You Gotta Respect the Sample: The Art of Flipping Tracks
Hip-hop heads, and music enthusiasts, we're about to embark on a journey through the beats and bars that have globalized an entire culture. As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, let's pay homage to one of its most essential elements—the sample. The art of flipping beats has been the heartbeat of the music. Some of the most legendary records were built around repurposed sounds, let’s take a look at some of those honorable mentions.
1. "Juicy" – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Producer: Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs
Sample: "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume
Biggie took this smooth R&B jam and turned it into an iconic hip-hop anthem.
2. "C.R.E.A.M." – Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
Artist: Wu-Tang Clan
Producer: RZA
Sample: "As Long As I've Got You" by The Charmels
RZA's genius lay in taking a soulful sample and crafting an unforgettable street anthem.
3. "Ms. Jackson" – OutKast (2000)
Artist: OutKast
Producer: Earthtone III (OutKast and David "Mr. DJ" Sheats)
Sample: "Strawberry Letter 23" by Shuggie Otis
OutKast's public apology gets elevated with Shuggie Otis' sweet melody.
4. "Hotline Bling" – Drake (2015)
Artist: Drake
Producer: Nineteen85
Sample: "Why Can't We Live Together" by Timmy Thomas
Drizzy brought '70s vibes into the modern age with this infectious hit.
5. "N.Y. State of Mind" – Nas (1994)
Artist: Nas
Producer: DJ Premier
Sample: "Mind Rain" by Joe Chambers
Nas' lyrical masterpiece rides on Joe Chambers' jazzy loop.
6. "Forgot About Dre" – Dr. Dre ft. Eminem (2001)
Artist: Dr. Dre ft. Eminem
Producer: Dr. Dre
Sample: "The Watcher" by Dr. Dre
Dre's comeback hit proves he never forgot how to produce a banger.
7. "Gin and Juice" – Snoop (1993)
Artist: Snoop
Producer: Dr. Dre
Sample: "Let's Get Small" by Trouble Funk
Snoop's laid-back style and this funky sample define West Coast hip-hop.
8. "Can I Kick It?" – A Tribe Called Quest (1990)
Artist: A Tribe Called Quest
Producer: A Tribe Called Quest
Sample: "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed
ATCQ's laid-back flow and Lou Reed's iconic bassline make this track a forever classic.
9. "Frontin'" – Pharrell ft. Jay-Z (2003)
Artist: Pharrell ft. Jay-Z
Producer: The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo)
Sample: "Bumpin' Bus Stop" by Thunder and Lightning
Pharrell's smooth vibes, Jay-Z's slick flow, and a funky sample—this track had it all.
10. "Straight Outta Compton" – N.W.A (1988)
Artist: N.W.A
Producer: Dr. Dre
Sample: "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
N.W.A's explosive anthem flipped this funky jam into a West Coast classic.
You gotta respect the sample! Hip-hop's ability to transform experiences is the essence of its greatness. These tracks are just a taste of the incredible artistry that has shaped the culture.