Ever since hip hop emerged as culture in the 1970s, the music has always been built around sampling other genres. Out necessity rather than desire, hip hop producers grabbed snippets and sounds from other records to create entirely new and original tracks.
Whether it was Run-D.M.C. snatching the bells off Bob James’ “Take Me to the Mardi Gras for “Peter Piper,” Marley Marl digging in the James Brown crates for his work on Paid in Full or Q-Tip taking inspiration from his father’s massive jazz record collection, sampling has been a staple of hip hop production. Over time, hip hop itself has become a genre that has been heavily sampled itself.
From Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di” to Eric B. & Rakim’s “I Know You Got Soul” to Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.”, here are the 29 most sampled hip hop tracks of all time.
Side note: WhoSampled is one of the greatest websites ever if you’re a music nerd. A hip hop head can spend hours on end just browning through the different samples in history.
29. “Christmas Rappin'” by Kurtis Blow
Sampled in 189 songs
Released: December 7, 1979
Album: N/A
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Hold It Now, Hit It” by Beastie Boys (1986)
- “Body Rock” by Mos Def feat. Q-Tip and Tash (1998)
- “Miuzi Weighs a Ton” by Public Enemy (1987)
- “Without a Doubt” by Black Sheep (1994)
- “The Game” by Def Squad feat. Biz Markie (1998)
28. “Microphone Fiend” by Eric B. & Rakim
Sampled in 195 songs
Released: July 25, 1988
Album: Follow the Leader
Notable songs sampled in:
- “N 2 Gether Now” by Limp Bizkit feat. Method Man and DJ Premier (1999)
- “Put It in the Air” by M.O.P. feat. Jay-Z (2003)
- “Hip Hop Hooray (Pete Rock Remix)” by Naughty by Nature (1993)
- “Microphone Preem” by PRhyme feat. Slaughterhouse (2014)
- “Lethal Weapon” by Ice-T (1989)
27. “The Bridge” by MC Shan
Sampled in 196 songs
Released: 1986
Album: Down by Law
Notable songs sampled in:
- “The Food” by Common feat. Kanye West (2004)
- “Bitches Ain’t Shit” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg feat. Daz Dillinger, Kurupt and Jewell
- “South Bronx” by Boogie Down Productions (1987)
- “L.A., L.A. (Kuwait Mix)” by Capone-N-Noreaga feat. Tragedy Khadafi and Mobb Deep (1996)
- “Back When” by Nas (2012)
26. “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
Sampled in 196 songs
Released: February 1, 1988
Album: It Takes Two
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Rock That Body” by Black Eyed Peas (2009)
- “I Wanna Rock” by Snoop Dogg (2009)
- “I Wanna Rock” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (1993)
- “Play Ya Cards” by Mac Miller (2011)
25. “I’m Good” by YG
Sampled in 204 songs
Released: May 2, 2011
Album: Just Re’d Up
Notable songs sampled in:
- “I Don’t Fuck With You” by Big Sean feat. E-40 (2014)
- “Ballin'” by DJ Mustard feat. Roddy Ricch (2019)
- “Needed Me” by Rihanna (2016)
- “Show Me” by Kid Ink feat. Chris Brown (2013)
24. “Fantastic Freaks at the Dixie” by DJ Grand Wizard Theodore and The Fantastic Five
Sampled in 212 songs
Released: 1983
Album: Wild Style Original Soundtrack
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Waves” by Kanye West feat. Chris Brown and Kid Cudi (2016)
- “Who Got Da Props” by Black Moon (1993)
- “Bring the Noise” by Public Enemy (1987)
- “Turn It Up” by Busta Rhymes (1997)
23. “Gangsta Gangsta” by N.W.A
Sampled in 224 songs
Released: September 5, 1988
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Notable songs sampled in:
- “The Ni**a Ya Love to Hate” by Ice Cube (1990)
- “R.I.P. by Young Jeezy” feat. 2 Chainz (2012)
- “No More Fun and Games” by The Game (2005)
- “My Brother’s a Basehead” by De La Soul (1991)
- “Funky for You” by Common (2000)
22. “Eric B. Is President” by Eric B. & Rakim
Sampled in 226 songs
Released: 1986
Album: Paid in Full
Notable songs sampled in:
- “You Wouldn’t Understand” by Nas feat. Victoria Monet (2012)
- “Got My Mind Made Up” by 2Pac and Redman feat. Daz Dillinger, Kurupt and Method Man (1996)
- “Clap Yo Hands” by Naughty by Nature (1995)
- “The Illest Brother” by Gang Starr (1992)
21. “Sound of Da Police” by KRS-One
Sampled in 231 songs
Released: December 6, 1993
Album: Return of the Boom Bap
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Takeover” by Jay-Z (2001)
- “Welcome to My Hood” by DJ Khaled and T-Pain feat. Lil Wayne, Plies and Rick Ross (2011)
- “Slim’s Return” by Madlib (2003)
- “We Run N.Y.” by Redman feat. Hurricane G (1994)
- “Trouble” by Cypress Hill (2001)
20. “Who U Wit?” by Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz
Sampled in 235 songs
Released: October 21, 1997
Album: Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Started From the Bottom” by Drake (2013)
- “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” by Rick Ross feat. Styles P (2010)
- “I’m Different” by 2 Chainz (2012)
- “Hella Hoes” by A$AP Mob, A$AP Twelvyy, A$AP Ferg and A$AP Rocky feat. A$AP Nast (2014)
19. “It’s Funky Enough” by The D.O.C.
