Men's Cologne: Alternative Songs For A Fresh Vibe

Fragrances and music are two of the most powerful memory triggers, so it's no surprise that colognes have been referenced in songs by artists ranging from Kanye West to Snoop Dogg. In this article, we'll explore the world of men's colognes through the lens of alternative songs, uncovering the scents that have inspired musicians and the stories behind the lyrics. From the fresh and clean Chanel Bleu de Chanel, mentioned in Kanye West's Last Call, to the earthy and woody Dior Sauvage, name-dropped by Snoop Dogg in Lodi Dodi, we'll dive into the unique connections between these fragrances and the artists who wear them. We'll also discuss the broader cultural significance of colognes in music, and how these scent references reflect the artists' personalities and creative processes. So, get ready to sniff out some new tunes and spritz on some fresh beats as we explore the intriguing links between men's colognes and alternative songs.

Kanye West's 'Last Call' mentions Jean Paul Gaultier cologne

Kanye West's 'Last Call' from his 2004 album 'The College Dropout' mentions Jean Paul Gaultier cologne. In the song, West raps:

> My money was thinner than Sean Paul's goatee hair/Now Jean Paul Gaultier cologne fill the air, here.

This line has been described as "one of my favourite top-tier bars in hip-hop history" and "hilarious". It is also noted that rhyming something with 'Jean Paul Gaultier' is "not an easy task", yet West "managed to kill it".

West's favourite cologne is Yves Saint Laurent's L'Homme, which his former partner Kim Kardashian described as smelling like "money". West has also released his own fragrance, Whatever It Takes, an Eau de Toilette spray.

Snoop Dogg's 'Lodi Dodi' mentions Cool Water cologne

In the song 'Lodi Dodi', Snoop Dogg mentions Cool Water cologne as part of his morning grooming routine. The song, a track on his 1993 album 'Doggystyle', is a twist on Doug E Fresh's 'La Di Da Di', which featured Slick Rick.

In the song, Snoop Dogg raps about waking up in the morning and going through his grooming routine, including washing his face, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed. He mentions that he uses Johnson's Baby Powder and Cool Water cologne as part of his routine, getting ready for "all the bitches [he] might take home".

The mention of Cool Water cologne in 'Lodi Dodi' is just one example of Snoop Dogg's influence on popular culture. Over the years, he has referenced and promoted a variety of products in his music, and his endorsements have had a significant impact on sales and trends.

The song 'Lodi Dodi' also showcases Snoop Dogg's playful and humorous side, with lyrics that are lighthearted and entertaining. The song is a fun twist on the original 'La Di Da Di', with Snoop Dogg adding his own unique style and personality.

In addition to 'Lodi Dodi', Snoop Dogg has also mentioned other fragrances in his songs. For example, in his song 'Nuthin' But A "G" Thang' with Dr. Dre, he raps about "smelling himself" and how his "shit stinks". While this may not be a direct mention of a specific cologne, it does show that Snoop Dogg is aware of the importance of personal hygiene and fragrance.

Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Nasty Boy' mentions Platinum Egoiste cologne

Chanel's Platinum Egoiste cologne for men has an unusual claim to fame: it's the only fragrance to have been rapped about by The Notorious B.I.G. in his song 'Nasty Boy'.

In the song, Biggie Smalls raps: "Easy, call 'em on the phone and Platinum Chanel cologne and I stay, dressed to impress".

Platinum Egoiste is an aromatic fougère, a traditional combination of fern, lavender and oakmoss with added woods and spices. It was launched in 1993, a transition year for the fragrance industry, and was one of the last heavy-hitters before the aquatic-dominant scents that came to dominate the market the following year.

Platinum Egoiste has a unique scent, opening with a blast of rosemary, clary sage and vetiver that is herbal and slightly bitter. It settles down to reveal cedar and a fleeting floral hint of geranium.

Biggie Smalls wasn't the only rapper to reference a cologne in his lyrics. Others include:

• Kanye West, who in 'Last Call' rhymes about Jean Paul Gaultier cologne
• Snoop Dogg, who mentions Cool Water cologne in 'Lodi Dodi'
• Drake, who references Tom Ford Tuscan Leather in one of his songs
• 2 Chainz, who namechecks Chanel No. 5 in 'No Chill'

'Devil with the Blue Dress' by Mitch Ryder mentions Chanel No. 5

"Devil with the Blue Dress", also known as "Devil with the Blue Dress On", is a song written by Shorty Long and William "Mickey" Stevenson. It was first performed by Long and released as a single in 1964. However, the song gained popularity when it was recorded by Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels in 1966, peaking at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Ryder's version is known for its high-energy performance and medley format with "Good Golly Miss Molly", a Little Richard song.

In the song, Mitch Ryder mentions Chanel No. 5, describing a mysterious and seductive woman who captivates everyone around her. The lyrics portray a femme fatale dressed elegantly, wearing Chanel No. 5 perfume, and exquisite jewellery. The mention of Chanel No. 5 adds to the overall allure and sophistication of the female protagonist in the song.

The song is a blend of rock and rhythm and blues, a style for which Mitch Ryder is well-known. "Devil with the Blue Dress" has been prominently featured in popular culture, including films like "Sister Act 2" and TV shows like "Quantico". It has also been covered by various artists, such as Bruce Springsteen, who included it in his regular concert repertoire from the 1970s onwards.

Mitch Ryder, whose real name is William S. Levise, Jr., is an American musician who has recorded over two dozen albums in more than four decades. He gained fame as the leader of the Detroit Wheels band, and "Devil with the Blue Dress" marked a high point in his career. The song's impact extended beyond its musical success, as it captured the spirit of the 1960s youth, resonating with their desire for freedom and personal expression.

'Let Me Watch' by Viktor Vaughn calls out Samsara by Guerlin and Fahrenheit

In the song "Let Me Watch" by Viktor Vaughn, the lyrics "Flavor of the night, Samsara and Fahrenheit" appear to be a reference to men's cologne. "Let Me Watch" is Track 9 on Vaughn's 2003 album Vaudeville Villain. CD and vinyl copies of the song are listed as "Let Me Watch," while on streaming platforms, the song is known as "Can I Watch? (feat. Apani B as Nikki)".

The song is about Viktor going on a date with his "cousin's friend's friend." The lyrics describe the initial excitement of the date, with Vaughn's character thinking it's "love at first sight." However, as the song progresses, the relationship sours, with the female character, Nikki, feeling ignored and disrespected.

The reference to Samsara and Fahrenheit colognes comes in the third verse of the song, which is followed by the female character, Nikki, expressing her attraction to Vaughn's character and the couple's shared interests. This could suggest that the colognes are being used as a metaphor for the initial attraction and chemistry between the two characters.

The inclusion of these specific colognes in the lyrics could also be a nod to the hip-hop culture of the early 2000s, when the song was released. During this time, name-dropping luxury brands and products, including fragrances, was a common way for rappers to showcase their wealth and taste.

Overall, the song "Let Me Watch" by Viktor Vaughn uses the mention of Samsara and Fahrenheit colognes as a clever way to enhance the narrative of the lyrics and reflect the cultural context of the early 2000s hip-hop scene.

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