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 tune in a new context. Sure, it’s always fun to dig into sampling and find these connections intentionally, but it’s even better when they find me — like I was finally 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, it can even reveal a shared musical taste with a musician you admire.
Sampling builds a network between artists, genres, and eras, creating a unique way to explore music. As a fan of many different artists and music styles, nothing beats discovering a beloved jam in a new way. Not only does it add a fresh layer of appreciation for the original track and it’s artists, but it highlights the remixing artist’s musical taste, production, and creativity in reimagining a sound.
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 song The Palisades flinches at the sight of me coming. It’s the type of song I can listen to year round, and I made sure to get my year’s worth. One of the most captivating aspects of the track the hypnotic beat Glover expertly reinvents. So, when I came across the unmistakable jam in Marcos Valle’s Parabéns, I was over the moon.
Being a Bossa Nova fan, this discovery felt like striking gold. I had already heard a few tracks from Valle, most notably Estrelar, years ago, 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 put me on a lot of hiphop and 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 immediately perked 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 French 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. There was definitely some “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, making it undeniably jam-certified.
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 especially stimulating 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 tail got to wagging. I ran to my room to investigate, and lo and behold! Tyler I’m in on it.
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 music’s way of 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 ~