Here’s five times I was overjoyed to discover a sample in —or from— a song I love .ᐟ
Nothing gets my tail wagging like finding a familiar sound. Sure, it’s always fun to dig in and seek out these connections intentionally, but it’s even better when they find me — like finally being let in on the joke ⭒
Beyond just a fun discovery, sampling offers a glimpse into an artist’s influences and creative processes. If you’re lucky, even revealing a shared musical taste with one of your faves.
It add a fresh layer of appreciation for the original track and artists, while highlighting the remixer’s taste, production, and creativity.
So! Here are five times I was overjoyed to discover a sample in —or from— a song I love .ᐟ
Marcos Valle & Childish Gambino ꩜
I know Childish Gambino’s The Palisades flinches at the sight of me. It’s the type of song I can listen to year round. One of the most captivating elements of the track is the hypnotic beat Glover reinvents. So, when I came across the unmistakable jam in Marcos Valle’s Parabéns, I was over the moon.
As a Bossa Nova fan, this discovery felt like striking gold. I had already heard a few tracks from Valle, but this one instantly raised my fan status. What’s more? It’s eight and a half minutes long and never gets old. The combination of orchestral and digital elements throughout was the cherry on top, making it an undeniable feast for the ears.
The Pharcyde & Stan Getz ꩜
I was in elementary school when I first heard The Pharcyde, thanks to my dad, who’d would make me mixtapes. Their playful energy and offbeat delivery stood out, and I loved recognizing the distinct West Coast vibe compared to the more familiar East Coast hip-hop I grew up with—artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, and Eric B. & Rakim.
In middle school, I discovered Stan Getz through The Girl from Ipanema, eventually leading me to dabble in some of his collaborations and solo work. I had known Runnin’ for years, but it wasn’t until I finally listened to Jazz Samba Encore! in full that the connection clicked —my ears perking up when I heard Saudade Vem Correndo.
As someone who loves hip-hop, jazz, and—surprise, surprise—jazz-influenced hip-hop, hearing how The Pharcyde reimagined the instrumental was a treat.
Lizzy Mercier Descloux & Mndsgn ꩜
A friend introduced me to Room Mate a few years ago, and I became a fast fan of Lizzy Mercier Descloux’s funky tune and rhythmic style. The track’s bouncy bassline and indulgent straight forward lyrics made it a such fun and unique listen.
I was somewhat familiar with Mndsgn, having come across a few of his tracks in the past, but was blindsided with a “no way you know this one too” kind of appreciation after hearing his UdontwannafallintheLAVA. This was undoubtedly a nod of respect for Mndsgn’s taste and innovation in putting his own spin on the song.
Knowing the original song prior to the sampled version, made this experience especially exciting — a “pshh, they don’t even get it” type of gratification on my end.
f(x) & PinkPatheress ꩜
As a K-pop fan, of course, I know a thing or two about f(x). I’m especially a fan of their energetic, off-kilter electro-pop track Sweet Witches. The song presents a simple yet addictive synth beat and retro-inspired percussion.
So, hearing the melody last year, sampled in PinkPantheress’ unreleased snippet, i’m just dirt , was a pleasant and shoulder-shimmying surprise. This was another case where I knew the original first, and as a long time fan of Pinkpantheress, this was was an exciting find. Though Pink’s song isn’t released, I like what she had cooking up.
Aikiko Yano & Tyler, The Creator ꩜
This was a new addition, happening just recently when I overheard a Yo・Ro・Ko・Bi while making dinner. I was such a fan of Balloon when it was first released on Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia back in late October. I loved the bouncy and playful feel of the song, and Doechii’s feature was the icing on the cake. The other week While listening to a playlist of mine, I heard the familiar tune and my hips got to wagging. I ran to my room to investigate, and lo and behold!
This was a fun an unexpected surprise and I appreciate coming across the original track of what I didn’t realize was a sample.
Naturally, songs will still sound great without knowing it contains a sample—or where that sample came from. But, there’s an unexplainable joy in stumbling across a song I recognize— it’s like the music’s winking at me. As a listener, these “small world” type of moments between artists are something I love and anticipate finding. Discoveries like these feel like a reward for exploring new music, and even fuel my excitement to further expand my music rotation (aotd)
When you get the chance, I highly recommend checking out who your favorite artists are listening to — you never know what gems you’ll find ~
I love this averi showed and I think ur the coolest person I’ve ever met , I loveeee music and I have such a hard time coming across new songs if I’m not on TikTok this was such a great idea \>.</ – ahniya