One Song Deee-Lite's "Groove Is In The Heart"
Nov 27, 2025
Discover how Deee-Lite crafted the irresistible anthem ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ from a vibrant mix of samples. The hosts explore its cultural impact in the 90s and reflect on the iconic music video. Delve into the song's postmodern elements, featuring a blend of disco, funk, and quirky samples. From Lady Miss Kier’s sampler discovery to the creative contributions of Bootsy Collins and Q-Tip, every layer of this funky masterpiece is revealed. Enjoy memorable anecdotes and recommendations for lesser-known tracks!
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A Cross-Genre Dance Breakthrough
- "Groove Is In The Heart" fused disco, funk, jazz, exotica and hip-hop into a mainstream dance hit.
- The song illustrates early-90s crossover where club sampling met pop charts.
College Radio To Trax Nightclub
- Blake recalls first hearing the record as a college radio director in D.C. and playing it at Trax nightclub.
- That moment marked his entry into house/dance music crossover culture.
Sampling's Wild Window
- The song exemplifies an era when sampling was prolific and lightly policed, allowing dense collages.
- World Clique contains at least eleven identifiable samples, a practice rare after later lawsuits.