The Art of Sampling in Rap Music

Maddie Bogan 

Rap/hip-hop Journalist 

For as long as rap music has been around, sampling has served as a highly popular method for music production. When an artist borrows other pre-existing songs for their own projects, it gives the listeners a chance to discover new music, especially of another variety. Specifically in the rap genre, sampling can be rather juxtaposed. One of the most popular examples is heard in  Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” in which “Pastime Paradise” by the legendary Stevie Wonder is sampled. While there are plenty of famous instances of this, I will be writing about the more unique samples in well-known rap songs that you may or may not be aware of. 

To start, Kendrick Lamar samples many pieces of music in the song “Duckworth.” I mainly want to place emphasis on the usage of “Ostavi trag,” a romantic song from a Yugoslavian jazz band by the name of September. Released in 1976, “Ostavi trag” is vastly compelling upon the first listen, and it gets better each time. I personally appreciate the genuine passion heard in lead singer Janez Bončina’s voice. The unadulterated longing may be relatable to most listeners.  Additionally, my favorite aspect is the slightly dissonant harmonies in the beginning, and it is one of the main reasons why I’m recommending this song. 

Another sample worth mentioning is in “A$AP Forever” by A$AP Rocky. In this track,  “Porcelain” by solo musician Moby is sped up and used in the background for most of the song. Halfway through, the sample returns to its originally produced key, and then some of the lyrics are borrowed as well. To me, “Porcelain” sounds like the final needle drop in a drama film,  which is one of my motives for suggesting it. It is moody and cinematic, and listening to it will transport you. I really enjoy the use of this song in tandem with A$AP Rocky’s lyricism, as both are contrasting but still complement each other perfectly.  

“Montebello High School Prom” by Devon Hendryx is also another song that has a sample that individuals may not catch the first time. Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It” is predominantly used in much of the work. Devon Hendryx is mainly notorious for chopping vocals and instrumentals to make distinctive beats. This method of reconstructing other songs for his own projects becomes clear in “Montebello High School Prom,” in which you can hear short snippets of Jackson’s iconic breathy voice if you listen closely enough. More prominently heard is the relaxing melody that accompanies “I Can’t Help It.” I believe that this song is timeless, and if you haven’t heard it yet, you definitely should. 

The track by Gucci Mane entitled “Lemonade” has some reuse from “Keep It Warm,” a song by the seventies rock duo known as Flo & Eddie. One might recognize these songs from Him,  Jordan Peele’s most recent movie. Hearing “Keep It Warm” for the first time was an intriguing experience. Despite it coming out in 1976, some of the lyrics can still be impactful today. What I  love about the song is that while it mentions the negative aspects of the world, it still places heavy emphasis on the warmth and community that society has the ability to create. I find it incredibly fascinating that Gucci Mane and his production team heard this piece and decided to turn the chord progression into a rap song. It truly shows the innovative nature that rappers and producers take on in the studio.  

The last sampled song I will mention is “Rule The World” by 2 Chainz, featuring Ariana Grande. This one may be obvious, but “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” by R&B singer Amerie is borrowed. I appreciate the producers using an R&B track for “Rule The World,” considering that the genre laid the foundation for rap music entirely. Moreover, I also enjoy the Amerie instrumental because it sounds exactly like what the song is about: the prospect of falling in love.  Listening to both pieces of work will give you a sense of optimism and boost your mood due to this notion.  

To summarize, sampling has been a significant part of the rap industry for a long time. When an artist in rap recontextualizes a project that has already been released, it shows the listener that they and their production team have a vast knowledge and understanding of how music in differing genres can interact. So next time you’re listening to rap, make sure to look up if there are any samples present. You may discover your next favorite song or even your new favorite artist.