Hip-hop has always been about memory—musical, cultural, and emotional. Long before streaming algorithms and endless playlists, DJs and producers built new worlds out of old records, looping moments that felt alive, familiar, and powerful. Sampling wasn’t theft or nostalgia; it was translation. A way of pulling soul, funk, jazz, rock, and pop into a new language that spoke directly to the streets and the times.
Some samples are subtle, almost hidden. Others are so iconic that the original song and the hip-hop record become permanently fused in the public imagination. You hear the opening notes and instantly think of the rap song—even if the original came decades earlier. This article focuses on those moments: the most recognizable original versions of samples used in hip-hop, records whose DNA is now inseparable from the classics they inspired.
These are the songs that didn’t just get sampled—they got immortalized all over again.
1. “I Want’a Do Something Freaky To You” by Leon Haywood (Sampled for “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre)
Leon Haywood’s 1975 hit is the sonic blueprint for G-Funk. Released during the height of the disco-soul transition, the track features a sliding, high-pitched synth lead and a laid-back, infectious bassline that defined the “cool” of the era. When Dr. Dre reached into the crates for his 1992 masterpiece The Chronic, he didn’t just sample the song; he let it breathe. By slowing down the tempo slightly and emphasizing the lazy, rolling rhythm, Dre provided the perfect canvas for Snoop Dogg’s effortless flow. This sample transitioned the sound of West Coast Hip Hop from the aggressive, fast-paced breakbeats of the late 80s to the smooth, weed-scented “G-Funk” era. Haywood’s original remains a masterclass in suggestive soul, and its DNA is now inseparable from the imagery of lowriders and palm trees associated with early 90s Los Angeles.
2. “Pastime Paradise” by Stevie Wonder (Sampled for “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio)
Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise,” from the 1976 landmark album Songs in the Key of Life, was a haunting, experimental track that replaced a traditional band with a Yamaha GX-1 synthesizer to mimic a full orchestra. Lyrically, Wonder explored the dangers of living in the past and the need for spiritual growth. Nearly two decades later, Coolio and producer Doug Rasheed utilized the song’s minor-key urgency and choral chanting to create “Gangsta’s Paradise.” While the original was a philosophical observation, the Hip Hop version became a grim, cinematic portrayal of street life. Interestingly, Stevie Wonder initially refused to clear the sample because of the profanity originally intended for the lyrics; Coolio had to rewrite the song to be cleaner to gain Wonder’s blessing. The result was a global phenomenon that proved Hip Hop could be both commercially massive and deeply somber.
3. “Between The Sheets” by The Isley Brothers (Sampled for “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G.)
The Isley Brothers have arguably contributed more to the sound of 90s Hip Hop than any other group. “Between The Sheets,” released in 1983, is the ultimate “quiet storm” anthem, characterized by its shimmering synthesizers and Ronald Isley’s velvet vocals. For The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa,” producer Chucky Thompson lifted the beat almost entirely, allowing the Isleys’ smooth instrumentation to soften Biggie’s gritty persona. This juxtaposition helped define the “Bad Boy” sound—hardcore lyricism over high-end R&B production. The sample works because it evokes an immediate sense of luxury and romance, which aligned perfectly with Biggie Smalls’ “player” image. It remains one of the most recognizable flips in history, turning an 80s bedroom classic into a club staple that still fills dance floors today.
4. “Good Times” by Chic (Sampled for “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang)
“Good Times” is perhaps the most influential bassline in the history of modern music. Written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the 1979 disco hit was a protest song hidden in a party anthem, released during the “Disco Sucks” movement. When The Sugarhill Gang released “Rapper’s Delight” later that year, they didn’t technically “sample” it in the digital sense; they had a live band replay the groove. However, the connection was so direct that Nile Rodgers famously took legal action, leading to one of the first major copyright settlements in Hip Hop. This track essentially birthed the commercial Hip Hop industry. The infectious, repetitive nature of the bassline provided the necessary structure for long-form rapping, proving that the energy of the New York block party could be translated into a global recording format.
5. “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie (Sampled for “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice)
The bassline for “Under Pressure” is legendary for its simplicity and tension, created by John Deacon in 1981. When Vanilla Ice released “Ice Ice Baby” in 1990, the similarity was impossible to ignore. This case became one of the most infamous in music history due to Vanilla Ice’s initial claim that he had changed the melody by adding a “ding” at the end, a defense that became a running joke in the industry. Eventually, Queen and David Bowie were given songwriting credits to avoid a lawsuit. Despite the controversy, the sample was instrumental in making “Ice Ice Baby” the first Hip Hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100. It serves as a permanent case study in the importance of sample clearance and the fine line between homage and theft in the early days of the digital sampling era.
