jean"? This is a clear cut case of copyright infringement with NO other learning, NO fun mashups, and NO larger lessons about creativity*
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SOURCES
Hall and Oates Huff Post Interview: • The Song Michael Jacks...
"Billie Jean, but in a major key": www.cheatsheet...
Austin Kleon's "Steal Like an Artist": amzn.to/3X8vd6q
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TOPICS COVERED
Michael Jackson
Hall and Oates
I Can't Go For That
No Can Do
Billie Jean
Rip Off
Steal
Austin Kleon
Copyright Case
The People's Court
Creativity
#michaeljackson
#hallandoates
#music

[@DaveRucci]

I think Darryl was flattered his song inspired arguably MJ's biggest hit ever! The songs and basslines are NOT that similar other than they have catchy dance grooves and are pop hits!

[@paradoxical_taco]

He actually said he was flattered in the interview shown here. Kudos to Michael for his honesty and to Daryl for not taking Michael’s statement and running to a lawyer. Michael was dragged into court on a few occasions for supposed copyright infringement and few artists escape these lawsuits.

[@skineyemin4276]

@@paradoxical_taco Run to a lawyer? For what? Please, point out the one thing that makes these 2 tunes so similar? The rhythmic pattern of the bass on the H&O tune was much closer to the early '60s hit "Shotgun" by Jr. Walker & The All Stars (kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKZm6Sre9eVZpo) and the bass part on Billie Jean has an eighth note pattern, nothing like that of "I Can't Go For That". So.., H&O owns the almost 4 on the floor type of disco drum beat that was being playing in predominantly black and disco music all throughout the 70s funk and disco era? That's just nonsense and some wishful thinking.

[@glowwaveofficial]

After listening to it a bit ,they are Exactly the same bassline! It'd just that BJ starts a note earlier, that's enough to make it different, genius!

[@SPAZZOID100]

Daryl claimed he could not hear the similarity. Neither do i. 🤷‍♂️

[@skineyemin4276]

@@SPAZZOID100 Because, he already knew. It's goofy ass, know nothing videos like this that proves my point even more.

[@patriciasalmon4]

I always thought “Part Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder and “Maneater” by Hall & Oates also sounded eerily familiar (with very similar lyrical themes!) Loved this video!!

[@chrisclark1471]

Hi! And to me, the bassline for "Maneater" seemed to have a similar groove to the Supreme's "You can't hurry Love" as well.

[@juliemcdaniel499]

According to SW, he drew on You Can't Hurry ❤ and My World Is Empty W/Out You by the Supremes as an influence 4 Part-Time Lover.

[@kevinmorgan263]

​@@chrisclark1471alot of 80s pop rock tunes influenced by the motown sound for sure

[@chrisclark1471]

@kevinmorgan263 I AbsoLUTELY Agree!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@chrisclark1471]

@juliemcdaniel499 Oh Wow, I never knew that! And after all this time, now that I hear those songs in my head, the bass lines are incredibly similar! But it's also nice to know that legends like SW borrow a little occasionally themselves, thanks for the info!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@KtotheG]

I was a fan of both artists in the '80s. Both are great songs.

[@mjmedia09returns]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPZl2xrlqisjdU Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

[@joshbarnett1984ish]

I found your KZbin channel after i became disabled in 2020. I have been a musician most of my life, and you inspired me to start making hip hop beats again. Keep doing what you do!

[@Mrtre32199]

I always felt Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To The Rule World" & MJ's "The Way You Make Me Feel" had a similar drum pattern too.

[@anthonyrowland9072]

i hear basically no similarities here but that was totally lifted.

[@bronxkies]

Agreed. Whenever I hear “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” I automatically think of “The Way You Make Me Feel”. It’s the drums and bass line.

[@kalanreese5551]

I’ve always thought that too!!!

[@gabrielmatthews9494]

The songs sound nothing alike! 😮

[@justcharles7429]

I hear the drums and bass you talking bout but still totally differ songs and vibes. The way you make me feels melody is infectious and goes in a completely different direction

[@1977TA]

As a music composer I can confirm that inspiration is the engine that drives creativity. Being inspired to create something is not the same as stealing what inspired you. Michael used a poor choice of words when he told Darryl Hall he stole I can't go for that. What he meant to say was he was inspired by I can't go for that.

