The thrill of the unknown. A blank canvas awaiting the artist’s touch. Your heart racing as you step into uncharted territory. The taste of adventure tinged with a hint of trepidation. Ok, we don’t have to get too poetic about this, but we can probably all agree on the tempting promise of discovery that any ‘first time’ carries. To celebrate those enchanting moments, here come hand-picked examples from the musical universe of BSTN that beautifully illustrate that good ol’ magic of newness!
One Last First Time
This video alone is reason enough to celebrate Jay-Z’s failed retirement plan for “The Black Album”: As if the chemistry between Timbaland and Jay-Z in the recording studio wasn’t fun enough to watch already, this BTS video documents how – after skipping through various instrumentals by Timbo – seemingly disgusted Jigga was when the mesmerizing notes of what would become “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” first hit his ears. And you know it’s a banger when the stank face comes out.
Dancing On The Moon
It only lasted a total of five seconds, but the (pop) world would never be the same after it: When Michael Jackson – rocking a black-and-silver outfit and the iconic rhinestoned glove – performed “Billie Jean” for the first time ever at the Motown 25th Anniversary in 1983, he also introduced the world to the moonwalk, a dance step that only was known amongst dancers until then.
Giving Neil Armstrong and his first steps on the moon a (backwards) run for their money ever since, the crowd reactions haven’t changed much either: People want to experience it for the first time over and over again.
Getting Lucky
Do you remember when you first heard “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams? In the case of Skateboard P, that very moment luckily happens to be documented on film by the French producers – and Pharrell seems to be just as surprised as you and us upon hearing the completed track:
Sitting in the studio with Daft Punk, expecting to hear another singer mimicking his initial voice demos for both “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself To Dance”, the all-round talent finds out that his ‘demos’ ended up being the actual vocals for the songs. Showing bewilderment, joy and humbleness, the accompanying archive footage captures the magic of a first time beautifully.
The New Dog In Town
Even though it’s hard to believe, there once was a time when the world didn’t know about a certain Snoop (Doggy) Dogg. But before the Super Bowl Halftime Show, before the Hollywood Star, and before cooking shows with Martha Stewart, there was “Deep Cover”: The track, which post-N.W.A. Dr. Dre used to introduced his new protégé, was the first time the world heard the unknown newcomer’s distinctive smooth voice.
Snoop’s laid-back flow, paired with oldschool rhyme schemes, couldn’t have been more different from the track’s menacing beat and Dr. Dre’s growling delivery – but works exactly because of that unexpected clash that nobody saw coming. Also note how a young agitated Snoop was still finding his cool in the accompanying music video. There has to be a first for everything.
