"The Samples": Women Who Have Impacted Hip Hop Over the Last Five Decades, Pt 2
Showcasing vinyl records from the Michael Webster Collection, "The Samples" highlights songs from classic albums borrowed by rap artists.
By HipHop2020 Innovation Archive
Curated by Ramya Ramaswamy, Natalia Andino, and Asia Demmer for the HipHop2020 Innovation Archive under the direction of Joycelyn Wilson, PhD.
In 1991, DJ Magic Mike (featuring MC Madness), sampled Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" (1989). The sample is direct from her lyrics and vocals, and begins at 0:03 throughout.
Whitney Houston (back)HipHop2020 Innovation Archive
"The Greatest Love of All"
Whitney Houston is one of the few whose impact on the music industry and Hip Hop culture has always been felt. Take "The Greatest Love of All", which is interpolated in The Jungle Brothers's "Beeds on a String" (Done By the Forces of Nature, 1989). Listen here for the sample.
Whitney Houston was also one of the first women to have a self-titled album (1985), which was a best-selling debut and remains a classic in the world of pop music. There are several artists like The Game, Rapsody, and 9th Wonder who have sampled songs from the chart-topping album.
Diamond Life (disc)HipHop2020 Innovation Archive
Sade's Diamond Life album spent 8 years on the UK charts!
Sade's debut album, Diamond Life, released in 1984, is a timeless classic that beautifully fuses soul, jazz, and pop influences.
The album features Sade's signature velvety voice, smooth melodies, and lyrics that evoke raw emotions of love and heartbreak.
Diamond Life (1985-02-25) by SadeHipHop2020 Innovation Archive
Sade personally picked Drake to open for her on her tour!
Sade rarely allows her music to be sampled, making Drake's use of "I Will Be Your Friend" in "Free Spirit" feat. Rick Ross a rare exception. It shows the high level of mutual respect and admiration between the two artists for each other's music.
Sade's Promise album that is displayed above was recorded in just 3 weeks!
Sade's Promise, released in 1985, is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the British-Nigerian singer's sultry vocals and the band's smooth and sophisticated sound.
The album features hit singles like "The Sweetest Taboo" and "Never As Good As the First Time" and has had a lasting impact on music, influencing generations of R&B and soul artists.
Promise (disc)HipHop2020 Innovation Archive
It was a commercial success, earning multi-platinum status and solidifying Sade's status as a music icon whose influence continues to be felt in contemporary music today.
Below, we have "The Black Mamba" by Rapsody, which pays homage to the iconic status of Whitney Houston, using her metaphorically as the embodiment of strength, resilience, and empowerment.
Rapsody's tribute to the Black Mamba not only celebrates Houston's legacy but also symbolizes the tenacity and prowess of women in the rap industry, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the male-dominated genre.
"The Black Mamba" by Rapsody
9th Wonder, the producer of "The Black Mamba", samples the angelic voice of Whitney Houston's "You Give Good Love." Can you hear it?