Sampled in 234 songs
Released: June 16, 1989
Album: No One Can Do It Better
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s” by Eazy-E feat. B.G. Knocc Out & Dresta (1993)
- “100 Miles and Runnin'” by N.W.A (1990)
- “It’s Going Down” by EPMD (1992)
- “How to Flow” by Nice & Smooth (1991)
- “Loked Out Hood” by DJ Quik (1991)
18. “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
Sampled in 235 songs
Released: August 9, 1994
Album: Ready to Die
Notable songs sampled in:
- “A Dream” by Jay-Z feat. The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans (2002)
- “Villuminati” by J. Cole (2013)
- “Maybach Curtains” by Meek Mill feat. Nas, John Legend and Rick Ross (2012)
- “Super Predator” by Joey Bada$$ feat. Styles P (2017)
- “Flux Capacitor” by Jay Electronica feat. JAY Z (2020)
17. “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang
Sampled in 247 songs
Released: September 16, 1979
Album: Sugarhill Gang
Notable songs sampled in:
- “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow (1980)
- “Housewife” by Dr. Dre feat. Kurupt and Hittman (1999)
- “Players” by Slum Village (2000)
- “You Can Do It” by Ice Cube feat. Mack 10 and Ms. Toi (2000)
- “Chief Rocka” by Lords of the Underground (1993)
16. “Peter Piper” by Run-DMC
Sampled in 250 songs
Released: May 29, 1986
Album: Raising Hell
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Work It” by Missy Elliott (2002)
- “If I Can’t” by 50 Cent (2003)
- “The New Style” by Beastie Boys (1986)
- “Hip Hop” by DJ Khaled feat. DJ Premier, Nas and Scarface (2012)
- “When I B on Tha Mic” by Rakim (1999)
15. “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A
Sampled in 253 songs
Released: July 10, 1988
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Notable songs sampled in:
- ” AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” by Ice Cube (1990)
- “Rated ‘R'” by Redman (1992)
- “Who Stole the Soul?” by Public Enemy (1990)
14. “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five
Sampled in 296 songs
Released: July 1, 1982
Album: The Message
Notable songs sampled in:
- “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” by 2Pac feat. Snoop Dogg (1996)
- “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” by Puff Daddy feat. Mase (1996)
- “Check Yo Self (The Message Remix)” by Ice Cube feat. Das EFX (1993)
- “Doe or Die” by AZ (1995)
- “Victory” by Joey Bada$$ (2017)
13. “Top Billin'” by Audio Two
Sampled in 297 songs
Released: October 15, 1987
Album: What More Can I Say?
