Billie Jean VS No Can Do | AN INVESTIGATION 

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.

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!

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

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!!

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

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 🇵🇹

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

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

Every video from you is a master class on how to make a RU-vid 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 RU-vid!

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.

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

I found your RU-vid 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 RU-vid 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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! 😁

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

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!

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.

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

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 :)

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!

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 RU-vidrs out there!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

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!🤘🤘🤘

Best thing I've seen on RU-vid in a long time. Thank you!

Corrected you about this story in a video you made last year. Glad you are making a whole video about it now 👍🏾

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.

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 🔥

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

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 RU-vid. 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“

You play the hell outta that bass! I wasn’t ready for the people’s court theme song to be tied in this You are a genius!!!!

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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

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.

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

Your breakdowns are amazing 👏

dude .. just loving your channel ! 😍

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

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. :)

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 💯

That beat you cooked up at the end was dope!

Wow. I can't think of a better music analysis channel. Keep em coming!

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

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).

That mix at the end... Awww snap! We gonna need like 2 minutes of that, if I could humbly ask please. On the rest of this... This is getting good. You are coming up with some really good topics. If you run out, let me know, because I don't want you to!

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

FANTASTIC and Eye Opening! The people’s court deal really made me smile! I learn so much every time you drop a video. Thank you!!!!

Ok. You've got me intrigued sir. You've earned a follow. Keep up the good work. 👍

This was a Fire 🔥 Episode. I watch every vid that comes out but missed this 1. Happy I was updated👍🏾. Dope “Digging in the Greats” Beat at the Homie‼️🫡

I love this video! You explain the eternal cycle of ideas and inspirations the same way that Rick Rubin explains it in his book, The Creative Act 🤘🏼 I agree with all of it! Thanks for the video, as always, homie

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

I like your videos man. By the way did that one dude say which muppet he thought you looked like ?

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

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

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

Yoooo the beat at the end is soooo randomly fye 🔥🤯🐐

Good stuff; keep up the great work. Peace and positive energy to you brother

Hi, hope you read this. Your videos have helped me to not give up my dreams in music. The way you talk about it, how you study it, and even how you metaphor your way through your explanations have given me hope. If people hate, just let'em hate and watch the money pile up. Hope you have a great day

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

Your videos are great! So much interesting info. Keep it up!

Dude you killed that beat,at the end🤦🤦👍👍Keep up the good work✌🏾✌🏾

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

ABSOLUTE magic here, is your way of enlightening the masses of the MAGIC of creativity from all artists, whether music or otherwise and this my genius friend, is ORIGINAL and to only YOU, as no one compares to your way of show and tell like you do. - BEST on RU-vid...end of story.🙏

Hey Dig!!! I Sub’ed when I saw You start Cookin’ 🤣🤣🤣 Dope!!! ✊🏽😎👍🏽✌🏽

That cook up at the end was so dope!

I love the musical journey you took us on. Music is a constant stream of symbiosis. It's a cycle that appears to evolve using those same elements. 12 Notes. I recommend Quincy Jones Audiobook by the same name.

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.

Man, I really enjoy your videos.

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

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

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

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!

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

Never been this early before!

Brother, don't worry about the haters. Keep producing great work! Your videos are the only ones that I listen to a regular speed. Everything else is sped up to 1.5 😂

Favorite episode by far. Great work !

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.

The baseline to Like A Virgin is actually closer to that of "I Can't Help Myself " by The Four Tops. Just in a different key. Somebody else pointed it out to me and my jaw dropped

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

Dope Mix B !!!

You just got a new subscriber!! I love the People's Court analogy and the way you break things down! Im a music lover and your channel is just what I've been looking for! Your honor, was Michael Jackson still alive when when John Oates made this claim? Enquiring minds wanna know.

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

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 RU-vid, you know it to be true..." Anyhoo, I'm more of a Get Into The Groove kinda guy.

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

Great video! One of the very best RU-vid Channels on the internet. You my friend, are GREAT at what you do.

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.

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 🤭

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 ⚡️😎👍⚡️

Thx 4 fixing that thought for me. Even though the only MJ album I listened to these days is otw, I regularly catch H&O’s & think that’s a MJ song but never took the time to investigate

Brandon what camera do you use? love your work btw!

The master class of breaking down the tracks.

I just love how much of a labyrinth music is. I know exactly what they are talking about and I love it

Awesome mix . Glad I stayed to the end

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