6. “As Long As I’ve Got You” by The Charmels (Sampled for “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan)
The haunting, melancholic piano riff that opens “C.R.E.A.M.” (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) is one of the most evocative sounds in the history of the genre. Originally recorded in 1967 by The Charmels, a girl group on the Stax subsidiary Volt, “As Long As I’ve Got You” was a relatively obscure soul ballad. Producer RZA, known for his “dirty” and “dusty” production style, took the opening piano loop and pitched it down, stripping away the sweetness of the original to reveal a cold, skeletal frame. This transformation perfectly mirrored the bleak, survivalist lyrics of Raekwon and Inspectah Deck. By sampling an obscure soul record rather than a Top 40 hit, RZA helped establish the Wu-Tang Clan’s signature aesthetic: digging through the “crates” of musical history to find beauty in the forgotten and the rugged.
7. “Yearning For Your Love” by The Gap Band (Sampled for “Life’s a Bitch” by Nas)
Released in 1980, “Yearning For Your Love” is a masterpiece of quiet-storm funk, featuring Charlie Wilson’s soaring vocals and a steady, rhythmic guitar pluck. For Nas’s 1994 debut Illmatic, producer L.E.S. lifted this soulful backdrop to provide a poignant contrast to the gritty reality of life in the Queensbridge projects. While the original song is a romantic plea, Nas and AZ used the mellow, nostalgic atmosphere to reflect on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of death. The sample’s warm, golden-era feel gives the track a sense of timelessness, grounding the hard-hitting lyrics in a musical tradition of Black excellence and resilience. It remains one of the most celebrated uses of 80s R&B in 90s boom-bap.
8. “Woman to Woman” by Joe Cocker (Sampled for “California Love” by Dr. Dre and 2Pac)
While many associate “California Love” with its Zapp-inspired talkbox vocals, the foundational horn blast that announces the song comes from Joe Cocker’s 1972 track “Woman to Woman.” Cocker, a British blues-rock singer, likely never imagined his funky, brass-heavy intro would become the definitive anthem for the state of California. Dr. Dre utilized the driving energy of the horns and the gritty piano chords to create a high-stakes, cinematic sound. This sample represents the “maximalist” phase of Death Row Records, where samples were layered with live instrumentation to create something massive. The “Woman to Woman” riff provides an aggressive, triumphant energy that perfectly suited 2Pac’s return to the spotlight after his release from prison, signaling a new era of West Coast dominance.
9. “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” by Michael McDonald (Sampled for “Regulate” by Warren G & Nate Dogg)
In 1994, Warren G and Nate Dogg took a polished 1982 yacht-rock hit and turned it into a street-wise narrative about a late-night heist and the power of brotherhood. Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin'” is defined by its precise, syncopated drum beat and a distinctive synth-bass line. Warren G didn’t just sample the song; he essentially “covered” the entire musical arrangement, letting the smooth, sophisticated production of the original carry the story. The juxtaposition of Michael McDonald’s blue-eyed soul with the violent, high-stakes storytelling of the Long Beach rappers created a “G-Funk” classic. This sample is a prime example of how Hip Hop producers looked beyond traditional funk and soul to find inspiration in the glossy pop production of the early 80s.
10. “Juicy Fruit” by Mtume (Sampled for “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.)
“Juicy Fruit” was a massive R&B hit in 1983, known for its sensual lyrics and the pioneering use of the LinnDrum machine, which gave it a unique, electronic “bounce.” When Sean “Puffy” Combs and Poke (of Trackmasters) used it for Biggie’s “Juicy,” they leaned into the song’s inherent “feel-good” energy. The sample’s bright, airy synthesizers provided the perfect “rags-to-riches” backdrop for Biggie to detail his rise from “smoking weed in the tenement” to “celebrating every day.” While the original was a song about intimacy, the Hip Hop version transformed it into the ultimate aspirational anthem. It proved that a well-chosen sample could do more than just provide a beat; it could evoke a specific emotion—in this case, the joy of the American Dream realized.