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Otis” by Jay-Z and Kanye West feat. Otis Redding (2011)
- “I Get Money” by 50 Cent (2007)
- “I Got 5 on It” by Luniz feat. Mike Marshall (1995)
12. “Shook Ones (Part II)” by Mobb Deep
Sampled in 309 songs
Released: February 7, 1995
Album: The Infamous
Notable songs sampled in:
- “This Is Why I’m Hot” by Mims (2007)
- “Tha Game” by Pete Rock feat. Raekwon, Prodigy and Ghostface Killah (1998)
- “Survival of the Fittest” by Mobb Deep (1995)
- “Audio Meth” by Rick Ross feat. Raekwon (2010)
11. “The New Style” by Beastie Boys
Sampled in 310 songs
Released: November 6, 1986
Album: Licensed to Ill
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Check Yo Self” by Ice Cube feat. Das EFX (1992)
- “The New” by J Dilla (2006)
- “CAROUSEL” by Travis Scott (2018)
- “C-walk” by Kurupt feat. Tray Deee and Slip Capone (1998)
- “Radio” by Eazy-E (1988)
10. “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan
Sampled in 312 songs
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Mathematics” by Mos Def (1999)
- “Notorious Thugs” by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1997)
- “Respect Mine” by Pete Rock feat. O.C. (1998)
- “Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2” by Drake feat. Jay-Z (2013)
- “Good Mourning” by Reflection Eternal (2000)
9. “It’s Yours” by T La Rock and Jazzy Jay
Sampled in 324 songs
Released: 1984
Album: N/A
Notable songs sampled in:
- “The World Is Yours” by Nas (1994)
- “Paul Revere” by Beastie Boys (1986)
- “Jazzy Belle” by OutKast (1996)
- “Ego Trippin'” by Ultramagnetic MC’s (1986)
- “Rockafella” by Redman (1994)
8. “Public Enemy No. 1” by Public Enemy
Sampled in 329 songs
Released: February 10, 1987
Album: Yo! Bum Rush the Show
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Shook Ones Part I” by Mobb Deep (1994)
- “So Wat Cha Sayin'” by EPMD (1989)
- “Letting Go” by Lupe Fiasco feat. Sarah Green (2011)
- “No Chill” by Vic Mensa (2015)
7. “Rebel Without a Pause” by Public Enemy
Sampled in 340 songs
Released: July 28, 1987
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Holler if Ya Hear Me” by 2Pac (1993)
- “Hellz Wind Staff” by Wu-Tang Clan feat. Streetlife (1996)
- “Jackin’ for Beats” by Ice Cube (1990)
- “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” by Naughty by Nature (1991)
- “Lost at Birth” by Public Enemy (1991)
6. “AJ Scratch” by Kurtis Blow
Sampled in 350 songs
Released: 1984
Album: Ego Trip
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Public Enemy No. 1” by Public Enemy (1987)
- “You Be Illin'” by Run-DMC (1986)
- “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy (1989)
- “Brand New Funk” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (1988)
- “South Bronx” by Boogie Down Productions (1987)
5. “Just Rhymin’ With Biz” by Big Daddy Kane feat. Biz Markie
Sampled in 361 songs
Released: June 21, 1988
Album: Long Live the Kane
Notable songs sampled in:
- “MVP” by Big L (1995)
- “I Get Physical” by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1994)
- “Rather Unique” by AZ (1995)
- “Poison” by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo (1988)
- “Don’t Curse” by Heavy D & the Boyz, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth and Big Daddy Kane feat. Kool G Rap, Grand Puba and Q-Tip (1991)
4. “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force
Sampled in 415 songs
Released: 1982
Album: N/A
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Institutionalized” by Kendrick Lamar feat. Bilal, Anna Wise and Snoop Dogg (2015)
- “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy (1989)
- “The Universal Magnetic” by Mos Def (1997)
- “Double Trouble by The Roots” feat. Mos Def (1999)
- “The Score” by Fugees feat. Diamond D (1996)
3. “I Know You Got Soul” by Eric B. & Rakim
Sampled in 434 songs
Released: July 7, 1987
Album: Paid in Full
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Try Again” by Aaliyah (2000)
- “Can’t Knock the Hustle” by Jay-Z feat. Mary J. Blige (1996)
- “Love” by Mos Def (1999)
- “You Gots to Chill” by EPMD (1988)
- “The Come Up” by AZ (2005)
2. “Bring the Noise” by Public Enemy
Sampled in 885 songs
Released: February 6, 1988
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Everything I Am” by Kanye West feat. DJ Premier (2007)
- “I’m Back” by Eminem (2000)
- “Guess Who’s Back” by Rakim (1997)
- “Crossover” by EPMD (1992)
1. “La Di Da Di” by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick
Sampled in 1044 songs
Released: August 13, 1985
Album: N/A
Notable songs sampled in:
- “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
- “Lodi Dodi” by Snoop Dogg feat. Nanci Fletcher (1993)
- “Auditorium” by Mos Def feat. Slick Rick (2009)
- “O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature (1991)
