Mayer Hawthorne hear Otis Leavill in a piece of Nottz production and decides to create a full cover of the rare 45, “I Need You”. Check out the story and the music below.
Hawthorne says:
“I met Nottz at Nightlife’s Dilla Tribute in L.A. and we just kept in contact. I had always been a fan of Nottz since the 90s. He sent me a bunch of beats and at first I had no idea what to do with any of them, but eventually it hit me. I sang a hook for him on his album as well.
The song is a cover of a cat named Otis Leavill which is one of my all time fav soul sides, but relatively unknown 45. I don’t think Nottz even knew it. I actually even made up some of the words because no one could make out what he said in the original. ha!
When Nottz sent me that batch – that particular beat stood out. It had the same chord progression as the Otis Leville, so I just went with it.”