Matt's Track of the Week: "Allure" (Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G.)

Song: Allure (Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G.)

Artist: Ratatat

Album: Ratatat Remixes Vol. 2

Year: 2007

Before "Tacobel Canon" was used as the backing track for Kid Cudi's "Heaven At Nite", or their appearances on the rappers' recent debut, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, Ratatat has been involved in some capacity with the hip-hop scene through their remix album series. hip-hop seems like an interesting direction for the guys to take, considering the band can hold their own with French house acts like Daft Punk and Justice, while still sharing the stage with indie mainstays like Franz Ferdiand and Interpol. Still, the results are pleasing, and if you can do it, why not?

"Allure" (Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G.) takes Jay-Z's vocals from his song of the same name, and Biggie's verse from "Runnin'", and puts it over a very Ratatat instrumental to create a completely new composition. The song's funky, laid back beat is a stark contrast to the original versions of both of the selections that it draws from, and it takes the traditional hip-hop vibe, and gives us something more unique. The band has gained a real knack for breathing new life into songs as producers along with their originals, and with a rumored partnership with The Neptunes coming soon, we should all be keeping an ear out to see what they do next. Check out the song below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Matt's Track of the Week: "Seventeen Years"]