7 famous songs which used sampled drumbeats
Got a song or a melody, but struggling to find that perfect beat? Well, fear not.
Fortunately, technology has revolutionised the songwriting process, allowing artists to compose entire works using a single laptop. The world is your oyster, but you need to know where to look. Today, I’ll be revealing seven famous songs that have used sampled beats to great effect. Hopefully, this should give you guys some inspiration to do the same. Better yet, maybe you can create your own samples.
P.S. – on behalf of my fellow drummers, please don’t forget to credit us!
1. Jesus Walks (Kanye West) sampled Ode to Billie Joe (Lou Donaldson)
Originally written by singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry back in 1967, Lou Donaldson recorded an instrumental version in the same year.
The groove is categorised by a repetitive buzz roll on the snare, which West uses to great effect in his Grammy-award-winning hit. It makes a perfect accompaniment to the spirited lyrics. Kanye is a sampling pro, and excerpts such as this one became the foundation of his creations.
I can’t imagine that Kanye ever owned a copy of Donaldson’s single. It’s a really random choice, but the sample wasn’t a one-off. It’s also featured in songs such as L$D (A$AP Rocky) and Bad Guy (Eminem).
2. Mo Money Mo Problems (The Notorious B.I.G) sampled I’m Coming Out (Diana Ross)
With renowned producer Puff Daddy behind the mixing desk, Biggie used some pretty iconic samples in his time. He was particularly fond of “I’m Glad You’re Mine” by Al Green, using the drums in songs such as “Dead Wrong,” “I Got a Story to Tell” & “What’s Beef?”
Pro session player Harvey Mason was responsible for that groove (and he’s well worth checking out).
Still, it’s hard to find something as famous as “I’m Coming Out.” With the legendary Diana Ross on vocals, you’d expect the drummer to be equally as talented. Look no further than Tony Thompson.
Widely considered one of the greats, his CV is one that would impress the elitists. Following his success with Chic (playing on No. 1’s like “Le Freak” and “Good Times”), Thompson was called up to play on Diana’s self-titled album, which received critical acclaim and platinum sales figures. Known for his huge drum sound, Tony consistently crafted unique parts such as this one. He replicated the sound on anthems such as “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie), “Like A Virgin” (Madonna) and “Addicted to Love” (Robert Palmer).
3. N.Y State of Mind (Nas) sampled N.T (Kool and the Gang)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DXw4AtwclU
Listed on Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, N.Y State of Mind shouldn’t be confused with Billy Joel’s hit or even the glamorized ‘Empire State of Mind.’ Contrastingly, Nas speaks about the struggles and violence on the streets of his hometown. The song later became a cult hit of hip hop, perhaps somewhat of an unsung anthem.
Although the drums were recorded live, they were captured exceptionally well. Hence it’s no surprise that the beat also featured on N.W.A’s “Gangsta Gangsta.” At 5 minutes 33 seconds, the other instruments cut out and leave drummer George “Funky” Brown to groove away. The echo from that snare is the absolute sauce!
4. 99 Problems (Jay-Z) sampled The Big Beat (Billy Squier)
Recognisable from other hits such as “Girl on Fire” (Alicia Keys) and “Fix Up Look Sharp” (Dizzie Rascal), The Big Beat certainly packs a punch. Jay-Z used the colossal sound to propel this single to platinum (UK) and double-platinum (US).
The song is a great example of early 80’s production, when everyone tried to make the drums sound huge. Technological advancements changed the landscape of music, much like sampling. Bands were catching onto the big room recording environment that Bonham and Glyn Johns had made famous a decade earlier. The glam rock of the ’70s gave way to glam metal and stadium rock in the ‘80s. Squier was a perfect example, capitalising on the commercial success of his sonics. Still, people are more familiar with his songs than the man himself (you might know him as the guy who Eminem sampled on Berzerk).
5. Sound of da Police (KRS-One) sampled Sing a Simple Song (Sly & the Family Stone)
You’ll probably recognise the hook from the memes. I’m sure you’re probably doing the impression too. KRS-One has cemented his song in pop culture, even though the world might forget his name.
Personally, I’ve never actually heard of Sly & the Family Stone - but I probably should have. The band were inducted into Rock ‘n’ Roll hall of fame, and they’re ranked 43rd on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time list. Starting off as B-side to their number 1 “Everyday People,” Sing a Simple Song has since become one of their most popular tunes. In my defence, I’m not too clued up on 70’s soul – yet!
The pattern was sampled by Hip Hop icons such as 2Pac (on Temptations) and Dr. Dre/Snoop Dogg (on Deep Cover). Prince, TLC, Backstreet Boys, Alanis Morrissette, De La Soul and Gorillaz also followed suit. Greg Errico was the man behind the kit, using his snare tone to full effect. A founding member of Sly, Errico has toured with the likes of David Bowie and collaborated with Santana. Skip ahead to 2:11 to hear the groove that has been looped on repeat.
6. Tears Dry on Their Own (Amy Winehouse) sampled Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
Usually, artists will sample certain elements of other songs, whether it be the drums, the riff or a vocal hook. But what if you sampled the whole instrumental track? Well, that’s what Amy Winehouse did on Tears Dry on Their Own. Both songs are almost identical except for the lyrics. Yet, despite their similarities, they project two very different vibes. In many cases, it would be classed as ‘ripping off,’ but this is an exception. Winehouse made the song her own, deliberately taking the original and running in the opposite direction.
7. Maria Maria (Santana) sampled God Make Me Funky (The Headhunters ft. Pointer Sisters)
Herbie Hancock’s band The Headhunters dropped this lengthy jam back in ’75. It begins with a slick groove which oozes class, courtesy of drummer Mike Clark. A prominent Jazz musician, Clark proves he’s equally as talented playing funk. The simple yet effective groove blends perfectly with the percussion layered over the top.
It makes for a loop-worthy beat that’s been sampled in over 300 songs. Other hits such as How’s It Goin’ Down (DMX), Hip Hop Is Dead (Nas), Gangsta Gangsta (N.W.A) and Dub Be Good to Me (Beats International) have all copped the drum part. It comes from a pretty raw recording, although that’s usually what makes the sample so special.
I hope you guys enjoyed this musical history lesson. As always, stay curious and creative. All it takes is one song – or maybe just one sample to make your career!