11. “I’ll Be Around” by The Spinners (Sampled for “I’ll Be Around” by Rappin’ 4-Tay)
The Spinners’ 1972 classic “I’ll Be Around” is the epitome of the Philadelphia Soul sound—smooth, orchestral, and deeply melodic. Produced by Thom Bell, the original features a distinctive guitar lick that is instantly recognizable. In 1994, San Francisco rapper Rappin’ 4-Tay utilized this melody to create a laid-back, West Coast classic. The beauty of this sample lies in its comforting familiarity; the guitar line acts as a warm embrace, allowing 4-Tay to deliver his “game” and life advice in a way that feels approachable and wise. By keeping the hook almost identical to the original, the song bridged the gap between the Motown-era soul listeners and the 90s Hip Hop generation, showing that the themes of loyalty and presence are universal across genres.
12. “Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed (Sampled for “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest)
Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1970s, famous for its “sliding” double bass line played by Herbie Flowers. For A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?”, producer Q-Tip took that unmistakable bassline and paired it with a drum break from Dr. Lonnie Smith’s “Spinning Wheel.” The result was a masterpiece of “jazz-rap” that felt both bohemian and street-savvy. The sample choice was revolutionary because it drew from the world of glam rock and art-pop, genres that were rarely touched by Hip Hop producers at the time. However, the clearance process was famously difficult; Lou Reed reportedly demanded 100% of the royalties for the track, meaning Tribe never made a cent from the song’s sales. Despite this, the track remains a cornerstone of the “Native Tongues” movement.
13. “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield (Sampled for “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill)
Cypress Hill has always been known for their psychedelic, hazy production, and their use of Dusty Springfield’s 1968 blue-eyed soul hit “Son of a Preacher Man” is a stroke of genius. Producer DJ Muggs took the soulful, southern-fried guitar riff and the brass stabs, then slowed them down and drenched them in reverb to create a murky, smoke-filled atmosphere. The original song is about a secret romance with a preacher’s son, but in the hands of B-Real and Sen Dog, the music becomes the soundtrack to cannabis culture. The contrast between Dusty Springfield’s sophisticated vocal delivery and Cypress Hill’s nasal, aggressive rapping created a unique sonic texture that helped Black Sunday become a multi-platinum success.
14. “Summer in the City” by Quincy Jones (Sampled for “Passin’ Me By” by The Pharcyde)
While the Lovin’ Spoonful wrote the original, it was Quincy Jones’s 1973 soulful, jazzy cover that provided the haunting organ chords for The Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By.” This track is perhaps the greatest “unrequited love” song in Hip Hop history. Producer J-Swift utilized the eerie, descending organ riff to perfectly capture the feeling of regret and longing described by the four members of the group. The sample is layered with a heavy drum break and a high-pitched “squeak,” creating a soundscape that is both whimsical and deeply melancholic. By sampling Quincy Jones, The Pharcyde tapped into a rich tradition of sophisticated Black music, elevating their playful personas with a backdrop of genuine musical complexity.
15. “You Got What I Need” by Freddie Scott (Sampled for “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie)
Freddie Scott’s 1968 soul ballad “You Got What I Need” features a dramatic piano intro and a soaring, emotional vocal performance. Biz Markie took that piano melody and turned it into the foundation for “Just a Friend,” one of the most beloved “sing-along” tracks in Hip Hop. Biz’s decision to sing the chorus himself—intentionally off-key—was a brilliant move that turned Scott’s serious heartbreak into a relatable, humorous story about being “friend-zoned.” The sample works because the piano line is inherently catchy and slightly melancholy, providing a solid emotional core for Biz Markie’s comedic antics. It remains a testament to the idea that Hip Hop doesn’t always have to be “hard”; it can also be vulnerable and hilariously human.
16. “Darkest Light” by Lafayette Afro Rock Band (Sampled for “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-n-Effect)
The Lafayette Afro Rock Band, a group of American musicians who relocated to France in the 1970s, created some of the most sampled “breaks” in history. Their 1975 track “Darkest Light” begins with a piercing, four-note saxophone wail that is instantly haunting. While it was famously used by Public Enemy and Jay-Z, its most commercially recognizable appearance is in the 1992 hit “Rump Shaker.” Producer Teddy Riley took that eerie sax line and placed it over a high-energy New Jack Swing beat. The result was a fascinating juxtaposition: a dark, mysterious jazz-rock riff providing the hook for a lighthearted, upbeat party anthem. This sample demonstrates how a single, well-placed sound can become the “earworm” that carries a song to the top of the charts, regardless of the original context of the source material.
