28 Times Hip-Hop Sampled Aretha Franklin

Source: Thomas de Yampert / iOne Creative

Upon the announcement of Aretha Franklin’s passing, hip-hop quickly rallied behind the soul legend to commemorate her impact.

“All of us. ALL of us stood on your shoulders,” 9th Wonder tweeted. “You were the Genesis of it all. The Genesis of the word, ‘Soul.'” DJ Premier added on Instagram, “You Set The Tone Of How To Belt Out Pure Soul From Your Gut… I Represent The Pages Of Your Book On How To Go Hard In This Music Biz Life. I Stay Competitive From Passion, Spirit & Soul SALUTE!”

Indeed, Franklin’s melodious thunder quaked the spirits of many. And from the time hip-hop was born, she quickly became a notable influence, with her voice finding its way into some of the genre’s most well-known cuts.

As we honor the legacy of the Queen of Soul, we’re looking back on some of the most memorable times hip-hop sampled her music. Turn up your speakers and press play below.

Aretha Franklin Hip-Hop Samples:

1. Mos Def – “Ms. Fat Booty” (Samples “One Step Ahead“)
2. Kanye West – “School Spirit” (Samples “Spirit in the Dark“)
3. Outkast – “Jazzy Belle” (Samples “Rock Steady“)
4. Rapsody – “Laila’s Wisdom” (Samples “Young, Gifted and Black“)
5. Slum Village – “Selfish” (Samples “Call Me“)
6. Method Man – “Spazzola” (Samples “Call Me“)
7. Onyx – “Last Dayz” (Samples “A Song for You“)
8. EPMD – “I’m Housin'” (Samples “Rock Steady“)
9. Styles P – “The Life” (Samples “The Long and Winding Road“)
10. T.I. – “Let’s Get Away” (Samples “Day Dreaming“)
11. Ab-Soul – “Bohemian Grove” (Samples “Day Dreaming“)
12. Cam’ron – “Daydreaming” (Samples “Day Dreaming“)
13. Gang Starr – “92 Interlude” (Samples “Young, Gifted and Black“)
14. Mobb Deep – “Drop A Gem On ‘Em” (Samples “You Are My Sunshine“)
15. Talib Kweli – “Joy” (Samples “I Get High“)
16. Capone-N-Noreaga – “Halfway Thugs” (Samples “A Change Is Gonna Come“)
17. Atmosphere – “Tears For The Sheep” (Samples “Cry Like a Baby“)
18. Boogie Down Productions – “Super Hoe” (Sampled in “A Rose Is Still A Rose“)
19. Black Milk – “Three+Sum” (Samples “Track of My Tears“)
20. Kool Moe Dee – “No Respect” (Samples “Respect“)
21. Public Enemy – “Revolutionary Generation” (Samples “Respect“)
22. Cypress Hill – “Born to Get Busy” (Samples “Dr. Feelgood“)
23. Talib Kweli – “Holy Moly” (Samples “Border Song [Holy Moses]“)
24. Blu – “On the Porch” (Samples “So Long“)
25. Pete Rock – “The Best Secret” (Samples “Jump to It“)
26. Fugees – “Some Seek Stardom” (Samples “Bridge Over Troubled Water“)
27. Pete Rock – “Aretha” (Samples “Oh Me Oh My“)
28. KRS-One – “I Remember” (Samples “One Way Ticket“)