5 Rick Ross Songs That Have Used Unlikely Samples
The process of sampling music, borrowing one or more elements from a previously recorded song and adding them to something new, is very widely used within the music industry. The hip-hop genre especially, has used this technique for decades as a way to combine multiple songs to create something new. Many of today’s most popular rap songs contain elements from songs that have already been released by other artists; however, some of the most effective samples leave little to no recognizable trace of the original song. While many people view the process of sampling as a sort of glorified stealing, other, like rapper/producer Kanye West feel that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” However, regardless of opinions, the real beauty in sampling is that it gives artists and producers a chance to combine multiple genres to create sounds that may have never been heard before.
Rapper Rick Ross is among the rap artists that relies heavily on samples in the production of his beats. While some of Ross’ samples can be easily identified, others have been so interwoven in the music that it takes a train ear to identify the original work. While many fans may be under the impression that Ross’ samples are likely to come from other rap songs, some of the borrowed tracks are surprising. Here are five Rick Ross songs that have used unlikely samples.
5. “Maybach Music”
Rick Ross’ song “Maybach Music” was released in 2008 on his second studio album, Trilla. The song, which features Jay-Z, contains a sample from The Friends of Distinction’s 1969 song “And I Love Him,” which is a cover version of The Beatles, “And I Love Her.”
4. “Thug Cry”
Ross’ “Thug Cry” was released as a single from his most recent album, Mastermind. The song contains a sample of the bass line and keyboards from Billy Cobham’s 1974 song, “Heather.”
3. “Cigar Music”
Released in 2009, Rick Ross’ “Cigar Music” was an album track off of his project Deeper Than Rap. The song uses a sample of Ahmad Jamal’s 1984 cover version of “Don’t Ask My Neighbors” which was originally recorded and released by The Emotions in 1977.
2. “Pirates”
Rick Ross’ “Pirates,” off of his album God Forgives I Don’t, borrows several of its musical elements from The Mad Lad’s 1973 cover of William Bell’s, “I Forgot to Be Your Lover.”
1. “3 Kings”
Rick Ross’ “3 Kings” which features Dr. Dre and Jay-Z, borrows a sample from The Crown of Glory’s 1976 song “I’m So Greatful (Keep in Touch).
(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
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