[@CCI320]

Theres no evidence Michael used the word "stole" it's only Hall's word. And he could have remembered the alleged conversation incorrectly (if it even happened)

[@moaningspot886]

Exactly. We all need to be inspired by something to make it and to make money most of the time. We built the world because we were inspired by something or another. One person builds something and then in 10 years time another person gets inspired to build something better. And it goes on and on....... It's what humans do.

[@scottg9069]

You won the comment section sir! Holistically, we are products of what we consume, scientifically, even on a cellular level. So when we see something we like that influences us (hi dopamine) - that spark is stuck in us. Then we also look at music’s “finality” notes. Things will sound similar forever. The Piano stole from the Harpsicord. As the guitar did the lute. It’s all expression.

[@nopenheimer]

I think mj trusted him to take it the right way, which is really "thanks for inspiring me!" They were working together on a charity project, surrounded by other big names doing the same, so it's not hard to imagine a friendly atmosphere where they aren't thinking like lawyers.

[@SheaSF]

This should be taught in school. This is THE definitive explanation of how art works. From food trends to painting to music. So good!

[@melbuck194]

It is to creatives.

[@coreym162]

The entertainment industry can't go for that.

[@mrpreacherman8262]

Out of all of your videos, this pinpoints your talent and musical ear. From organizing to earring of scales between multiple songs. You my brother, really got it going on.

[@joaomoreira5996]

It is truly amazing the way you structure your storytelling. And there's always a twist at the end ( like the fact that the people's court baseline is actually similar to ALL the basslines shown before). You sir are my favorite youtuber for sure. I hope to still learn about music with you for a long time. Regards from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏 much love from the US!

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

#joao Moreira - I agree 100%. Brandon is probably the best musicologist for 20th Century Black american music+ on YT!

[@drac3650]

yawn

[@kennithgeorge6520]

Regards to the bass line, you assuming MJ wrote it which is not true. Louis Johnson wrote it and up to the time of his death was receiving royalties for it.

[@Kinseliplier]

@@kennithgeorge6520 oh really? That's interesting. I didn't know that.

[@andyscott5277]

Another song that was completely inspired by Billie Jean was Billy Ocean’s "Caribbean Queen," I think admittedly. They even took the synth accents 😅

[@bsquared4604]

I thought the same thing first time I heard it.

[@dabro1569]

Hey, I was looking for THIS comment as soon as I saw the video title. I remember this like it was yesterday!! I remember being 8 years old and angry that somebody was ripping off my boy Mike!!! Of course didn’t understand artistic license and imitation being a form of flattery then. Still good times and memories 💪🏾🇺🇸🔥🇺🇸🔥🇺🇸🔥✊🏿

[@GeneSavage]

Every video from you is a master class on how to make a KZbin video endlessly engaging. You keep me interested to the last word, and then you serve desert with your remixes and mashups. Thank you for being one of the most entertaining and informative channels on KZbin!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏

[@eneomeanthony4500]

That's true "lnterested to the last word"

[@mjmedia09returns]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPZl2xrlqisjdU Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

[@klaurcschwackerberg1880]

I smell a new 5 billion dollar lawsuit case here ! Everybody will be indicted !

[@klaurcschwackerberg1880]

@occamsrazorblade and the Donna Summer song got its bassline from the Moog sequencer, so it will be the Moog Synthesizer who will win all the lawsuits against every musician on earth !

[@liamthomas4644]

This man does video essays right. I'm entertained and informed. I'm glad I subscribed.😂

[@thevisionaryassassin4352]

That supercut mix at the end was the best one I've watched you make. This was a fantastic watch, thanks. The Discord community is great as well.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! Glad to have you here and on Discord!

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

Inspiration is something that cant be denied or blocked out. Everyone influences each other

[@PowerOfSubmission]

How can anyone leave negative comments under your videos? You make such great content, I always get excited when I see that you uploaded a new vid!

[@diggingthegreats]

Eh, to each their own. Glad to have you here 🔥

[@Alpha-wr5ft]

They are not the same, and Michael is not here to refute hall & oats . As a matter of fact, if they were the same , I'm sure Hall & oats would have sued Michael for copyright infringement, and everyone knows the millions of dollars Billie Jean made. I can agree that Michael loved and respected Hall & oats, as I do and love to listen to them also but no . Remember, in music, there are only seven notes, and one note higher is the octave bottom note or as one word say , starting with C and ending up with the octave C. All music comes from those notes, and you can argue the notes are the same. Well, hell, then on that premise, everyone is stealing from everyone because they all have to use the same notes to make a song.

