After her work is sampled by rappers, Vega returns the favour

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega has seen her work sampled by rap artists many times. Now she’s showing the inspiration runs both ways.

The New Yorker samples 50 Cent’s song, “Candy Shop” in a track featured on her upcoming album, due in February.

Vega’s 1987 song “Tom’s Diner” has been sampled at least 36 times by other artists, including by Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Danger Mouse and the Black Eyed Peas. She’s usually happy to give permission when asked.

While recording the song “Don’t Uncork What You Can’t Contain” for her new disc, Vega said she was reminded of the rhythms in “Candy Shop,” which itself borrows from the Salsoul Orchestra. She asked her producer, Gerry Leonard, if they should contact 50 Cent’s producer to work on the track; Leonard suggested just sampling it.

“I said, ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought of that,’” Vega said.

So she contacted 50 Cent, who said he was a fan and gave the OK. “Don’t Uncork What You Can’t Contain” is under consideration for the first single from Vega’s album, her first studio recording of new material in seven years. Called “Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles” it will be released on Vega’s own imprint.