What Are Some of the Best Hip Hop Samples?

Hip hop is renowned for its creative use of samples, drawing from various genres to create new sounds that define the unique identity of the genre. This article explores some of the best and most influential hip hop samples that have shaped the music over the years.

The Most Notable Hip Hop Samples

The use of samples in hip hop can be traced back to the early days of the genre, where DJs would mix and match records to create new beats. Here are some of the most notable hip hop samples that have left an indelible mark on the genre:

The “I Can’t Function” Break: This track has a legendary breakbeat that has been sampled by many hip hop artists, including Nas and The Roots. The Clyde Stubblefields Drum Break: A sample that is one of the most recognized in hip hop, used by artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A. This break is a defining element of the genre and has been referenced in countless tracks. The “Got to Give It Up” Sample: A classic Motown track that has been sampled in numerous hip hop songs, including “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash The Furious Five and “What’s My Name?” by Jay-Z and Nas. The “Jungle Boogie” Sample from Fusion: This jazz fusion track has been sampled by many hip hop artists, including Eric B. Rakim in their iconic track “Element.” The Beat Street Collection Drum Track: The drum break from this track has been used in songs by artists like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, adding a unique flavor to hip hop. The Prodigy: An instrumental that has been sampled in tracks like “Subterranean Homesick Alien” by MFToolz. Tricky’s Orange County Sample: Samples from this track can be heard in many hip hop songs, including Akinyele’s “Put It In Your Mouth” and India Aries’s “Video.” Isaac Hayes’ “Hung Up on My Baby”: This sample was used in The Geto Boys’ track “My Mind Is Playing Tricks on Me.” Janko Nilovic’s “In the Space”: This sample is famously used in Jay-Z’s “Do Unto Others.” Donald Byrd’s “Wind Parade”: A track used by Black Moon in their song “Buck Em Down.” Brick’s “Fun”: Featured in Akinyele’s “Put It In Your Mouth.” Hamilton Joe Frank and Reynolds’ “Falling in Love Again”: Used by Drake in “Best I Ever Had.”

These samples not only define the sound of hip hop but also showcase the genre's ability to blend and reinvent music from the past, creating a new seamless fusion of old and new sounds.

Additional Samples and Sample Kits

While the above samples have been widely recognized, here are a few more notable samples:

Isaac Hayes’ “Hung Up on My Baby”: The sample was used for “My Minds Playing Tricks On Me” by the Geto Boys. Janko Nilovic’s “In the Space”: Sampled for Jay-Z’s “Do Unto Others.” Donald Byrd’s “Wind Parade”: Used in Black Moon’s “Buck Em Down.” Brick’s “Fun”: Originally used by Akinyele, and also featured in India Aries’ “Video.” Hamilton Joe Frank and Reynolds’ “Falling in Love Again”: Used in Drake’s “Best I Ever Had.”

For producers and enthusiasts looking to experiment with samples, there are sample packs available that can take you back in time. For instance:

2014 Producer Sound Kits: This kit contains all original sounds in high quality, including samples from music producers. Bob James’ “Nautilus”: A classic sample from Bob James that remains popular among producers today. A Tribe Called Quest: This group has some of the most iconic samples, such as the “It’s on” break from “Scenario.”

Exploring these samples not only expands your musical knowledge but also inspires new creative endeavors in hip hop production.