Full Breakdown
The Musical Legacy of Labi Siffre and Eminem's "My Name Is"
3/3/2026, 8:08:57 PM
The Origins of a Hip-Hop Classic
The iconic bassline and electric piano riff that opens Eminem's breakthrough track "My Name Is" originates from Labi Siffre's 1975 song "I Got The…," featured on his album *Remember My Song*. This track, characterized by its infectious jazz-funk groove, remained relatively obscure for decades, primarily known among rare groove enthusiasts until it was sampled by Eminem and Dr. Dre in the late 1990s.
Labi Siffre: A Multifaceted Artist
Labi Siffre, born in 1945 to a Nigerian father and a mother of Barbadian and Belgian descent, is recognized for his contributions to music as a singer-songwriter, poet, and playwright. His 1972 album *Crying Laughing Loving Lying* is considered his masterpiece, featuring the original version of "It Must Be Love," which achieved modest success in the UK. Siffre's work often reflects themes of oppression and personal identity, particularly as an openly gay man during a time when such identities faced significant societal challenges.
The Sampling Process
In the late 1990s, Dr. Dre was producing for a new artist, Eminem, who was struggling to find commercial success. Dre identified Siffre's "I Got The…" as a foundational element for "My Name Is." The duo sought Siffre's permission to use the sample, which he granted only after they revised the original lyrics that contained derogatory references to women and the LGBTQ+ community. Siffre's insistence on changing the lyrics demonstrated his commitment to addressing oppression in his work.
The Impact of "My Name Is"
"My Name Is" became a cultural phenomenon, propelling Eminem to global stardom and earning him his first Grammy Award. The song peaked in the top ten in the UK and significantly revived interest in Siffre's music. Following the release, "I Got The…" was issued as a standalone single in 2003, and Siffre's *Remember My Song* was remastered and reissued in 2006, providing him with a financial boost during a challenging period in his life.
Criticism and Artistic Integrity
Despite the commercial success, Siffre later expressed regret for not ensuring that the stipulation regarding the lyrics applied to all versions of the song. He was initially unaware of the dual-release conventions in hip-hop, which allowed the explicit version of "My Name Is" to be released with the original lyrics intact. Siffre's principled stance against derogatory language highlights the ethical considerations artists face when their work is sampled.
A Resurgence of Interest
As of February 2026, Siffre continues to create music, recently releasing "Far Away," his first album in 28 years. His earlier works have gained renewed attention, with tracks featured in contemporary films and viral platforms, introducing his artistry to new audiences. The revival of Siffre's music underscores the lasting impact of his contributions to both the music industry and the broader cultural landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Attacking the victims of bigotry rather than the bigots themselves was, in Siffre's view, lazy writing.” — Labi Siffre
- “He later said he should have insisted the stipulation covered all versions, but he was unfamiliar with hip-hop's dual-release conventions.” — Labi Siffre
This narrative illustrates the intricate relationship between Labi Siffre's original work and Eminem's subsequent success, highlighting the importance of artistic integrity and the enduring legacy of both artists in the music industry.