[@dionnpeterson]

I guess you did not listen to what was said Hall and Oats thought by no means was it a rip-off as well.

[@Diggy22]

I always felt that “I Can’t Go For That” had a groove that Michael Jackson could dance to. “Billie Jean” definitely had a rhythm and tempo reminiscent of “I Can’t Go For That”, which is a testament to Hall & Oates’ songwriting abilities being able to inspire even the biggest superstars. And Hall & Oates definitely didn’t shy away from saying who influenced them. They grew up listening to The Temptations and (as stated in the video) Curtis Mayfield. In fact, one of Hall & Oates’ biggest performances was at the Apollo Theater, performing with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Motown artists inspired Hall & Oates, and Hall & Oates inspired a former Motown artist in return. Full circle.

[@LJGreni]

I thought "I can't go for that" sounds alot like Lowell fulson's "Tramp" Check the bassline.

[@skineyemin4276]

Whenever I hear any Hall & Oats track, nothing about Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" never pops through my head......., ever.

[@LJGreni]

@@skineyemin4276 Well in the 80s there was a song called Do It Again Billie Jean it had elements of Steely Dan and Michael Jackson.

[@mjmedia09returns]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPZl2xrlqisjdU Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

[@sirjer73]

​@@LJGrenidamn I remember that. That was 83/84 I was in 5th grade. That was my first memory of Do it again, now I'm a full fledged Danite!!!!

[@eff7221]

Interesting fact: Michael sampled Can't Go For That beat for his Hollywood Tonight demo during Invincible album Session. This song was reworked and released in 2010 posthumous Michael album. Original Michael's version a lot better than $ony rework.

[@Fred_De_La_Fokoff]

Once again, BRAVO !! Always mindblown! Each time you analyze , you see the similarities and digging deeper to see the inspiration in the inspiration without trying to be intellectual or elitist , superior or above the other, no, you vulgarize, just to be sure that anybody can understand and absorb your passion, even if its not a song or style that the person likes initially. Im never bored with your videos, it makes me go deeper and deeper in my listens and my way of create songs and creativity. You are an inspiring person! Ultra Mega respect! Stay true to yourself ! THANKS!

[@mjmedia09returns]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPZl2xrlqisjdU Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

[@christianb8900]

I wish you would've touched on about the rumor that when MJ said to Hall & Oates that he stole the bassline, Hall & Oates apparently said, "It's ok Mike. We stole it from someone else". (Perhaps Hall & Oates didn't quite explain their response to MJ in this interview you featured, but they still sort of explained it in a round-about way that they do 'steal' things).

[@DanielBasilicato]

This channel deserves WAYYY more views and subscibers than it currently has. Masterful storytelling, adn the twists and turns throughout are mind blowing. I love you and your content, you are a hidden gem and you will become more successful in your ventures, it is inevitable.

[@mjmedia09returns]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPZl2xrlqisjdU Hall & Oates made this claim in MJ'S DEATH which I found odd. But many of the beats from the 80's had a similar riff. But this is MJ making Billie Jean in 1981.

[@dgblac0]

I agree 100 percent.

[@dsewellga]

As a former music teacher, this is inspiration...not a rip-off.

[@dsewellga]

Hall and Oats aren't the creator of that baseline either. In a 12 tone system, there are only 12 notes. Someone is bound to use the same progression. Next, people are gonna claim that "some guy stole my 2-5-1 progression"....lolol.

[@A_Train]

That last part was so good! You're very talented!!

[@AMHC19]

The better question is how do you keep putting such entertainment content out for this long. And that sick brick wall behind you is the perfect backdrop for a music related channel. Thank you for your hardwork

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you so much 🙏 I appreciate the support!

[@freeyomnd_619]

All artist took from somebody so this subject doesn't move me. Especially because they're are both great songs that i still enjoy til this day. And everytime i hear Billie Jean, i hear .... Billie Jean, not I can't go for that & vise-versa. But you did a great job with this 💯

[@tshore0601]

I bring up this story all the time when talking about musicians being inspired by others. Another great video, you don't miss!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏

[@joeskys2362]

I just discovered you, because I was on a MJ binge. Your video is really insightful, and creative I'm defiantly subbing!

[@Highlander-qf8ho]

Damn that beat you made from that was crazy ! Haven’t rapped in 20 plus years but when I heard that I went off the dome and it was crazy! Love to here the full version? Love ya break downs keep up teaching the big picture!

