In the ever-evolving world of urban music, where beats and samples reign supreme, Dutch record producer Era (real name Jamie ...

This article has been handpicked from the Okayplayer editorial archives and included in our Hip Hop 50 collection as a noteworthy inclusion to the genre's rich and diverse narrative. The article has ...

Southern hip-hop’s influence continues shaping modern music through strategic sampling, with artists like Future, GloRilla and Sexyy Red drawing from classic Southern tracks. Recently, Juicy J noted ...

Sampling in hip-hop has been going on since the genre’s inception, but in 2023, it’s been more prevalent than ever. If everything sounds familiar, it’s because it definitely is. Words: Grant Rindner ...

In its themes, “Nubian Nut” taps into the politics, philosophy, history and identity that were central to the music of Fela Kuti, the Nigerian artist, Afrobeat founder and political activist whose ...

Nearly two decades ago, Trick Daddy, Lil Jon and Twista teamed up for the hit rap single “Let’s Go.” However, did you ever notice that a sample of Ozzy Osbourne‘s “Crazy Train” is included in the ...

… Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love,” from 2003. Turns out it’s the same sample, a sleight of ear designed to trigger warm nostalgia, and also maybe a little confusion. Something sounds very familiar ...