I only found this out today via Wikipedia. I was reading about Eve, it says she featured on Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl" and mentions it's a remake of an old song. It's obviously reggae-inspired, but I thought that was it.
Gwen Stafani ft. Eve - Rich Girl
Well, originally, the melody for the chorus comes from musical Fiddler on the Roof, song titled "If I Were A Rich Man"
But who knew, the concept for Gwen Stefani's song is so explicitly lifted from Londoners Louchie Lou & Michie One?
Louchie Lou & Michie One - Rich Girl
I didn't even know the above song before today. I knew the dynamic duo (lol) for "Shout" which peaked at #7 in the national UK charts. Yes, that is the same riddim track as Shaggy's "Oh Carolina".
I beg you watch their performance on TOTP (Top of the Pops) if you get the chance
Yo, I'm gonna run some Louchie Lou & Michie One for old times sake
Somebody Else's Guy
Louchie Lou may not be the greatest singer, or anywhere near it but so what? She has a nice, seductive tone. And you'll recognise the bass line from Temptations "Just My Imagination". Well, it's an adaptation.
Champagne and Wine
What a groovy record.
I love reggae more than the average man, but I love a piece of (at times cringe-factor 50) cheesy pop-reggae.
p.s. reggae run the world, uzeet?
Thank you for this great post, a lot of people from the uk dont realise this song was inspired by louchie lou and michie one bless
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