Hip-hop culture unquestionably has a rich history of sampling and interpolation. Hip-hop
producers have sampled from and covered the majority of musical genres. Within hip-hop itself,
artists even sample and interpolate other hip-hop tracks. Your task in this first “Sampling and
Interpolation Spotlight” will be to think critically about sampling and interpolation as creative
processes by focusing on two classic tracks.
Analyze the tracks listed below, and write a response (400-500 words) based on your research of
the tracks. We recommend the following:
Look up the specific track on Whosampled.com and listen to what samples may be “contained
in” in the song, as well as what later tracks the song itself “was sampled in” (according to
Whosampled.com). It is important to know that Whosampled.com provides information at the
top of each ”sample” that is referenced: whether it is a direct sample (and what instrumentation
is involved) or an interpolation.
In your response write about –
(1) the samples and interpolations referenced on Whosampled.com
(2) a later song or track that samples or interpolates this same song.
You will be graded on the following matters:
1. Accurate description of the samples and/or interpolated content in the main song.
Consider the distinctive use of vocals, instrumentation, and the important or iconic artists
who are sampled on the track.
2. Making connections to specific examples from class. Refer to specific artists, breaks, or
other references to inform your interpretations. Consider readings and viewings we have
covered in class to inform your analysis of these songs, and cite at least one reading and
one musical example from class
SAMPLING SPOTLIGHTS-
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, “Summertime”
link- https://www.whosampled.com/DJ-Jazzy-Jeff-%26-the-Fresh-Prince/Summertime/
Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick, “La Di Da Di”
link- https://www.whosampled.com/Doug-E.-Fresh/La-Di-Da-Di/sampled/
As a reminder, consider reviewing some of the musical examples from previous weeks for considerations of sampling, interpolation, and genre blending that we have explored: this includes “Paper Planes,” “Ready or Not,” “Bam,” “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel,” or “Rapper’s Deligh
