We often hear songs on the radio that sound familiar to us and we wonder what’s that older song that sounds just like this one. The reason for that is samples! Samples are bits and pieces of a song’s sound that are taken and used for another song. Today, samples are constantly being used in current music, and some of the songs are being played without the younger generation even knowing. So, to boost your sampling knowledge, here’s a list of recent songs that were created from samples!
- Nice for What by Drake
This hit was taken from more than one sample, including Ex Factor by Lauryn Hill (1998), Get Your Roll On by Big Tymers (2000), Drag Rap by The Showboys (1986).
- Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
This remake was sampled from Maria Maria by Santana feat. The Product G&B. Furthermore, Maria Maria was sampled from God Make Me Funky by The Headhunters feat. Pointer Sisters (1975), as well as Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing… by Wu-Tang Clan (1993).
- Rockstar by Post Malone feat. 21 Savage
This songs sample can be pulled from No Heart by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin (2016).
- I Like It by Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny and J Balvin
Cardi B’s, I Like It, was taken from the sample, I Like It Like That ( A Mi Gusta Asi) by Pete Rodriguez (1966).
- Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
Ed’s hit song was sampled from TLC’s, No Scrubs (1999).
While we enjoy the current beats, let’s also remember that they’re created from a long, rich history of music. Many artists no longer create their own new sound, but build upon some of the greatest songs and tweak them to make it their own. Not only does this mix music history with the present, but it also pays an homage to the artists that started it all.
Hayley Alvarez