Why is "Hotline Bling" such a hit?

It's not a great song. In fact, the subject—obsessing over an ex who has moved on with her life—is mildly disturbing. It's not an original idea—the beat was lifted wholesale from a 1972 Timmy Thomas song, "Why Can't We Live Together." But it's one of the biggest hits in the nation as you read this. Here's my take on why "Hotline Bling" has been a huge success.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Why is "Hotline Bling" such a hit? It's not a great song. In fact, the subject—obsessing over an ex who has moved on with her life—is mildly disturbing. It's not an original idea—the beat was lifted wholesale from a 1972 Timmy Thomas song, "Why Can't We Live Together." But it's one of the biggest hits in the nation as you read this. Here's my take on why "Hotline Bling" has been a huge success. Henry Adaso Rap/Hip-Hop Expert Why is "Hotline Bling" Such a Hit?   "Hotline Bling" is one of the biggest hits in the United States, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The question is why? READ NOW Is Pusha T the king of D-boy rap?   'Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude' highlights one thing Pusha T does better than everyone else. Here's my take on the EP. READ NOW How Jazz Influenced Hip-Hop   Hip-hop owes its roots to jazz. From sophisticated musical flourishes to improvisational rap, here's a history of jazz and its influence on hip-hop. READ NOW The History of DJing   A primer on deejaying. Learn about the innovators and the Bronx summer party that started it all. READ NOW Featured Articles • 20 Reasons Why Curtis Mayfield was a Musical Genius • Days' Devastating Car Crash: Who Will Live? Who Will Die? • 2015's Best Rock Albums • December 28 in Music History • Days of our Lives: The Best and Worst of 2015 • Molly Burnett's Days of Our Lives Return: Melanie's in Major Trouble • The Haunting at Harvey Woods • Help Us Name the Best and Worst of 2015 Advertisement About Rap/Hip-Hop  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Rap/Hip-Hop newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.