[@cableloosethreads]

Agreed; best was cold! Reminded me of Premier

[@samwest1097]

I’m not a rapper, but I won’t lie, I tried to spit something when he cooked that beat up 😂

[@GgWhyfye]

It's the classic instrumental fa real lol like rakim song I believe

[@GOMDYLAH]

Coulda seen Doom on it lowkey

[@d-rzarkocubrinoski]

Billie Jean sounds nothing like I Can't Go For That, at all.

[@MoolahJackson]

Lmao, exactly.

[@avace917]

Inspiration can sometimes bring about something else that sounds nothing like the original.

[@d-rzarkocubrinoski]

@@avace917 No shit, Sherlok. Eureka!

[@avace917]

@@d-rzarkocubrinoski going by your original comment, it honestly didn't sound like you knew that.

[@d-rzarkocubrinoski]

@@avace917 The main point is, your point has nothing to do with my original statement.

[@chloemchll3774]

I’ve heard it said that “creativity is the art of hiding who you’re stealing from”. In a sense your success as an artist is taking the art that makes you go “I should do something like that”, mixing and matching other art that gives you a similar feeling, maybe adding one thing that is uniquely you, and the final product ends up as something new that expresses your artistic vision. When you got the atoms and molecules part I started getting shades in a different direction (for a bass forward band I love, namely Tool) who have a song (Lateralus) that deals with the interconnectivity of the universe, the fibonacci sequence/golden ratio in nature and art, and the possibilities of human experience. I realize prog metal may not be your thing but given your ability to interconnect some pretty distant (at least at first blush) ideas I figured I’d mention this particular distant connection my brain thought you were about to make until you made a completely different (but somehow related) one. A great video as always, and I’ll say that if you do go back and look at some recent comments on your older videos, you’ll see me pretty consistently singing your praises. One of the absolute best music analysis/history channels on KZbin and I always finish your videos having learned something and with a deeper appreciation for the music in question, even going back to reexamine some artists I had previously missed or drawn a negative conclusion about.

[@matlaselomakosholo3166]

Inspiration.... I don't think it's stealing, the artist we listen to, help hone our individual feel. I listened to Jay Dee, Pete Rock, Premo, E-dub, RZA......I have my feel but you can hear something to say, ''do you listen to Pete Rock?''

[@jalaaaah]

yep; i’ve always heard the saying “good artist borrow, great artist steal.”

[@jalaaaah]

@@matlaselomakosholo3166 they don’t mean actually stealing; just taking that reference and selling it so well it appears original.

[@danielesbordone1871]

Everybody gets ideas from somebody else , even the Beatles used to do it. One thing is copying altogether and another thing is modifying and fine tuning to your own taste.

[@im2cxe4u]

Hall & Oats bass is much more similar to The Turtles's 'Buzzsaw' (sampled by D-Nice) which is eerily similar to Tramp by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas (sampled by Salt & Pepa) which also sounds like Shotgun by Jr. Walker & the All Stars and so on and so on... It's a very common style of bass line for it's era and onward.

[@marvin469]

Salt n Peppa kilt that Tramp beat omg

[@lobotomyscam1051]

D-Nice!

[@dariusmcnair601]

EPMD "Rampage" & Cypress Hill "How I Could Just Kill A Man"

[@chrisbennett6260]

not at all

[@richardkovacs2006]

I hate the word "rip off". Inspiration is inseperable from art. And while we admire Daft Punk for actually lifting samples from songs, MJ is being sh.t all over for inspiration. No sample, just a feel that then goes into a different direction after 8 bars. In all honesty, even those 1st 8 bars have a different feel, Hall&Oats is dreamy, breathy, MJs hits fiercly, no place for daydreaming. Not EXACTLY the same is actually DIFFERENT. Esp because music is not just what notes you play, but also HOW you play them. People seem to forget that. Or maybe they do it just to stir up debates, to get views and attention. The fact Q started this "MJ was thief" to promote his own anniversary concert left a bad taste...

