Sampling is an art that has a history from the past to the present and remains a significant part of hip-hop’s creative DNA. Artists have consistently demonstrated a masterful ability to honor their musical heritage while forging innovative new paths. We are looking at famous rap songs from the late 2010s to early 2025 that sample even more renowned hip-hop tracks.
As this tradition has continued to flourish, it has resulted in a collection of tracks that not only dominated the charts but also offered fresh perspectives on beloved classics. Join us as we delve into 10 standout rap songs crafted by artists that ingeniously sampled or interpolated iconic tunes.
10 Famous Rap Songs that Sample Other Songs 2025
Old Town Road – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
The song had the world in a frenzy with its unexpected fusion of country and trap beats. It samples from an unlikely source: Nine Inch Nails’ instrumental piece, “34 Ghosts IV.”
This instrumental was initially a mere $30 online purchase but became the foundation for a record-breaking 19-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100. Its minimalist production with a simple trap beat layered over other melodies was widely accepted. It won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video.
EARFQUAKE – Tyler, the Creator (2019)
From his critically acclaimed album IGOR, Tyler, the Creator crafted a hazy, dreamlike soundscape with an interpolation of Charlie Wilson’s soulful “Yearning for Your Love.”
This track, featuring uncredited vocals from Kanye West, added to its unique feel. It climbed into the Billboard Hot 20 and showcased Tyler’s unique blend of alternative R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop. His self-production created a signature sound that was both nostalgic and forward-thinking, helping him claim the Grammy-winning Best Rap Album that year.
GNF (Na) – Polo G (2020)
Polo G firmly established his presence in the drill scene with this track, which was built directly upon the instantly recognizable instrumental hook from 50 Cent’s seminal track, “Many Men (Wish Death).”
The popular drill beat provided a relatable and familiar backdrop for Polo G’s raw lyricism. It was no surprise that the track quickly rose into the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Big Energy – Latto ft. Mariah Carey & DJ Khaled (Remix) (2022)
Latto’s infectious anthem cleverly flipped the iconic “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club, a sample famously used by Mariah Carey in her own hit, “Fantasy.”
The remix, featuring Carey herself, became a full-circle moment, propelling the original track into the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. Produced with an upbeat and modern pop-rap sensibility, it showcased the enduring appeal of the original sample across generations. She won Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards.
Jimmy Cooks – Drake ft. 21 Savage (2022)
Debuting at the coveted Number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, “Jimmy Cooks” paired Drake and 21 Savage with a production that sampled the melancholic soul of Brook Benton’s “You Were Gone.”
The soulful sample with the often boastful lyrics created an intriguing tension, further solidifying the track’s impact. The title itself, a playful reference to Drake’s past acting role, added another layer of intrigue.It became a signature track in Drake’s discography with accolades including Grammy and Billboard Music Awards.
Surround Sound – JID ft. 21 Savage & Baby Tate (2022)
JID’s intricate flows and dynamic energy found a perfect match in “Surround Sound,” a track that cleverly layered samples from Eve’s “Tambourine” and Usher’s “Yeah! (Action)”, two early 2000s hits.
>This masterful blend of nostalgic hooks with a hard-hitting modern beat, crafted by DJ Scheme, Christo, and Aviad, propelled the track into the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned praise.
Paint the Town Red – Doja Cat (2023)
Doja Cat‘s boundary-pushing anthem took a surprising turn by sampling the classic Dionne Warwick track, “Walk On By.” The slowed-down and slightly eerie flip of the original’s melody provided a captivating foundation for Doja’s confident delivery.
Further, it resulted in her second Number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s title, inspired by one of Doja’s own paintings, added a personal artistic touch to the project. She went home as the Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards.
Houdini – Eminem (2024)
Eminem’s unexpected yet direct interpolation of the instantly recognizable and catchy hook of Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra,” creating a nostalgic yet undeniably Eminem-
The track that debuted in the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, featuring a cameo from Pete Davidson, further played on the track’s playful and referential nature.
Walkin – Denzel Curry (2022)
Denzel Curry’s “Walkin” resonated deeply within alternative and underground hip-hop circles, largely due to its haunting and introspective sample of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Koto Song.”
Additionally, the melody provided a unique and compelling backdrop for Curry’s intense and thought-provoking lyricism, earning critical acclaim.
WAIT FOR U – Future ft. Drake & Tems (2022)
Future’s massive hit, featuring Drake and Tems, built its emotional core around a slowed and looped sample of Tems’ own vocals from her track “Higher.”
This innovative self-sampling, combined with the star power of the featured artists, propelled “WAIT FOR U” to the Number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, it earned Future a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Image credit:
Doja Cat – Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor | Getty Images
Latto – Gotham / Contributor | Getty Images
Are there any famous rap song samples that should be on our list? Share with us in the comments
