Sampling has been a fundamental part of modern music, influencing genres such as hip-hop, electronic, and pop.

Some songs have been sampled so frequently that they have become iconic in their own right. Here are some of the most sampled tracks in music history and why they continue to be reused by artists across generations.
1. ‘Amen, Brother’ – The Winstons
Perhaps the most famous sample of all time, the ‘Amen Break’ is a six-second drum solo from this 1969 track. It has been used in thousands of songs, particularly in hip-hop, jungle, and drum and bass music.
2. ‘Funky Drummer’ – James Brown
James Brown’s influence on sampling is undeniable, and ‘Funky Drummer’ is one of the most used tracks in music history. The drum break performed by Clyde Stubblefield has appeared in songs by Public Enemy, Dr. Dre, and countless others.
3. ‘Change the Beat’ – Fab 5 Freddy
This 1982 track is known for the famous “Ahhh, this stuff is really fresh” vocal snippet, which has been scratched into numerous hip-hop records and DJ sets worldwide.
4. ‘Think (About It)’ – Lyn Collins
Produced by James Brown, this 1972 song features the legendary ‘Yeah! Woo!’ break, a sample that has found its way into countless hip-hop and dance tracks over the decades.
5. ‘La Di Da Di’ – Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick
A foundational hip-hop classic, ‘La Di Da Di’ has been referenced and sampled by artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé.
6. ‘Impeach the President’ – The Honey Drippers
This 1973 track contains a widely used drum break that has become a staple in hip-hop production, appearing in tracks by Nas, J. Cole, and many more.
7. ‘Synthetic Substitution’ – Melvin Bliss
Another highly sampled drum break, this 1973 song has been used in tracks by The Wu-Tang Clan, Naughty by Nature, and a variety of hip-hop legends.
8. ‘Ashley’s Roachclip’ – The Soul Searchers
This 1974 track contains a break that has been sampled in hits by Eric B. & Rakim, PM Dawn, and Milli Vanilli.
9. ‘Here We Go (Live at the Funhouse)’ – Run-D.M.C.
A hip-hop classic in its own right, this live track has been extensively sampled, particularly its opening call-and-response section.
10. ‘Long Red’ – Mountain
This 1972 rock song contains a live crowd sample and a drum break that have been used by hip-hop producers including Kanye West and J Dilla.
These songs have left a lasting mark on music, their elements repurposed in creative ways by countless artists. Sampling continues to shape modern music, bridging the past with the present and keeping classic sounds alive for new generations.
