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3 Samples in Classic 90s Hip-Hop Tracks That’ll Have You Doing a Double-Take

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30.06.2026

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3 Samples in Classic 90s Hip-Hop Tracks That’ll Have You Doing a Double-Take

These three tracks showcase the unique use of samples in 90s hip-hop.

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A lot of 90s hip-hop was built on sampling, as was the hip-hop and rap of the decade before. Since the release of Sugarhill Gang’s 1979 game-changing track “Rapper’s Delight”, hip-hop has been defined by sampling. And samples can really come from anywhere, with loops turning up from some of the most unlikely sources. For example, Jay-Z’s use of “It’s a Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie.

The following three tracks also feature some unexpected samples. While they were released closer to the new millennium, it typically takes music trends a bit longer to catch up to a new decade anyway. With that being said, the samples on these three tracks showcase some of the skill that........

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