[@woodch]

9:45 - I think my head exploded. That statement resonates so strongly with me-- it was like a sudden "A HA!" That explains so much about what I felt while learning my instrument of choice, and how my creative process developed as a result. Also, keep making these videos-- they're super neat. :)

[@JPdraws_]

0:36 Picture of Michael with no ponytail feels weird

[@tavwilliam9367]

Lol

[@SalaahudDiyn]

Never been this early to one of your videos! I’m glad you debunked this rumor that has been going on for too long. But I gotta say whenever I think I know everything about pop music history, you go deeper and teach me something new. Your approach to storytelling, history and your musical demonstrations are top tier. Everything you do is informative and entertaining!!! And finally the way you end your videos by connecting it to another one of your videos is some Marvel Studios type interconnection! Even if I’ve already seen that video you’ve recommended, I’ll watch it again because how well you tie everything together. You’re one of the best KZbinrs out there!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

[@chri2tos]

ALSO.... Donna Summer's song "State of Independence"... This shows how intense MJ's ear was and how he was in a way "Machiavelli'n" in his way of listening for inspiration and crafting something totally different from what he originally heard before. His genius has too many deep layers and portals.

[@steve.santiago]

Dope vid as always. The great Niles Rogers masterfully broke down on Sway in the morning a few years ago how baselines are constantly “stolen“ on a must watch interview that is available on KZbin. PS. Fun fact: It was at that aforementioned We are the World studio session that Quincy Jones coined the phrase “Check your ego at the door“

[@XAMAKA...]

To be honest I think Darryl is lying. MJ never said that this song was his inspiration. And both songs sounds completely different. Even the Basslines are complete different. So I think Darryl wants to get extra attention

[@l0riz624]

Vangelis - State of Independence seems to be also very similar to Billie Jean. The opening Arpeggio sounds very similar to the Bassline of BJ.

[@aaronverico1396]

Quincy Jones produced both of those songs, so that makes sense.

[@l0riz624]

@@aaronverico1396 The Vangelis version i'm referring to wasn't produced by Quincy Jones. There's a cover version from Donna Summer that was indeed produced by him, but it came out later in 1982.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Not really.

[@aaronverico1396]

@@l0riz624 Oh ok.

[@maybud60]

I remember thinking that Billy Ocean's single Caribbean Queen was clearly inspired by Billie Jean too. Some clubs even mashed the two tunes back in the day.

[@prodjoon-rf2mb]

Those chords don’t lie

[@null_state]

Your content is so good. Subscribed a few weeks ago. As a musician, I really appreciate the depth you go into, while also giving basic explanations for non-musicians. Best regards.

[@charlesjackson2512]

I've always felt that Darryl Hall is lying about this supposed "confession" by Michael Jackson.

[@CCI320]

yeah but he's a white man so people will believe what he said about Michael.

[@kendonshaw]

I love love loved this one. Speaking my language on creativity. Loved the universe metaphor, loved the mashup at the end. The Pythonesque use of the People’s Court Theme, the Austin Kleon reference. Man 11/10

[@Novaheart1998]

Yes as a musician I can agree with the similarities in the song, its kinda close but different enough where its more of a nod and wink than a total ripoff. Daryl didn’t care, he was cool with it because it’s MJ.

[@PastorFunK]

Love how you brought all of that together!! Salute to you, man!! 👊🏾🎶🤘🏾🔥

[@HaliB75]

I heard from music historians that Michael got the bass line for Billie Jean from something much older-the intro from The Four Tops, “I Can’t Help Myself, Sugar Pie Honeybunch” Which make much better sense being that MJ was also a young Motown artist. The Hall and Oates claim is BS.

[@carolanestanley4030]

So I just finished listening to I Can't Help Myself by The Four Tops, and I agree with you. 👍

[@globalcitizenn]

No Michael got the drum pattern from I can’t go for that and bassline from Donna Summer/Vangelis “State of independence”. But the latter wasn’t a conscious thing. When you listen to so much music something might subconsciously seep in

[@yogijaya2897]

MJ was a huge Hal and Oates fan.

[@HaliB75]

@@yogijaya2897 MJ was a huge fan of good music but he was not referencing Hall and Oates for ideas and concepts, they need to stop it. If MJ were here they wouldn’t spew such foolishness. Hall and Oates are great artists.

[@johndipinto4084]

@@carolanestanley4030 Those bass lines are different. As with the Hall & Oates comparison, they're somewhat similar but they're not the same.

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

5:38 “I can’t go for that’s version is”.... exactly 33 seconds into “The Changeling” by The Doors 😆

[@Dr_JackHammer]

The actual sample is a 60s track "Flowers Flowers" by The Licorice Schtik, not just bassline but also chords

[@RaymondCastile]

Vangelis and Jon Anderson released State of Independence in 1981. It has that baseline. Quincy Jones produced a successful cover of State of Independence for Donna Summer in 1982. Michael Jackson sang backing vocals on that song, along with other celebrity guest vocalists. Quincy Jones then produced Billy Jean for Michael Jackson.

