Iconic Samples that Shaped Hip-Hop and R&B

Hip-hop and R&B are musical genres that evolve with time but one timeless element unifying them is the art of sampling.

Sampling has been a cornerstone for countless classics, with new artists like Latto and legends such as Erykah Badu utilizing this technique to create fresh sounds. Sampling is not just about using old music; it's about reviving it, connecting different music eras, and sharing those vibes with today's listeners.

Legendary Samples in Music History

Diana Ross' hit 'I'm Coming Out' was famously used in Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Mo Money Mo Problems,' highlighting how classic tunes can find new life in modern tracks. Ronnie Foster's funky beats laid the foundation for A Tribe Called Quest's 'Electric Relaxation,' a testament to the timeless appeal of chill soundscapes in hip-hop.

Nas' iconic 'The World is Yours' borrowed its inspirational sound from American pianist Ahmad Jamal, while Kendrick Lamar's 'Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst' echoed the deep emotional resonance of its sampled predecessor. Sampling connects genres and generations, from 'Rapper's Delight' by Sugarhill Gang to Ice Cube's 'It Was a Good Day', drawing from the Isley Brothers' 'Footsteps in the Dark'.

EPMD's drums have echoed through Mario Winans' 'I Don’t Wanna Know' and cross over to tracks like 'Creepin'' by Metro Boomin and The Weekend. Meanwhile, the Wu-Tang Clan's 'C.R.E.A.M.' gets its haunting piano line from soul group The Charmels, showing how a single sample can become synonymous with an artist's signature sound.

Marvin Gaye's 'Got to Give It Up' influenced hits like The Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).' The beats of Public Enemy's 'Bring the Noise' have been echoed by a wide range of artists, from Kanye West to Prince, demonstrating the track's widespread influence.

'Amen Brother' by The Winstons holds the title of the most sampled song, proving that some beats are truly immortal in the music world. And while some samples may be less well-known, their impact is no less significant, like the samples used by Madlib in his collaboration with Freddie Gibbs.

Sampling: Bridging the Past and Present

Samples not only pay homage to the past but also breathe new life into contemporary music, as seen in hits like 'Redbone' by Childish Gambino and DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince's 'Summertime'. Latto's 'Big Energy' draws from Mariah Carey, connecting the dots across different music eras, while samples from the likes of Michael Jackson prove that the King of Pop's influence remains unshakeable.

The art of sampling is all about reinvention and respect for the original, bringing powerful musical moments to new audiences. It's a practice that underlines the interconnectivity of music, and how a single track can resonate across different artistic expressions.

sampling, hip-hop, R&B