Hip-hop songs with the most iconic samples

Kendrick Lamar's 'Poetic Justice' demonstrated how to put together an iconic effort by leaning heavily on a recognizable R&B track, Janet Jackson's 'Any Time, Any Place.' This allowed the lyricist to stand out while creating a smooth, memorable sound.

This track is a vibrant and energetic classic, largely due to its infectious groove from Lyn Collins' 'Think (About It)'. The 'Yeah! Woo!' break is one of the most famous loops in hip-hop, continuing to inspire producers.

This track catapulted Dr. Dre's G-funk style into the mainstream, thanks to its iconic sample from Leon Haywood's 'I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You.' The slow, rubbery funk and layered synth hooks are pure genius.

M.I.A.'s 'Paper Planes' is an awesome example of hip-hop's unifying force, showcasing its global reach and how samples can be co-opted and re-energized across different artists and genres, even inspiring tracks like T.I.'s 'Swagga Like Us'.

LL Cool J's 'Around the Way Girl' utilizes the crisp drum break from The Honey Drippers' 'Impeach the President.' This sample is a staple in hip-hop, known for its funky groove and ability to blend seamlessly into various beats.

This song is hip-hop's original hit, relying heavily on Chic's disco classic 'Good Times.' It marks a pivotal moment in sampling history as the first example of a songwriter getting added to hip-hop production credits due to direct recycling.

This anthem sits at the pantheon of quintessential hip-hop, largely due to the masterful sampling of 'Today' by Tom Scott and The California Dreamers. Its majestic horns are instantly recognizable and continue to be celebrated.

This track is a foundational piece of hip-hop, with its iconic use of the 'Amen break' defining the raw energy of early gangsta rap. The 'Amen break' itself is arguably the most sampled drum break in music history.

Public Enemy's 'Fight the Power' is a politically charged anthem that masterfully uses James Brown's 'Funky Drummer' break. This sample is a cornerstone of hip-hop production, showcasing its power in creating impactful tracks.

The Sugarhill Gang's 'Jump on It' features the 'Apache' break by Incredible Bongo Band, a show-stopping hip-hop sample. Its tribal drums and catchy melody add a unique, dynamic element to tracks, proving its timeless appeal.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Hypnotize' is a prime example of a vocal sample goldmine, featuring 'La Di Da Di' by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick. Its catchy phrases and unique lyrical style bring a memorable touch to any beat.

Souls of Mischief's '93 'Til Infinity' is a prime example of how jazz samples propelled underground hip-hop scenes into the limelight. The airy, effervescent feel from Billy Cobham's 'Heather' makes it a beloved track.

Nas's 'The World is Yours' features a masterful production by Pete Rock, who lifted samples from Ahmad Jamal Trio's 'I Love Music.' This track's influence on aspiring rappers is immense, showcasing jazz's fertile ground for hip-hop producers.

Wu-Tang Clan's 'C.R.E.A.M.' is a prime example of how sampling brought newfound attention to forgotten songs, with RZA using just five seconds of The Charmels' 'As Long as I've Got You.' It set a new standard for hard-hitting East Coast production.

Sean 'Puffy' Combs' choice of 'Between the Sheets' by The Isley Brothers as a sample helped Biggie find his widest audience. This quintessential mood music became a smooth musical backdrop, making it one of his classic anthems.

Snoop Doggy Dogg's 'What's My Name?' features Dr. Dre's masterful flipping of George Clinton's 'Atomic Dog.' Dre transformed this tried and true funk classic into something newfangled while keeping the original's funk intact, creating one of the greatest singles of its time.

Coolio's 'Gangsta's Paradise' won a Grammy Award and is a testament to how hip-hop artists can transform existing tracks into new, impactful narratives. It features a powerful and recognizable melody from Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise.'

Ice Cube's 'It Was a Good Day' is a beloved and enduring hip-hop classic, with its smooth and soulful backdrop provided by The Isley Brothers' 'Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2.' The sample perfectly complements Ice Cube's narrative of gratitude.

Considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Juicy' features an iconic and heavy sampling of Mtume's 'Juicy Fruit.' This sample helped define a sound and became synonymous with Biggie's rise.