[@lexxmusic7549]

Exactly. That's where the bassline is from.

[@guitarek1136]

I also remember, that Quincy Jones openly admitted that. At least I read that somewhere. But I guess the point is: nobody knows Vangelis' and Anderson's State of Independence :D ... such a good song.

[@globalcitizenn]

Michael came up with that one though.. I think it all came together for him, bits & pieces he’d heard from here & there came together in a new song. Sometimes things subconsciously seep in. Like Heal the World is from Jaws end credits

[@godjgo]

​@@globalcitizennQuincy stated that Michael took the bassline from Donna Summer's song. I didn't know about the Jaws thing, that's crazy!

[@CCI320]

The two songs sound nothing alike

[@carlossantos689]

I've always thought that the bass line for no can do was ripped off, probably unconsciously, from shotgun by Junior Walker and the Allstars. Great video

[@arlaur]

^THIS^

[@JCA1009]

I don't agree the stealing argument. One thing is use other art for inspiration. Other is to delivered stealing pieces to make a bag of stolen things. Creative process is more about inspiring from other sources. It's about expressing things to provoque others. It's about looking inside with your own unique way too. If you want to talk about stealing, then talk about Artificial Intelligence writing, drawing and music replication. Now THAT is stealing, because copies and pastes little pieces from others works without permission and presents it like it was a new and original creation.

[@heatwole]

your content makes me want to make music myself and i’ve never had this feeling. You’re a damn legend man

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏

[@shadowmixx]

At the end of the day, inspiration is what it is. Some are direct, and some are indirect. I'll never forget the first time a guy in a band asked me to "transpose" a song he would perform live, or the day I took a bassline from an original track, played the notes in reverse, and created a different song. This is the beauty of music and production. This is also why 'sampling' has been so popular. It is taking something original and using it to create something else. Like this gentleman did at 14:02 I have watched 2 of this gentleman's videos now, and on both, he points out there are only 12 notes to work with in Western music. Little did I know that in this video, I would get a lesson in science at 12:35 😊 I wouldn't call what Michael Jackson did to the Hall and Oates song stealing because Billie Jean and I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) are both great songs that have stood the test of time. Stealing is the act of taking something that doesn't belong to you and saying it's yours with no regret, remorse, or intentions of returning or replacing it. Music inspiration is different. You can't steal something that is still in its original state. You can only duplicate and recreate. Stealing an 'idea' with no regard to the origin is a different subject. Even if you never admit to the act, someone somewhere will recognize the obvious, whether it is intentional or unintentional. 😊 Sadly, I have not been inspired to produce new music. After watching this video, I feel a glimmer of hope. Peace

[@christopherballero866]

Pretty sure if Billie Jean were stolen someone would've sued big time

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

Just watch the video. Daryl Hall says that Michael told him that he jacked the song 🙄

[@matlaselomakosholo3166]

I just think it's inspiration

[@richardkovacs2006]

​@@chiarosuburekeni9325and what does that prove? Not even Hall&Oats thought it was theft, they didn't even recognize it, till MJ told them they were the INSPIRATION. Just like they were inspired by others as THEY THEMSELVES say it.

[@yogijaya2897]

Idk if you guys realize how mf cool Daryle Hall is!

[@CCI320]

@@chiarosuburekeni9325 And we all know a white mans word is the Gospel.

[@mathewwallis2863]

As a musician/composer, I'd ofen admit to musicians, "yeah, I stole that part from [whoever]." They'd say, "noooo." So, I'd point out the part and they still say they couldn't hear it. That's when I truly came to terms with myself over theft vs inspiration. What was being heard, in the end, was clearly different than what I was hearing in my head.

[@derryksandiford5434]

I'm 46, and I grew up in the 80s. And I NEVER actually realized that Madonna's Like A Virgin was basically the Dollar Tree version of Billie Jean 😮🤯😵. This might be because I literally never reach for Like A Virgin when I'm in the mood for Madonna, maybe, because of the rumors that the song is secretly an ode to 'doggy style' and/or An*l sex. Take a minute to REALLY examine the lyrics in the hook..." Search your feelings KZbin, you know it to be true..." Anyhoo, I'm more of a Get Into The Groove kinda guy.

