The Weeknd requested the Machine Gun sample but Portishead said no.

So The Weeknd recorded their own(?) and then went ahead and said "there is no sample used or enough likeness to Machine Gun to warrant any infringement....or credit". Hmmmm, interesting.

Sounds like a bit of tomfoolery from the Weeknd gang. Not sure who they think they're fooling. Anyway, all of this has generated more attention around the song than it ever would have gotten any other way, so this was probably his intention. Pretty shady really, isn't it.

It's not even a very good song. Not worth the bother. Very dull. Good music video though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYO77zNhWl4

What's your stance on sampling? I think if you have the artists permission then there's no problem. Kind of think this goes without saying. Maybe some people here think differently, any music's free game etc.