Sample Action

I feel like it's time to share the origins of our favorite hip hop some with all of you. Sampling is the key ingredient in Hip Hop production and really can define a producer (think J Dilla, Dan the Automator, Exile, Madlib, etc...) and give them a distinct sound.

Now, everyone has heard "Int'l Players Anthem" by now, and if you haven't listen to it immediately because it was the best song of 2007. This song samples Willie Hutch's "I Choose You" and flips it into one of the best hip hop beats to date. Unfortunately, this year marked the passing of one of hip hop's legends: Pimp C. He has created some of the most influential music in the genre as a part of the duo UGK. I'm glad however, that he had a chance to release that track.

Willie Hutch - I Choose You

All of you probably know 2006's banger "What You Know?" by T.I. with the memorable synth bass/horn combination and the infectious hook. The track comes from Roberta Flack's "Gone Away" and is quite a different style from the original sound.

Roberta Flack - Gone Away

2007 also saw the release of Jay-Z's highly anticipated "American Gangster" album. Not so impressive as was expected there was at least one track that shone on the album, and I'll admit even though I'm an avid Jay-Z hater, that it was hot. That was "Roc Boys". Sampled from the Menahan Street Band's "Make The Road By Walking", Jay showed us that he's still got a little fight left in him.

The Menahan Street Band - Make The Road By Walking

"IT'S 1995...." honestly, who doesn't know the song "Runnin' by Pharcyde? Yeah if you don't once again, Run don't walk to go listen to it. This is J Dilla in his prime.

Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfa - Saudade Vem Correndo

"On the count of three say FUCK THE POLICE..." now if you really don't know the song "Fuck The Police" by J Dilla, then I've lost hope in you. It is possibly one of the most swaggerous songs I have ever heard. (R.I.P. Dilla, his death anniversary was Sunday)

Rene Costy - Scrabble