# Leo Nocentelli: Motown to Hip-Hop

> Leo Nocentelli played for Motown acts like The Temptations and The Supremes before forming The Meters, sampled by hip-hop legends.
- Title: Leo Nocentelli: Motown to Hip-Hop · Guitar World | Shortify
- Summary: Leo Nocentelli played for Motown acts like The Temptations and The Supremes before forming The Meters, sampled by hip-hop legends.
- Keywords: leo nocentelli, motown, the tempts, the supremes, the meters, hip hop, snoop dogg, naughty by nature, peter gabriel, guitar, Leo, Nocentelli
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/leo-nocentelli-meters
- Published: 2026-10-01T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: leo nocentelli, motown, the tempts, the supremes, the meters, hip hop, snoop dogg, naughty by nature, peter gabriel, guitar
## Leo Nocentelli's early career
As a teen, Leo Nocentelli lent his licks to Motown's biggest stars including The Supremes and The Temptations.
## The Meters formed
In his 20s, Nocentelli formed funk legends The Meters after joining the army.
## Motown session work
Nocentelli played for The Supremes on their hit Where Did Our Love Go, Baby.
## The Temptations and The Supremes
Nocentelli got a call to play behind The Temptations and The Supremes at Motown.
## The Meters' hits
Nocentelli wrote hits Sophisticated Cissy and Cissy Strut but took little credit.
## Adaptability
Nocentelli adapted to all genres, from jazz to hip-hop, without taking credit.
## The Meters' gear
Nocentelli used a Gibson ES-175 for early The Meters recordings.
## Paul McCartney connection
Nocentelli played with Paul McCartney at a 1975 boat party in New Orleans.
## Hip-hop sampling
Nocentelli was sampled by Snoop Dogg and Naughty by Nature but sued LL Cool J for unpaid royalties.
## New music project
Nocentelli released a 2021 solo album with Peter Gabriel and Stanley Clarke.
## Current status
Nocentelli no longer plays guitar daily but remains active with The Meters.
## Advice for young players
Nocentelli advises learning the business to get paid, not to be broke.
## The Meters' legacy
The Meters are revisited with sold-out shows at Jazz Fest and Orpheum Theater.
## Adaptable musician
Nocentelli calls himself the Forrest Gump of the music industry for his adaptability.
## Key takeaway

Leo Nocentelli played for Motown acts like The Temptations and The Supremes before forming The Meters, sampled by hip-hop legends.