When I found out some weeks ago that if it wasn’t for Stevie Wonder, there would be no Gangsta’s Paradise, the 1990s would be significant, and my whole life would turn out to be one big lie, I drowned in the Internet of samples trying to find similar awesome discoveries.
Okay, you guessed it, this is a list to show off your musical knowledge every time one of these rap tracks are played over the course of your life.
Stevie Wonder – Past Time Paradise
Most notable sample: Coolio ft. L.V – Gangsta’s Paradise
David Axelrod – The Edge
Most notable sample: Dr. Dre – The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg
Rick James – Superfreak
Most notable sample: MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This
Led Zeppelin – When the Levee Breaks
Most notable sample: Dr. Dre – Lyrical Gangbang – The Chronic
Stephen, Stills and Nash – For What It’s Worth
Most notable sample: He Got Game – Public Enemy
The Clash – Straight to Hell
Most notable sample: M.I.A. – Paper Planes
Mike Oldfield – In High Places
Most notable sample: Kanye West – Dark Fantasy ft. Teyana Taylor
Electric Light Orchestra – Tightrope
Most notable sample: Jedi Mind Tricks Presents: Army of the Pharaohs – “Battle Cry”
DEVO – Gut Feeling
Most notable sample: 88-Keys Ft. Shitake Monkey – The Friends Zone
Steve Miller Band – The Joker
Most Notable sample: Geto Boys – Gangsta of Love