17. “Fantastic Voyage” by Lakeside (Sampled for “Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio)
Lakeside’s 1980 hit “Fantastic Voyage” was a pinnacle of the funk era, complete with a nautical theme, elaborate costumes, and a bassline designed to move the floor. In 1994, Coolio revisited this classic to create his own escapist anthem. Unlike many producers who chop or distort samples, Coolio and Bryan “Wino” Dobbs kept the core essence of the original intact, essentially updating the funk for a new generation. The song’s message of inclusive partying—”Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage”—translated perfectly to the 90s West Coast scene, which was looking for a reprieve from the “G-Funk” violence. By sampling Lakeside, Coolio tapped into the lineage of Ohio funk, proving that the energy of the 80s was still very much alive in the DNA of modern rap.
18. “Forget Me Nots” by Patrice Rushen (Sampled for “Men In Black” by Will Smith)
Patrice Rushen’s 1982 post-disco masterpiece “Forget Me Nots” is defined by its sophisticated bassline (played by Freddie Washington) and its clapping percussion. It was a sophisticated R&B hit that bridged the gap between jazz and pop. When Will Smith recorded the theme song for the 1997 film Men In Black, the producers leaned heavily on Rushen’s groove, even adapting the lyrics of the hook. This sample represents the “Big Willie” era of late 90s Hip Hop, characterized by high-budget music videos and radio-friendly samples of 80s hits. While some purists critiqued the directness of the sample, it was undeniably effective, introducing a new generation to Rushen’s musicianship while providing a sleek, futuristic backdrop for the blockbuster film’s aesthetic.
19. “Footsteps in the Dark” by The Isley Brothers (Sampled for “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube)
While we previously discussed “Between the Sheets,” the Isley Brothers’ 1977 track “Footsteps in the Dark” provided the foundation for what is arguably the most famous storytelling track in West Coast history. The original is a contemplative, mid-tempo soul song about relationship uncertainty, anchored by Ernie Isley’s soft drumming and a gentle guitar lick. DJ Pooh took this tranquil atmosphere and used it to underscore Ice Cube’s narrative of a rare, peaceful day in South Central Los Angeles. The mellow, airy nature of the sample creates a sense of “calm before the storm,” which adds a layer of depth to Cube’s lyrics. It is a perfect example of how Hip Hop can recontextualize the emotional weight of a soul record to fit a specific geographical narrative.
20. “Be Alright” by Zapp (Sampled for “Keep Ya Head Up” by 2Pac)
Roger Troutman and his band Zapp revolutionized the use of the talkbox, and “Be Alright” (1980) remains one of their most soulful offerings. The song is a slow-burning ballad about perseverance and love. When 2Pac recorded “Keep Ya Head Up” in 1993, he utilized the piano melody and the spirit of “Be Alright” to craft a tribute to Black women and a message of hope for the inner city. This sample is deeply symbolic; 2Pac often reached for the sounds of his childhood—the funk and soul played in his household—to ground his revolutionary and poetic messages. The warmth of the Zapp sample provided a sense of community and history, making the song feel less like a radio hit and more like a modern spiritual.
21. “Hung Up On My Baby” by Isaac Hayes (Sampled for “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by Geto Boys)
Isaac Hayes was a master of cinematic soul, and his 1974 track “Hung Up On My Baby” features a melancholic, wandering guitar melody that feels both beautiful and unsettling. The Houston-based Geto Boys utilized this sample for their 1991 classic “Mind Playing Tricks on Me,” a song that explored the then-taboo subjects of paranoia, PTSD, and mental health in the streets. The sample is the driving force behind the song’s psychological tension; the repetition of the guitar line mimics the obsessive, looping thoughts of a mind under stress. By using a “love song” sample to score a horror-tinged rap track, the Geto Boys created a haunting masterpiece that expanded the emotional range of Southern Hip Hop.
22. “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range (Sampled for “Changes” by 2Pac)
Bruce Hornsby’s 1986 hit “The Way It Is” was a rare pop song that addressed social issues like civil rights and economic inequality. Its bright, cascading piano riff is one of the most recognizable of the decade. Posthumously released in 1998, 2Pac’s “Changes” used this piano line to create a song that became a global anthem for social justice. The sample was a perfect fit for 2Pac’s lyrical content, which mirrored Hornsby’s original themes of systemic struggle and the need for progress. The use of “The Way It Is” helped “Changes” transcend the typical boundaries of Hip Hop, reaching a massive pop audience and cementing 2Pac’s legacy as a “voice of the people.” It remains a powerful example of how a sample can amplify a message that was already present in the source material.
