Sample This...

Let’s talk about a very interesting subject, sampling in music. If done well, it can take your song to a whole new level.

When we talk about sampling, Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music” (sampled Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”), Kanye West and Jamie Foxx’s “Gold Digger” (sampled Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman”) and Eminem’s “Stan” (sampling of Dido’s “Thank You”) are some songs that come to mind. But let’s look at some unexpected, yet refreshing examples of sampling.

Bone Thugs N Harmony – Wind Blow sampled Fleetwood Mac – The Chain

This song features some amazing bass and guitar work. The chorus, as expected from all Fleetwood Mac songs, is filled with excellent harmonies.

Bone Thugs N Harmony sampled the chorus and the brilliant bass line of John McVie. They also added an awesome guitar solo in the outro. Check it out.

The Rhapsody feat Warren G – Prince Igor sampled Sissel – Prince Igor (Originally by Alexander Borodin)

This song takes two completely dissimilar genres and blends them beautifully. Prince Igor is an opera by Russian composer Alexander Borodin. An operatic pop version was done by Sissel Kyrkjebo. And The Rhapsody (w/ Warren G) sampled Sissel’s version brilliantly.

Apollo 440 – Ain’t Talkin’ Bout’ Dub sampled Van Halen – Ain’t Talkin’ Bout’ Love

“Ain’t Talkin’ Bout’ Love”, the Van Halen classic, features one of the most memorable riffs in rock music history. Apollo 440, sampled that riff in their electronic rock, drum and bass song “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Dub”. And the result is very interesting. Check it out.