‘History doesn’t repeat itself, it often rhymes’ the same can be said with regards to music sampling, taking old songs and mashing them with the new. Like an evolution of sound through recycling. This is the part two of the music sampling posts and will include some more of my favourite tunes and their samples for the listening.
Breakadawn – De La Soul
‘Breakadawn’ is a 90s hip hop gem, the rap and smooth beats features the soulful sample of Michael Jackson’s ‘I can’t help it’. The jazz bass running through the sample is timeless and romantic
Energy – Big krit
‘Energy has a classic vibe to it with clean visual execution coated with black pride, this R&B hip hop jam is insightful and samples Jill Scott’s ‘He loves me’, with adlibs throughout the track and a special appearance at 3:07. This Neo-soul goldie puts the seasoning the track and adds to the dimensions and feel of the song. Big Krit is an underrated rapper with lyrical talent that definitely deserves more views.
Crush on You – Lil Kim
This 90s hip hop rnb classic samples ‘Rain Dance’ by Jeff Lorber Fusion. One of the original female rappers doing her thing the first to rock multi-coloured wigs and bold style ‘Crush on You’ flips this jazz funk sample to a slower hip hop beat. Samples can be used in such creative ways, and this is portrayed classically with this song.
T.R.O.Y – Pete Rock & CL Smooth
‘TROY’ standing for ‘They Reminsce over you’ samples the jazz instrumental ‘Today’ by Tom Scott. The way the saxophone sample is used makes ‘TROY’ a classic hip hop tune. The lyrsicism is a real ode to old school hip hop, light tone but deep reflective meaning as Pete Rock mourns those who have passed on in this song.
Foolish – Ashanti
This rnb classic will never get old, the musicality of the track will go on for years to come, a breakup song like no other that always gets people up trying to reach those high notes samples DeBarge’s ‘Stay With Me’ . An 80s Motown group that arguably contains the piano riff that probably made ‘Foolish’ such a long-lasting hit.