23. “He’s the Greatest Dancer” by Sister Sledge (Sampled for “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith)
Written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, Sister Sledge’s 1979 disco anthem “He’s the Greatest Dancer” features a razor-sharp, rhythmic guitar riff that defines the “Chic Sound.” In 1997, Will Smith utilized this riff for “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” Much like “Rapper’s Delight” utilized “Good Times,” this track showed that the DNA of disco was the perfect fuel for party-centric Hip Hop. The sample brought a sense of vintage New York glamour to the late 90s, helping Smith dominate the charts. The precision of the guitar work provided a sophisticated, high-energy foundation that allowed the song to become a staple of weddings, clubs, and radio for years to come.
24. “Move on Up” by Curtis Mayfield (Sampled for “Touch the Sky” by Kanye West)
Curtis Mayfield’s 1970 masterpiece “Move on Up” is an explosion of optimism, driven by a blistering horn section and a relentless, driving tempo. Mayfield’s message was one of Black empowerment and looking toward the future. For his 2005 hit “Touch the Sky,” Kanye West (with producer Just Blaze) utilized the iconic horn fanfare to announce his own arrival at the pinnacle of the music world. Unlike the “chipmunk soul” style Kanye was known for—where he sped up vocal samples—this track leaned into the triumphant, live-sounding majesty of the horns. By sampling Mayfield, Kanye positioned himself as an heir to the throne of soul music, blending the grandeur of the past with the swagger of the present.
25. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (Sampled for “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans)
The 1983 hit by The Police is one of the most successful songs of all time, characterized by Andy Summers’ clean, arpeggiated guitar figure. Following the tragic death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997, Sean “Puffy” Combs used this melody for the tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You.” The sample’s sense of longing and watchfulness was recontextualized from a song about obsession to one of mourning and eternal memory. This track was a massive commercial success, but it also became a major point of discussion in sampling history; Sting reportedly receives thousands of dollars a day in royalties because the sample was not cleared before the song’s release. Despite the legalities, the song became a global cultural touchstone for grief.
26. “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites (Sampled for “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z)
While often categorized as R&B, “Crazy in Love” is a monumental moment in Hip Hop-adjacent production. The song’s explosive horn intro was sampled from a 1970 deep cut by the Chicago soul group The Chi-Lites. Producer Rich Harrison had the beat for years but couldn’t find an artist who could handle the high-octane energy of the horns. When Beyoncé heard it, she recognized its power immediately. The sample takes the original’s soulful urgency and turns it into a triumphant, stadium-sized blast. It is a masterclass in “looping,” where a few seconds of an old record are transformed into a modern wall of sound that defined the early 2000s.
27. “Hollywood Swinging” by Kool & The Gang (Sampled for “Feel So Good” by Mase)
“Hollywood Swinging” (1974) is the quintessential funk jam, featuring a syncopated horn line and a “bouncy” rhythm that feels like a party in progress. For Mase’s 1997 debut single “Feel So Good,” the Bad Boy production team (The Hitmen) utilized the infectious groove to introduce the world to Mase’s slow, laid-back flow. The sample works because it provides a high-energy contrast to Mase’s sleepy delivery, creating a “cool” factor that was central to the Bad Boy aesthetic. By reaching back to Kool & The Gang, the producers ensured that the song would have an immediate, cross-generational appeal, as the original was already a staple of cookouts and family reunions across America.
28. “Express Yourself” by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Sampled for “Express Yourself” by N.W.A)
Long before it was a rap anthem, “Express Yourself” (1970) was a call for individuality and freedom within the funk movement. Dr. Dre, as the architect of N.W.A’s sound, took the core drum break and the guitar riff from Charles Wright’s original to create a solo showcase for Dr. Dre himself. In the context of N.W.A—a group known for “Gangsta Rap”—this song was an anomaly because it contained no profanity and encouraged creative freedom. The sample is raw and organic, providing a “live” feel that contrasted with the drum-machine-heavy tracks of the time. It remains a testament to the fact that even the most “dangerous” group in the world was rooted in the soulful, positive vibrations of the 1970s.
