Sampling has been a cornerstone of hip-hop since its inception, with producers repurposing existing music to create entirely new sonic landscapes. A standout hip-hop sample is more than just a looped snippet—it’s a transformative element that elevates the track.
Sampling in music involves extracting a section of audio from an existing song and creatively reworking it into a new track. While some critics have dismissed it as blatant plagiarism, this perspective overlooks the artistry and innovation involved in sampling.
Solid samples matter for several reasons: emotional impact (setting the mood), cultural significance (connecting to historical or iconic moments in music), audience connection (bridging generational gaps and appeals), musical foundation (forming the backbone of the track’s beat and structure), familiarity (instantly grabbing listeners' attention with recognizable sounds), storytelling (enhancing lyrical themes and adding narrative depth) and longevity (timeless samples keep songs relevant across decades).
The game was changed by these hip-hop samples
A good sample isn’t just borrowed—it’s reimagined, reinterpreted, and elevated to create something timeless. Here are some hip-hop tracks with the best music samples of all time.
"It Was A Good Day" - Ice Cube
Sometimes, it’s important to pause and appreciate the good moments in life—a sentiment perfectly captured in Ice Cube’s 1993 single, “It Was a Good Day.” In this track, the rapper reflects on a day filled with gratitude and simple joys. The song’s laid-back vibe is enhanced by a smooth sample of The Isley Brothers’“Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2,” creating an effortlessly timeless feel.
"Summertime" - DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
In 1991, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince dropped their timeless warm-weather anthem, “Summertime.”Over 30 years later, the track remains a staple at summer gatherings. As The Fresh Prince paints vivid pictures of summer fun and relaxation, it’s only fitting that the song samples Kool & the Gang’s 1974 classic, “Summer Madness,” adding a smooth and soulful backdrop to this seasonal favorite.
"Big Poppa" - The Notorious B.I.G.
Hip-hop wouldn’t be the same without the influence of the legendary soulful group, The Isley Brothers. In 1983, they released their smooth, quiet storm single, “Between the Sheets." Just over a decade later, The Notorious B.I.G. transformed the sultry track into his iconic hit, “Big Poppa." Many moons later, the song remains one of Biggie’s most celebrated anthems, a timeless blend of soul and swagger.
"Through the Wire" - Kanye West
After years of producing for some of hip-hop’s biggest names, Kanye West was ready to step into the spotlight as a solo artist. He made his mark with his 2003 debut single, “Through the Wire." Built around a soulful sample of Chaka Khan’s 1985 track, “Through the Fire" the song captures Kanye’s resilience and determination. The title itself is a nod to the wires holding his jaw together after a near-fatal car accident, adding a raw authenticity to his powerful debut.
"Hey Lover" - LL Cool J feat. Boyz II Men
LL Cool J’s 1995 single“Hey Lover” remains one of hip-hop’s most iconic love songs. Featuring smooth vocals from Boyz II Men and a soulful sample of Michael Jackson’s “Lady In My Life," the track captures LL’s heartfelt longing for a woman who’s already in a relationship. His lyrics express a mix of desire and hope, creating a timeless anthem of unrequited love.
"The Light" - Common
In 2000, Common dropped his fourth album, Like Water for Chocolate, featuring the soulful hit single “The Light." Built around a heartfelt sample of Bobby Caldwell’s “Open Your Eyes," the track serves as a poetic love letter to his partner. With lines like“If Heaven had a height, you would be that tall," Common beautifully blends vulnerability and devotion, creating one of hip-hop’s most celebrated love songs.
"Regulate" - Warren G feat. Nate Dogg
Warren G’s 1994 hit “Regulate” was not only the first single from his debut album, Regulate… G Funk Era, but also the lead track on the Above the Rim soundtrack. Produced by Warren G himself, the song samples Michael McDonald’s 1982 hit “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)." The track, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, has since become one of Warren G’s signature songs and a classic in the G-Funk era.
"Gangsta's Paradise" - Coolio
Stevie Wonder, one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in music history, unknowingly laid the foundation for Coolio’s 1995 hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise." Nearly two decades after Wonder’s“Pastime Paradise” was released, Coolio sampled the track for his Grammy-winning single. Featured on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack, “Gangsta’s Paradise” became a landmark in hip-hop, earning Coolio the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
"The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" - Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
After a stint in a girl group, Missy Elliott made her solo debut with the iconic 1997 single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." Produced by her frequent collaborator Timbaland, the track samples Ann Peebles’ 1973 song “I Can’t Stand the Rain." The song not only marked a bold introduction to Missy’s unique style but also showcased her creativity in music videos, cementing her place as one of hip-hop’s most innovative artists.
"U Can't Touch This" - MC Hammer
MC Hammer was one of the first rappers to successfully cross over into pop, paving the way for future artists in the ‘90s. His1990 hit “U Can’t Touch This” became iconic, sampling Rick James’ 1981 track“Super Freak," The song not only peaked in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 but also made history as the first rap song to earn a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year.
A sample can reshape history, introduce fresh ideas, and connect the present to the past. Whether it's a subtle background loop or the focal point of a track, samples are crucial for creativity, storytelling, and innovation in music. They’re the backbone of hip-hop and have played a significant role in music across all genres.