The most sampled tracks of all time have had a profound influence on the music industry, especially within hip-hop, electronic, and dance music. Here are some of the top contenders:
- The Winstons – “Amen Brother”: Known for the “Amen Break,” this six-second drum solo is one of the most sampled elements in music, used in genres from hip-hop to drum and bass.
- Lyn Collins – “Think (About It)”: Famous for the iconic “Yeah! Woo!” sample, this track became widely used, especially in hip-hop.
- James Brown – “Funky Drummer”: With the powerful drum break performed by Clyde Stubblefield, this track has been used by hip-hop artists including Public Enemy and N.W.A.
- Mtume – “Juicy Fruit”: This R&B track became the foundation for The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy,” a song that helped shape the golden age of hip-hop.
- Billy Squier – “The Big Beat”: Frequently sampled by artists like Jay-Z and Dizzee Rascal, this track’s famous beat has been used over 280 times.
These tracks are just a few examples of how influential samples can be, shaping music across decades and genres. If you’re interested in exploring more, the full lists can be found on dedicated sample databases and music publications.
