16 Best Sampled Songs in Hip Hop History: Ultimate Classics

Updated at: 30/05/2025

The magic of hip-hop often lies not just in the original beats and rhymes, but in the creative reimagining of existing musical landscapes. Countless iconic tracks have found new life and meaning through masterful sampling, transforming familiar melodies into something fresh and powerful. This list celebrates that rich history, showcasing the incredible impact of borrowed sounds on the genre’s evolution. From the instantly recognizable guitar riff that propelled a generation to the smooth, soulful vocals that laid the foundation for countless gangster rap anthems, these sampled songs aren't just musical snippets; they're building blocks of hip-hop's cultural identity. We’ve carefully selected tracks that exemplify the breadth and depth of this influence, highlighting both the unexpected juxtapositions and the seamless integrations that make for truly unforgettable listening experiences.

Think of the unexpected energy injected into a classic rock anthem, the soulful depth added to a funky baseline, or the way a seemingly simple melody can become the backbone of a complex and emotionally resonant narrative. This compilation aims to illustrate the artistry involved in sampling, to highlight the ingenuity of producers who can transform familiar sounds into something entirely new and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned hip-hop head or a curious newcomer, exploring these sampled gems offers a fascinating journey through the genre's history, revealing the surprising connections and artistic brilliance that continue to shape its soundscape. Prepare to rediscover familiar favorites and uncover hidden musical treasures that underscore the enduring power of music's transformative capacity.

  • Smells Like Teen Spirit
    1

    Smells Like Teen Spirit

    Nirvana

    1991

    Nevermind (Remastered)

  • Gangsta's Paradise
    2

    Gangsta's Paradise

    Coolio feat. L.V.

    1995

  • U Can't Touch This
    3

    U Can't Touch This

    MC Hammer

    1990

    Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em

  • Juicy
    4

    Juicy

    The Notorious B.I.G.

    1994

    Ready to Die (The Remaster)

  • Regulate
    5

    Regulate

    Warren G feat. Nate Dogg

    1994

  • It Was A Good Day
    6

    It Was A Good Day

    Ice Cube

    1992

    The Predator

  • C.R.E.A.M
    7

    C.R.E.A.M

    Wu-Tang Clan

    1993

    Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) [Expanded Edition]

  • Straight Outta Compton
    8

    Straight Outta Compton

    N.W.A.

    1988

  • Gin and Juice
    9

    Gin and Juice

    Snoop Dogg

    1993

    Doggystyle

  • Big Pimpin'
    10

    Big Pimpin'

    Jay-Z feat. UGK

    1999

  • The Message
    11

    The Message

    Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five

    1982

  • California Love
    12

    California Love

    2Pac feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman

    1995

  • Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang
    13

    Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang

    Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg

    1992

  • The World Is Yours
    14

    The World Is Yours

    Nas

    1994

    Illmatic

  • Fight The Power
    15

    Fight The Power

    Public Enemy

    1989

    Fear Of A Black Planet

  • I Got 5 On It
    16

    I Got 5 On It

    Luniz,Michael Marshall

    1995

    Operation Stackola