The Most Sampled Artists In Hip-Hop History

James Brown

The legendary Godfather of Soul is the most sampled artist EVER who elevated countless classics with his signature funky man flair.

Michael Jackson

The once-in-a-lifetime Pop icon took music to untouchable heights with a transcendent sound that’s been sampled (and re-sampled) for over three decades.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper is probably Biggie Smalls who changed the game forever with a slew of sample-friendly hits before his untimely death.

Marvin Gaye

The beloved Soul crooner has been sampled by an entire generation of Rap greats that include 50 Cent, Kanye West and Common who can’t seem to get enough of the slain legend’s buttery vocals.

Jay Z

Widely regarded as the greatest rapper of all-time, Hov redefined Hip-Hop with a larger-than-life persona that’s often sampled on chart-topping hits like T.I.’s “Bring ‘Em Out.”

Kool & The Gang

The beloved Funk collective gave us some of the most recognizable Rap samples ever that included the stunning gem “Summer Madness” featured on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s timeless smash “Summertime.”

Run DMC

Everyone’s favorite old school Hip-Hop trio came through and kicked down doors with a funky fresh NY style that’s still sampled to this day.

Isaac Hayes

The Godly singer, songwriter and producer made magnificent Soul anthems that blended beautifully on classics like Jay Z’s  “Can I Live?” and Snoop’s “Ain’t No Fun.”

Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick

It all started with the infectious crowd-pleaser “La Di Da Di” that launched Doug E. & Rick the Ruler into mainstream stardom and dominated the ’90s as thee go-to Hip-Hop sample.

Bob James

The iconic Jazz pianist breathed new life into Hip-Hop with groovy jams that shine through on classics like Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” and Warren G & Nate Dogg’s  “Regulate.”