18 Of Our Favorite Songs That Flip Samples

A round-up of our favorite songs that use samples.

It would be disingenuous to act as though the pleas to leave sampling behind are wholly unwarranted.

Whether we are referring to music, TV shows, or movies, the media landscape has long been struck by the allure of nostalgia. Blame it on worldwide crises, unlivable wages, or even the ability of social media to stand as an archive of nearly any and everything. The fact of the matter is: People are unhappy, and they have been for a long time. They romanticize and long for the “old days,” even if they were too young to experience the essence of what that really means. It’s an understandable phenomena, and a number of entities have, admittedly, taken it too far.

But the art of sampling predates the “nostalgia wave” by a long-shot.

As a long-standing practice through which old sounds reach new audiences, sampling sits at the foundation of Hip-Hop and continues to be used across genres.

We’ve certainly seen an uptick in production styles that seem to do very little to transform an already-familiar beat, but music heads have long-argued about the prospect of “tasteful sampling–” whether it is better to flip the production altogether or maintain the OG’s integrity.

We’re not here to make you pick a side, but know this– we love sampling ‘round these parts. When approached with intention both lyrically and production-wise, it truly changes the game.

Therein, we’ve compiled 18 of our favorite songs R&B and Hip-Hop songs– both old and new– that flip samples in a variety of ways.

Choosey Lover (Old School/ New School) – Aaliyah

Though this is technically a cover of the classic 1983 song by The Isley Brothers, the Princess of R&B’s version samples both the OG and “Action Speaks Louder than Words (1975)” by Chocolate Milk. The transition from the “Old School” to “New School” version is something serious!

Yeah Glo! – GloRilla

Is it too early to put this song in the running for Song of the Year? Regardless, the infectious song from Gloria Hallelujah Woods samples “Run Up Get Dun Up (2007)” by DaBanggaz314.

Watermelon – Common

Common himself never utters the word “watermelon,” but the chorus pulls a vocal sample from Johnnie Taylor’s “Watermelon Man (1967),” while the beat itself is built around King Curtis’ “Sweet Inspiration (1968).”

Kon Karne – MF DOOM

Coming off the classic “Mm..Food” (which turns 20 this year!), DOOM raps over a piano break from Sade’s “Is It A Crime (1985)” in a tribute to his late brother Subroc.

Rebuke – KAYTRAMINÉ

Aminé and KAYTRANADA team up for this chilled tune, which samples Trina Broussard’s 1997 cover of Minnie Riperton’s “Inside My Love (1975)” and “Tudo Que Você Podia Ser (1979)” by Lô Borges.

Surrender – VanJess

The (former) R&B duo and sisters sing over a sample of D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000).”

Fall In Love (Your Funeral) – Erykah Badu

This funky, futuristic track samples “Intimate Friends (1977)” by Eddie Kendricks.

Last of the Spiddyocks – Digable Planets

Digable Planets pulls from “Never Say Yes (1961)” by Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderly, as well as The Honey Dippers’ “Impeach the President (1973)” to construct this nasty (in a good way) beat.

Jazz (We’ve Got) – A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest is notable for flipping samples in the most genius of ways, but this track is built off of multiple soul, jazz, and rock soundbites, including “Light My Fire (1967)” by The Doors, “On Green Dolphin Street” by Jimmy McGriff, and “Don’t Change Your Love (1968)” by Five Stairsteps– a jazz-rap-head’s dream.

Last One Left – Brent Faiyaz, Missy Elliott, Lil Gray

Coming off of Brent Faiyaz’s surprise album from 2023, this track samples Missy Elliott’s “Crazy Feelings (1999),” which features Beyoncé.

New Agenda – Janet Jackson

Ms. Jackson (if ya nasty) pulls from “School Boy Crush (1975)” by Average White Boy Band, “Kool It (Here Comes the Fuzz) (1970)” from Kool & The Gang, and Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) (1972)” by Stevie Wonder for this song.

Over – Lucky Daye

The songster can’t get over his latest flame– and we can’t get over his use of Musiq Soulchild’s “Halfcrazy (2002)” for the beat.

You Don’t Know My Name – Alicia Keys

One of Ms. Keys’ most classic joints, the track is built around The Main Ingredient’s “Let Me Prove My Love To You (1975).”

Thank You – Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Kanye West, Lil Wayne

Though there is very little done to alter Alicia Myers’ “I Want To Thank You (1981),” the wordplay on this one is crazy.

Sexy – Mary J. Blige, Jadakiss

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul pulls from Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It (1979)” for this sultry track.

Hustling – Trina

The Diamond Princess (also known as Da Baddest B) samples Eazy E’s “No More ?s (1988),” which samples “Shake Your Rump to the Funk (1976)” by The Bar-Keys.