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 find these connections intentionally, but it’s even better when they find me — like finally being let in on the joke.
An impromptu glimpse at an artist’s influences and creative processes. If you’re lucky, it even reveals 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 and style.
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 is as 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 burn mixtapes for me. 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 joy.
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