[@GOGOGODSON727]

I dig both artists and both songs but “Billie Jean” is not a rip off of “I Can’t Go For That” but I can name at least 4 hit songs by other artists that came from “Billie Jean”. Respect to all artists and writers below. 1. Like A Virgin (Madonna) 2. Word Up (Cameo) 3. Caribbean Queen (Billy Ocean) 4. Dirty Dancer (Bar Kays) Play any one of those songs and you will easily hear “Billie Jean”. Rest In Peace Michael Jackson THE KING OF POP

[@l0sts0ul89]

He literally brings up Like a Virgin

[@badnewsproduction01]

That mix at the end goes hard🔥 Amazing videos as always. As a huge Oasis fan, I know the struggle of imitation lol

[@ryanmcgrady4978]

Damn, you really keep raising the bar with every video! I remember finding ur channel a while back when you only had a handful of uploads, its been really awesome to see your channel grow. You deserve it! I tell everyone I can about your incredibly thoughtful and entertaining content, always stoked when I see a new one. Keep it up, man! 😁

[@WTL98]

Never been this early before!

[@eespecialeventsdj]

Me neither

[@lunacampos5094]

First Time for me tooo

[@delontewilliams4090]

My first time here in the first hour

[@thekendemetrishow]

Ditto

[@tyronepetrie]

Yep ✋🏾

[@aaronfentress8141]

I thought MJ was talking about the drum intro. Not the baseline. Q said MJ got the baseline from a Donna Summers song. Others have used a similar baseline. Every Breath You Take. Like a Virgin. Caribbean Queen.

[@stephenmassey9159]

I always knew I was a potato. Love you and Love your work! Thank you for educating me, surprising me and sharing your knowledge, love and passion for music with me. I have found so much new music to enjoy and am able to appreciate the skill and nuances involved in the making of it thanks to you. You’re a musical embassador. Thank you

[@themotownboy1]

Quincy Jones said that Michael Jackson😢 took the bassline from the bass intro riff to Donna Summer's Quincy produced song "State of Independence" and slowed it down to fit the beat of BJ. Michael was also part of the all-star choir that sang back up on SOI.

[@CCI320]

Quincy is a fool

[@lunacampos5094]

As a side note to the “I can’t go for that” Backbeat, it’s worth noting it’s the rock 1 preset on the Roland CR-78 drum machine 🤭

[@indalot8315]

Neat. Just looked at that. Reminds me of Fergie's "Clumsy" drum beat being lifted verbatim from the Casio EP-10 rock beat #2

[@LesDeuxLoveOrchestra]

Don't forget Marianne Faithfull's "Broken English."

[@crowfoot7355]

Your content is masterfully done. Keep up the good work 👏

[@Trynacatchfish88]

Keep making your videos bro. You make good content and it’s a good addition to all of the music and you do a great job breaking things down, being non bias, and leaving the bullshit out. Forget them haters, keep making that 🔥

[@only.built4cubanlinx]

I would love to see more videos like this. This was awesome. Something I would enjoy is something like Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ and the obvious resemblance to Killing Jokes ‘Eighties’. Honestly a series of these style videos would be amazing. And, I don’t think you look like a muppet. Keep up the good work!

[@lennypena5587]

That "Peoples Court" bit was so hilarious man, you got the voice down! Great video! I really do appreciate your content.

[@schoolspirit2751]

Both Artists are amazing and making art is all about inspiration and taking ideas from another artist.

[@diggingthegreats]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mattsephton]

I love your videos. One small observation: when the vcr static and eject sound comes in, it drowns out the last word of what you're saying. Example at 03:14

[@thedjgrayhat3082]

That mashup that you did at the end … #SheerBrilliance … need a longer version. 😊

[@vancewilliams8101]

I just discovered this channel today and it’s brilliant. The work and the comedy made my day. I’m definitely a fan.

[@megavideopowermegavideopow8657]

Next do did Phil Collins steal Sussidio from Prince 1999

[@proman1926]

Clearly and no one wants to talk about that one.

[@supernovaempress7311]

Awesome break down! Nice to see someone take the time who has an "ear" for music to stick up for those who continue to try to give Michael Jackson a BAD name , no pun intended, fourteen or so years after the man's been deceased. I have to say that the little mix you came up with near the end, reminded me of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's" theme song. 👍🏼

[@zachbenson9548]

Best thing I've seen on KZbin in a long time. Thank you!

