8 Iconic Hip-Hop Songs That Sampled James Brown’s Funk.
Certainly! James Brown’s music is a cornerstone of hip-hop history, blending spiritual, cultural, and soulful elements into the very essence of the genre. His style is characterized by its complexity, rawness, and emotional depth, often found in songs like “Soul Bites” and “My Love.” In this article, I’ll explore 8 iconic hip-hop songs that sampled James Brown’s Funk, providing a glimpse into how his signature groove continues to influence contemporary music while offering new perspectives.---
### What's James Brown Known For?
James Brown was an African American rapper, chemist, and musician who made waves in the U.S. music scene during the 1940s. He introduced a powerful, soulful sound that became synonymous with the hip-hop genre. His music is deeply rooted in spiritual themes—like love, community, and racial solidarity—that are often echoed or adapted by artists today.
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### 8 Iconic Hip-Hop Songs That Sampled James Brown’s Funk
Here are 8 songs from various eras that incorporated samples of James Brown’s funky groove, offering fresh perspectives while still resonating with listeners:
#### 1. “Oh, Soul” (James Brown’s “Steadfast” Reimagined)
- Original Artist: Drupe
- Description of Sampling Brown: The song takes inspiration from Brown’s haunting and soulful harmonies, especially in the verses where he talks about love and hope. Drupe adapted this work to incorporate Brown’s intricate rhythms into a smooth, anthemic ballad.
- Influence Today: While it’s often cited as sampling “Steadfast,” Drupe later became a famous bassist in hip-hop, further amplifying the song's impact.
#### 2. “The Feel” (James Brown’s “I’ll Hold You” Reimagined)
- Original Artist: The Strokes
- Description of Sampling Brown: This song features The Strokes’ reimagining of Brown’s funky grooves, with its haunting melody and iconic bassline.
- Influence Today: Though not directly related to James Brown, The Strokes are one of the most influential artists in hip-hop history. Their work continues to draw inspiration from Brown’s soulful sounds.
#### 3. “Husky” (James Brown’s “I’ll Hold You”)
- Original Artist: Dave Brubeck
- Description of Sampling Brown: The song features Dave Brubeck, a leader in the genre, whose deep, resonant harmonies are redrawn from Brown’s soulful tracks.
- Influence Today: While not directly sampled from James Brown, Dave Brubeck’s influences include many artists that have roots in Brown’s work. His music continues to shape contemporary hip-hop.
#### 4. “I’ll Hold You” (James Brown’s “The Feel”)
- Original Artist: Drupe
- Description of Sampling Brown: This reimagined version of Brown’s song features Drupe, known for his powerful bassline and soulful lyrics.
- Influence Today: Drupe is one of the most celebrated basslines in hip-hop, and this work serves as a testament to how Brown’s sound has been transformed by other artists.
#### 5. “Get It On” (James Brown’s “My Love”)
- Original Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Description of Sampling Brown: This song features The Rolling Stones, who often draw inspiration from Brown’s soulful sounds in their work.
- Influence Today: The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential artists of all time. While not directly related to James Brown, they continue to shape hip-hop through their sampling of Brown.
#### 6. “You Don’t Need Me” (James Brown’s “I’ll Hold You”)
- Original Artist: The Beatles
- Description of Sampling Brown: This song features the classic rock band, whose many hits have borrowed elements from Brown’s soulful work.
- Influence Today: While not directly related to James Brown, The Beatles are one of the most iconic bands in hip-hop history. Their influence continues through their music today.
#### 7. “What’s Your Name?” (James Brown’s “Soul Bites”)
- Original Artist: Drupe
- Description of Sampling Brown: The song features Drupe, who incorporated many elements from Brown’s funky groove into his own work.
- Influence Today: While not directly sampled from James Brown, this work is celebrated for its soulful and anthemic melody.
#### 8. “I’ll Hold You” (James Brown’s “The Feel”)
- Original Artist: Biggie Smalls
- Description of Sampling Brown: This song features Biggie Smalls, a legendary hip-hop leader who has incorporated many elements from Brown’s work into his own style.
- Influence Today: Biggie Smalls is one of the most celebrated artists in hip-hop history. His music continues to draw inspiration from Brown.
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### Why These Songs Are Iconic
Each of these songs retains a unique voice and emotional depth, even though they borrow samples from James Brown’s work. They reflect the enduring legacy of his music while offering fresh perspectives that continue to resonate with listeners. By sampling Brown’s groove, hip-hop artists build upon his soulful sounds while creating new directions for the genre.
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### Conclusion
James Brown’s influence is undeniable, and his songs are still celebrated today by artists like Drupe, The Strokes, Dave Brubeck, Biggie Smalls, and more. These 8 iconic hip-hop songs that sampled James Brown’s Funk offer a glimpse into how his sound has shaped the genre as we know it today. Whether through reimagined versions of Brown’s work or original creations that draw from his influences, these songs continue to inspire and connect with listeners across generations.
If you’re up for exploring one of these samples in detail, I’d recommend checking out The Rolling Stones’ “Get It On” version of Brown’s song—definitely worth a listen. And if you’re into hip-hop sampling, Drupe is your guy!
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