Best hip-hop songs with jazz samples

A modern classic that demonstrates the continued relevance of jazz sampling in contemporary, critically acclaimed hip-hop. This sprawling, deeply personal narrative track features a subtle yet impactful jazz sample.

As one of the most influential groups in jazz-rap, A Tribe Called Quest's 'Jazz (We've Got)' is a foundational text. It's a direct homage to the influence of jazz on hip-hop, continually referenced for its artistry and message.

A highly influential track in hardcore hip-hop, its innovative use of a jazz sample to create a dark mood is still celebrated. This gritty, atmospheric East Coast classic's menacing beat is built around a haunting jazz sample.

A beloved classic that showcases A Tribe Called Quest's ability to craft intricate and soulful soundscapes. This smooth, romantic track with a distinctive, mellow jazz loop frequently appears on 'best of' lists.

Nujabes' work continues to be highly influential in lo-fi hip-hop and instrumental hip-hop, with 'Feather' being a prime example of his masterful jazz sampling. This beloved track is known for its serene, melancholic, and deeply soulful jazz-infused sound.

A timeless party anthem that continues to be widely played and recognized, showcasing the enduring appeal of jazz-funk in hip-hop production. This iconic West Coast anthem is known for its distinctive, laid-back G-funk sound, heavily reliant on a memorable jazz-funk sample.

A widely recognized and influential track that demonstrates the global appeal and versatility of jazz samples in hip-hop. This breakout hit for The Fugees is known for its distinctive reggae-infused hip-hop sound and a prominent jazz sample.

A critically acclaimed track celebrated for its lyrical depth and its thoughtful use of jazz to underscore its narrative. This allegorical narrative about the evolution of hip-hop is backed by a soulful and contemplative jazz sample.

This Grammy-winning track defines a specific era of jazz-rap, characterized by its smooth, laid-back flow and sophisticated jazz-infused production. It is still celebrated for its unique style and lyrical prowess.

This groundbreaking track brought jazz-rap to mainstream attention with its infectious groove and direct use of a famous jazz motif. It remains a quintessential example of the genre and is frequently cited for its role in popularizing jazz-rap.

A powerful and enduring song that showcases the versatility of jazz samples in conveying raw emotion in hip-hop. This deeply personal and emotional track from DMX features a poignant jazz saxophone sample that adds to its reflective tone.

Regarded as one of Jay-Z's best early works, its sophisticated production, rooted in jazz, maintains its appeal. This standout track from *Reasonable Doubt* features a soulful and contemplative beat that perfectly complements Jay-Z's early lyrical style.

A testament to the collaborative genius of Q-Tip and J Dilla, showcasing their ability to transform jazz into fresh, compelling hip-hop beats. This smooth and groovy track features a distinctive jazz guitar sample.

Considered one of hip-hop's greatest hits, its production and lyrical prowess continue to influence artists and resonate with listeners. This critically acclaimed track from Nas's debut album *Illmatic* is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and iconic jazz-infused beat.

A highly recognizable and beloved track that showcases The Pharcyde's unique style and the enduring appeal of its jazz samples. It's a laid-back, introspective track with a distinctive jazz guitar and saxophone loop.

Its enduring popularity and feel-good atmosphere make it a timeless classic in the jazz-rap canon. This anthem of the early 90s West Coast hip-hop scene is known for its smooth, summery vibe and memorable jazz loop.

A very current example of a major artist utilizing jazz samples, demonstrating the ongoing vitality of this fusion in modern hip-hop. This recent, high-profile track quickly gained traction, showcasing how jazz and soul samples continue to be a foundation for impactful hip-hop.

A powerful and impactful track that demonstrates how jazz samples can be used to create deeply emotional and serious themes in hip-hop. This dark and introspective track's somber mood is amplified by a melancholic jazz sample.

A fan favorite that exemplifies Kanye West's early production style, heavily influenced by soul and jazz samples, still widely enjoyed. This smooth, soulful track from *Late Registration* features a prominent and luxurious jazz sample.