Mayer Hawthorne’s I Need You 12-inch single has the vocal & instrumental versions – produced by Nottz – on one side, and an etching by Freegums on the flip. Mayer Hawthorne explains the story behind this record:
“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. 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.”
