Does Poker Face Sample Ma Baker?

Poker Face is a song by American singer Lady Gaga, released in 2008. The song was a massive hit and topped the charts in several countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was also nominated for several awards and won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2010.

However, there has been some controversy surrounding the song’s origin. Some people have claimed that Poker Face samples a song called Ma Baker by Boney M., a German disco group from the 1970s.

But is this claim true? Let’s dive deeper into the history of both songs to find out.

Ma Baker was released in 1977 and was a huge hit for Boney M. The song tells the story of Kate “Ma” Barker, an infamous criminal who led a notorious gang during the Prohibition era in the United States. The song features a catchy melody and rhythm that made it popular on dance floors around the world.

On the other hand, Poker Face features an electronic dance-pop beat with lyrics about gambling and sexual innuendos. The chorus of Poker Face has become one of Lady Gaga’s most iconic lines: “Can’t read my poker face.”

PRO TIP:When listening to the song Poker Face by Lady Gaga, you may notice a sample of Ma Baker by Boney M. The sample appears in the opening piano intro and re-appears throughout the song.

So where does the claim that Poker Face samples Ma Baker come from? The answer lies in a small section of Poker Face’s instrumental break. Around 2:45 into the song, there is a brief melody that sounds similar to one in Ma Baker’s chorus.

However, this does not necessarily mean that Lady Gaga intentionally sampled Ma Baker. It is possible that both songs share a similar chord progression or melody by coincidence.

Furthermore, Lady Gaga has never publicly acknowledged sampling Ma Baker in Poker Face. In fact, she has spoken about her creative process and how she writes her own music without relying on samples or outside influences.

In conclusion, while there may be some similarities between Poker Face and Ma Baker’s melodies, it is not enough evidence to definitively say that Poker Face samples Ma Baker. Lady Gaga has never acknowledged the sample, and it is possible that the similarities between the two songs are coincidental.

Regardless of whether or not Poker Face samples Ma Baker, there is no denying that both songs are classics in their own right. They each have their own unique sound and style that have resonated with audiences across generations.