That Classic Sample

Platramos has recently alluded to hip-hop’s eminent stank face. For a hip-hop fanatic like myself, there’s no better warrant for a stank face than hearing a dope sample in a hot beat. There’s a seemingly unlimited supply of Oldies records from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that remain ripe for a sampler’s picking, but even modern day recordings can be transformed into head-bopping jams (take Drake and Hov’s “Pound Cake” sample of Ellie Goulding’s 2012 track “Don’t Say A Word” for example—FIRE).

What sets a lot of producers apart from others is the ability to hear a certain song and imagine portions of it chopped up, sped up or slowed down, and thrown over some kicks and snares.

“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone is one of those classic tracks that oozes samplablity. This 1964 recording has been sampled plenty of times. Following is a list of some of those samples. Each producer had his own creative approach. Which producer did Simone the most justice?

Here’s the original track by Nina Simone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ckv6-yhnIY

“Misunderstood” by Common (Produced by Devo Springsteen)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knKxH1VqVgA

“DontGetIt” by Lil’ Wayne (Produced by Rodnae and Mouse)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzzs61PAwSc

“First They Love You” by Bishop Lamont (Produced by 9th Wonder)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoF02rYU5ek

“Incredibles” by The Devil’z Rejects (Produced by Snowgoons)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Me7TRUKeM

“Karma” by Mood (Produced by Hi-Tek)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBftDdSKUdk

P.S.

If you ask me, 9th Wonder had the most creative sample and made the best beat.