Silky Days, Satin Nights (A Written Documentation Of Camp Lo’s Coolie High)
For those in the know, New York raised duo Camp Lo dropped their pre 20th anniversary LP some days ago. The LP titled “On The Way Uptown” is basically a collection of remastered unreleased songs and demos crafted before their classic debut “Uptown Saturday Night”
For a tribute project, it sure packs a punch and while it may attract new listener, I must say this is strictly for Lo’ fans.
For me, I was introduced to their music around ’96 courtesy of MTV. The song in question was their first official release, “Coolie High” which was a mellow soulful party jam.
I was immediately drawn to their peculiar lyrics and smooth flows. Lyrics like..
“Count seven, we getting explicit shooting sugar to the shorties
Luchini to spare, let me see your istols in the air”
“Billy Holidayin’ the Foxy Browns with my Harlequins
That penny he repelling, reflecting crystals it’s Hollywood”
…Got me (I wasn’t even 15 years of age at the time) like…
But I digress, beyond the malleable flows and 70s Blaxploitation slang influenced lyrics. Coolie High- from my research- will always be associated with Michael & Janet Jackson. Let me explain.
Before the release of “On The Way Uptown”, I have always known of 3 different versions of Coolie High. Upon the release I was surprised to find a whole new remastered version titled as “Coolie High Gotcha Wide Demo”. This revelation brings the versions to a total of 4. Now let’s dig deeper shall we.
Coolie High (The Single)
Let’s call this the original version. Originally and officially released in 1996 on “The Great White Hype” Soundtrack. This was my formal introduction to the duo. The song is produced by the now legendary Ski Beatz and utilizes a Janet Jackson sample. Slowed down to about 85.89 BPM, the original oozes like the 90s. Laid back, mellow bassline, covered by Janet’s soft vocals and Ski’s head nodding gritty drums. *Watch link above for audio sample*
Basically a summer party jam if I may add but what do I know.
Coolie High (Ski’s Paradise Remix)
I’m calling this the 2nd official version. Also released sometime in 1996. Also produced by Ski Beatz. This version utilizes a Michael Jackson sample sped up to about 91.53 BPM. This version has a whole different bounce to it- very heavy drums and it definitely bumps in the whip. The hook stays the same but the lyrics get a whole new treatment in usual Lo fashion and lastly it features their longtime associate Jungle Brown who does his little thingy.
Coolie High (Original Demo)
This version is the first one I encountered on “On The Way Uptown” where it was retitled “Coolie High Is Life”. The demo had been floating around certain sites for years now but the quality was pretty shoddy so I was really glad they got this remastered in all it’s glory. This is an interesting one I must say as it uses the same Michael Jackson sample (albeit different portion) as Coolie High (Ski’s Paradise Remix). The BPM of this version is 93.23 so it’s slightly more upbeat and the vibe is reminiscent of LL Cool J’s “Hey Lover”. The lyrics are different as well so this wasn’t a cut and paste job- cats were really rapping for real then. The hook is slightly different from the original as they kinda allowed Michael’s voice to be an integral part of it which is kinda cool. This one is a sure shot.
Coolie High Gotcha Wide (Demo)
The last but not the least. This demo brings everything back full circle as it’s pretty clear this was the first version that was recorded. It’s basically the same song as the official version sans the oomph. From one listen you can tell the subtle differences- oh I almost forgot- the beat is very slightly different as the Ski rearranged the Janet Jackson sample on here. The temp is 86.47 BPM which is almost the same as the Official version. Feels like an alternate rough take as you can hear the roughness and grit in the mix.
So there you have it my weird documentation of Camp Lo’s Coolie High. One of the smoothest Hip-Hop jams to emerge out of the 90s.
Remember the duo would be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut on the 28th this month so let’s show some love.
