James Brown's "The Payback": The Most Sampled Song in Hip-Hop

Musical sampling is certainly not a new phenomenon. But in the hip-hop community, sampling appears to be a virtual necessity. Some might say that a song's mass appeal depends heavily upon the artist's ability to select the most appropriate sound bytes-and weave them seamlessly into a song's musical fabric. Old school R&B, classic movie quotes, and even classical pieces have found their way into many a chart-topping song. Sneaking its way into more than 50 songs, it seems that the late James Brown's "The Payback" (originally written by Fred Wesley) remains the most referenced sample in the urban music world. Take a listen to Brown's song, and you'll see just how pivotal it has been to these famous artists during hip-hop's "power surge"...

LL Cool J - "The Boomin' System"

Uncle L used a small section of "The Payback's" rhythm section, looped it and created his entire song "The Boomin' System"-a 1990 anthem for every smooth ride that had a "boomin' system."

Massive Attack - "Protection"

British trip hop band Massive Attack got in on the action when they used "The Payback" sample in their 1995 hit, "Protection." Their interpretation features a slowed-down looped sample as the song's dreamy backdrop.

En Vogue - "Hold On", "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)"

En Vogue liked the sample so much that they actually used it on their first and second albums. In "Hold On", the bass-laden sample follows singer Terry Ellis's a cappella delivery of Motown classic "Who's Lovin' You?" In 1992, they scooped up the same guitar riff sample for the entire melody of "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)."

MC Lyte - "Ruffneck"

Many people don't even realize that MC Lyte's energetic hit "Ruffneck" used a sample from "The Payback." But listen closely, and you'll hear the infamous song's percussion sped up to match Lyte's lightning fast lyrics.

Das EFX - "They Want EFX"

If you were a die-hard fan of hip-hop in 1992, you were probably humming this infectious tune. "They Want EFX", complete with James Brown sample, put Das EFX on the musical map.

Total - "Can't You See?"

This Bad Boy R&B group is perhaps one of the most popular songs that utilizes Brown's classic sample. Total, with a little help from Puff Daddy (remember that name?) and the late Notorious B.I.G., went to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts with this single.

Redman - "Blow Your Mind"

There's a lot going on in Redman's old school hip-hop jam, "Blow Your Mind." But underneath those other samples and other percussive effects lies James Brown's "The Payback."

Common - "Payback is a Grandmother"

In 2000, Common released his successful Like Water for Chocolate album. Continuing his storytelling in "Payback is a Grandmother", Common deftly buries the James Brown sample deep within the track-until it's practically unrecognizable.

Mary J. Blige - "Everything"

It isn't too surprising that the New Generation's Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, was one of the dozens who capitalized off this classic song. Her 1997 hit, "Everything" and all its tangy romance has both The Stylistics and James Brown to thank for its sultry appeal.

Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) - "I'm Outstanding"

Some don't remember that NBA superstar Shaq embarked upon a rap career in the early 90's. Others are still trying to forget. Nonetheless, the 7-footer tapped into "The Payback" (amongst a few other samples) for his single "I'm Outstanding"-and impressed enough listeners to record five albums.

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