Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” hit has been sampled quite a few times. But, according to a 2021 interview with TMZ Live, the all-female R&B group SWV is one of the only groups he allowed to sample the track.
The interview occurred before their Verzuz battle with female R&B group Xscape. Members Tamarac “Taj” Johnson and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons were asked if they were going to play their 1992 chart-topper “Right Here (Human Nature Remix),” despite the backlash the King of Pop’s legacy received. The two responded with an “of course” and “absolutely.”
“I haven’t heard anything recently, and that’s one of our top 5 hits,” and we were one of the first artists he allowed to use his sample,” Johnson said. “That song has done great things for us. You will hear it. Matter fact, you might hear it three times.”
When asked for confirmation on whether Jackson gave it to them for free or not, the women confirmed.
“We did not pay for that sample,” Lyons answered.
“And technically,” Johnson clarified. “He didn’t give it to us. He gave it to his homie Teddy Riley (music producer), who gave it to us.”
The controversy surrounding Jackson’s legacy pertains to the child sexual abuse allegations that stirred before and after his death in 2009.
While SWV is one of the first groups to get Jackson’s approval to sample the track, they aren’t the only ones who have used it. In 1994, Nas mashed “Human Nature” with “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” at some of his concerts, using Jackson’s vocals.
Jason Nevins’ “I’m in Heaven,” featuring Holly James, included the “Human Nature” backing track and the vocal run hook.
Chris Brown sampled the track in his “She Ain’t You” song on his 2011 album F.A.M.E.
“Right Here (Human Nature Remix)” didn’t become popular until the year after its 1992 release.