[@daddiofilms1540]

your videos are very entertaining and informative, I love watching your content.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! I love making them and hearing from people like you 🙏

[@ProdbyPackTV]

Nah the way u made that full circle moment at the end was Masterful 12:33 lol

[@shanonkiyoshi4784]

Whenever I hear "Like a Virgin" all I REALLY hear is THE FOUR TOPS' 1965 hit "Sugarpie Honeybunch"... 🤣🎶🤷‍♂️ But YES -- great video. I completely admit I am the Sum Total of EVERYTHING that has ever INSPIRED me. I can't think of an artist I know that isn't ⚡️😎👍⚡️

[@Musicradio77Network]

Or shall I say “I Can’t Help Myself”.

[@shanonkiyoshi4784]

@@Musicradio77Network When I was a kid I thought it was named that too 😉🤩😁👍

[@AaronHope_Sow]

That Hall & Oats bassline sounds closer to FunkyTown

[@livertiny]

Great video! Always appreciate your in-depth knowledge and research on this joints. This one really resonated with me though. Took this one in an almost spiritual direction.

[@theghostsofgiants]

Irrelevant to the music but I didn't realize Sketchers were behind Bobs, that's actually not the first time they did something like that, they started as a skate shoe company in the mid-90s and their big shoe was a direct ripoff of this skater Jeremy Wray's pro model for Dukes Shoes. There's a good clip from The Nine Club of Wray talking about it. (I totally owned the Sketchers Dukes ripoff lol.)

[@croay]

This was so nice to watch, the research you put into it and the editing were on point man! Congrats and thanks for the content :)

[@photo_n_art]

You are one of the most under appreciated “muppets” on YT, keep on keeping on 😎👍 “Good artists copy, great artists steal”

[@travisyarbrough4033]

Energy can not be created or destroyed ...... It can only change form.

[@deeperthanhouse]

I presume you didnt get the memo?!... Quincy Jones has said that MJ straight ripped Bille Jeans bassline note for note (not tempo) from Jon & Vangelis 'State of Independence' 1981 version, so - NOT the Donna Summer or Chrissie Hynde/Moodswings (IMO most euphoric/epic) versions

[@mibeutbig8909]

2:45 That intro is from the Hollywood Tonight demo also made by Michael Jackson

[@AMOKIAN]

Since you mentioned it… Listen to Super Freak by Rick James and I hear the secrets that you keep….by the Romantics… The hook rhymes and the bass line is the same….. Hahahaha you will never unhear it…..

[@hipsnews2914]

Each video get better and better, You give a music lesson and a history lesson! I’m interested if you have a cd or released cuts. I really dig the smash mixup at the end That is fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@diddybopper2052]

Judge Judy “Don’t tell me what anyone else said, that’s hearsay!”.

[@Mr.CireSoprano]

It's actually DONNA SUMMER STATE OF INDEPENDENCE Slowed to 0.75x You all tell me what you guys think🤔

[@jerryvahnknight218]

Another great song that came out in ‘84 that borrows from Billie Jean is Billy Ocean’s Caribbean Queen. A killer track from a huge artist at that time that is always overlooked! Billy Ocean is criminally underrated!!!!

[@63646hdhdhd]

The way you went full circle was fantastic! Keep up the good work!!!

[@MarsX69]

Not only I Can’t Go For That has been used, but also listen to Do It Again from Steely Dan. In 1983 Clubhouse made this mashup (which became a hit) using both songs, called Do It Again With Billie Jean. Lastly, slowdown State Of Independence intro. Also that has been used as "inspiration" for the bassline.

[@apersonontheinternet4071]

I do not understand how this channel can get hate. its entertaining yet educational

[@arlaur]

Well, in the words of a great underappreciated musician, “Some men’s world is only hate and money/ Afraid of everything and they laugh at nothing/ And they only live to criticize.” Seriously, there are people whose lives are so empty, the only joy they can find comes from belittling others. Those types are best ignored.

[@philfallway]

Such a great breakdown effective explanation of the true creative process and how inspiration leads the way. Breaking it down for those younger kiddos like this helps them see the path forward! Nice work man!🤘🤘🤘

[@TheMadmacs]

i've often noticed when i try to copy somebodys music and i fail, i still end up with music, sometimes its good, now and then its as good and very occassionally its pure gold.

[@BlakeSuperior_Beats]

That cook up at the end was so dope!

[@indivisibleman]

There's only 12 notes in western music folks. It's hard to believe how many variations we've managed to come up with as it is. Both of those songs are astonishing.

[@barbaramarttila5280]

“I can’t go for that” is one of those tracks that will make me dance every damn time EVERY time