In the music industry, samples are a major tool that bridges the past with the present. When utilized properly, they can transform familiar melodies and rhythms into new musical experiences. Samples and even interpolations of pre-existing recordings incorporated into new compositions have become integral to the creative process. This has been seen across genres from hip-hop to electronic dance music to pop and rock. Samples carry layers of cultural significance and nostalgia. With the rise of the internet and streaming platforms, listeners can easily discover sampled songs with a quick search or by using apps like Shazam. However, it can often lead to legal issues between artists if proper clearance is not obtained. Failure to clear a sample can result in copyright infringement claims, leading to costly lawsuits, delayed release and ultimately damaged relationships between artists and rights holders. 

Today’s music era marks a stark departure from the past, where identifying familiar tunes or samples demanded a keen ear and deep musical knowledge. Now, artists sometimes utilize entire songs with minimal alterations, blurring the lines between homage and replication.

From Drake to Bryson Tiller, contemporary artists have masterfully wielded the art of sampling, breathing new life into beloved classics and crafting nostalgic hits. Each sample transports listeners on a journey through musical history, showcasing the enduring power of iconic melodies and rhythms.

Here’s a curated list of artists put together at EBONY who have sampled other artists’ songs to craft their timeless records:

Destiny’s Child, “Bootylicious”

Destiny’s Child infused Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” into their hit track “Bootylicious,” seamlessly blending the iconic guitar riff with their own presence. The result was a chart-topping anthem that celebrated empowerment and showcased the group’s innovative approach to sampling in popular music.

50 Cent, “21 Questions”

In his hit song “21 Questions,” 50 Cent cleverly samples Barry White’s “It’s Only Love Doing Its Thing,” adding a soulful touch to the track’s introspective lyrics and smooth melody. The sample enhances the song’s romantic vibe, creating a timeless blend of classic and contemporary sounds. The real question is, what’s the most important question asked in this song?

Nelly, “Ride With Me”

Nelly’s “Ride wit Me” features interpolations of DeBarge’s “I Like It,” a nod to the classic groove that adds a nostalgic flair to the modern hip-hop track. By giving DeBarge writing credit on the song, Nelly acknowledges the influence and contribution of the original artists, ensuring their legacy is honored in creating his hit single.

Drake, “Nice For What”

Drake’s “Nice for What” samples Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor,” infusing her soulful vocals into the upbeat track to create a captivating blend of nostalgia and contemporary sound. Drake pays homage to a legendary artist while crafting a fresh anthem celebrating female empowerment and independence.

Bryson Tiller, “Exchange”

Bryson Tiller’s “Exchange” incorporates the melody of K.P. & Envyi’s “Swing My Way,” giving the R&B track a nostalgic yet modern twist. By sampling “Swing My Way,” Bryson not only pays homage to the original song but also adds a layer of familiarity that resonates with listeners, creating a classic record that many still sing word for word.

The Notorious B.I.G., “One More Chance”

Biggie’s “One More Chance” samples DeBarge’s “Stay With Me,” infusing the classic R&B melody with his signature flow to create an unforgettable hip-hop anthem. The song’s enduring popularity has inspired numerous artists to sample both Biggie’s rendition and the original DeBarge track, showcasing its timeless appeal across generations.

Chingy Feat. Tyrese, “Pullin’ Me Back”

Chingy’s “Pullin’ Me Back” samples SWV’s “Rain,” evoking a sense of nostalgia that transports listeners back to their school days possibly missing an old thang. Coco Jones’ recent sampling of “Rain” in “Double Back” further solidifies the timeless appeal of SWV’s classic track, showcasing its enduring influence on contemporary music.

Frank Ocean, “Super Rich Kids”

Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids” samples Mary J Blige’s “Real Love,” infusing his unique style into the classic R&B melody to create a standout track on his debut album, Channel Orange. The sample adds depth and nostalgia to the song, paying homage to Mary while showcasing Frank’s approach to storytelling through music.

G-Unit Feat. Joe, “Wanna Get To Know You”

G-Unit’s “Wanna Get to Know You” samples Marvin Gaye‘s “Come Live With Me Angel,” infusing the track with soulful melodies and classic vibes. The use of Marvin’s iconic song adds depth and nostalgia to G-Unit’s hit, creating a seamless blend of old-school and contemporary hip-hop. Doesn’t this song bring you back to those 106&Park days?

Janet Jackson Feat. Nelly, “Call on Me”

Janet Jackson‘s “Call On Me,” featuring Nelly, samples The S.O.S. Band’s “Tell Me If You Still Care,” infusing the track with a timeless R&B groove. By incorporating elements of The S.O.S. Band’s classic hit, Janet pays homage to the iconic group while creating a fresh and vibrant collaboration with Nelly.

The post We Bet You Didn’t Know These 10 Songs Were Samples of Original Classics appeared first on EBONY.