Back when I was first writing this blog I looked at ST Files' 'Systematic', the A Side on this 12". I also wanted to post about 'Sky High' at the time, but for the life of me I couldn't find the source of the vocal sample. I was sure it was Guru from Gang Starr but no amount of searching could uncover it:
"I use my mind's eye and teach my soul to fly high"
I recently stumbled across it though so now's the time to finally discuss this fantastic track. The sample is taken from Guru's guest verse on 'Love Thang' by Sweet Sable, an RnB/Hip-Hop singer best known for her appearance on the Above The Rim soundtrack with 'Old Times' Sake'. That song became the title track on her subsequent album and she also provided vocals on Guru's 'Living In This World' from Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2. However she failed to replicate the success of 'Old Times' Sake' and 'Love Thang', the third and final single from the album, only reached number 74 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart and she was eventually dropped by her label.
I think this fade to obscurity explains the difficulty in finding the sample. Reflecting Guru's uplifting words (actually taken from the second acapella version of 'Love Thang' on the 12") ST Files creates a track that would have been right at home at Fabio & Bukem's Speed nights, established the same year this came out. A steppy take on the Think break is joined by some soulful sax, strings and shimmering synths before judiciously used hits of 808 bass add some weight. A chilled, spacious tune that provides a nice contrast to the tougher, more urgent 'Systematic'.
'Sky High' appeared on the This Is... Jungle on Beechwood Music and you can hear it in JMJ's mixed selection from the bonus CD of that compilation here.