“DJ Premier transformed a piece of samba-flecked elevator music into one of the hardest hip-hop tracks of all time”: 10 genius moments in hip-hop sampling history

Hip-hop turned 50 last year. During that half-century, the technology used to create this globally influential sound has continually moved forward. However, there’s one tool that has remained absolutely essential to any producer’s arsenal: sampling. In hip-hop production, sampling offers artists an opportunity to demonstrate creative ingenuity, technical ability, and unorthodox thinking, all the while paying tribute to the figures that have helped shape their understanding of music. From chopping up sweet vocal harmonies to create a brand new melody, to building a whole track around an obscure piece of instrumental improvisation, samples can add an entirely new dimension to a track.  With that in mind, we’re here to walk you through 10 moments of creative genius in hip-hop sampling history. 1. Salt-N-Pepa – I Desire The first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status in the US, Salt-N-Pepa accelerated the establishment of hip-hop within mainstream American culture during the mid-late-1980s. Produced by Hurby ‘Luv Bug’ Azor, I Desire featured on their debut album Hot, Cool & Vicious, best known for including hit single Push It. The track’s significance comes from its central rhythm, which hinges on a six-second sample of a percussive break played by G.C Coleman,...