Tue Nov 05 03:28:17 UTC 2024: ## Quincy Jones’ Legacy Lives on Through Music Samples: 15 Memorable Tracks

Quincy Jones, the legendary composer, performer, and producer, passed away on November 4th at the age of 91, leaving behind a monumental body of work spanning over 70 years. Jones’ music has resonated across generations, with countless artists sampling his iconic compositions to create their own masterpieces.

Variety has compiled a list of 15 unforgettable songs that borrowed from Jones’ musical genius, highlighting the enduring influence of his work across various genres:

**Hip Hop:**

* **The Pharcyde, “Passin’ Me By” (1993):** This track blends Jones’ cover of “Summer in the City” with Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” to create a timeless heartbreak anthem.
* **Nas, “It Ain’t Hard To Tell” (1994):** Large Professor masterfully reworks Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” for Nas’ poignant street story.
* **Mobb Deep, “Shook Ones Pt. II” (1995):** The menacing strings from Jones’ score for “Dollars” set the perfect unsettling mood for Mobb Deep’s signature portrayal of street life.
* **LL Cool J feat. Boyz II Men, “Hey Lover” (1996):** LL Cool J samples “Lady in My Life” for a seductive jam, capturing his reputation as a ladies’ man.
* **2Pac, “How Do You Want It” (1996):** One of 2Pac’s most recognizable songs borrows its melody from Jones’ 1974 album “Body Heat,” adding to the track’s explosive impact.
* **Ludacris, “Number One Spot” (2004):** DJ Green Lantern utilizes Jones’ “Soul Bossa Nova” for a song referencing Austin Powers, injecting it back into popular culture.
* **Diplo (feat. M.I.A.), “Sunshowers” (2004):** Diplo layers samples of Jones’ “The Streetbeater” over a Miami-bass beat for a captivating and infectious track.
* **Kanye West feat. T-Pain, “Good Life” (2007):** West uses a slowed-down sample from Michael Jackson’s “PYT” for a joyous celebration anthem.

**Electronic Music:**

* **The Prodigy, “The Way It Is” (2004):** Liam Howlett samples the bassline of “Thriller” to create an entirely new sonic experience.
* **Justice, “Canon” (2011):** Justice borrows from the waterfall guitars of “Strawberry Letter 23” for a powerful breakdown.
* **Fred Falke, “You Make Me Feel” (2007):** Falke samples a synthesizer arrangement from Jones’ music for the 1984 Olympics for a pulsating dance track.

**Pop/R&B:**

* **Rihanna, “Don’t Stop the Music” (2007):** The single borrowed the “mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sa” coda from Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
* **The Weeknd, “Hurt You” (2018):** Jones’ theme for the TV series “Ironside” is layered into the song as a chilling sign of danger.
* **Harry Styles, “Daydreaming” (2022):** Styles uses a sample of the Brothers Johnson’s “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now” for a dreamy dance track.

These are just a few of the many songs that have sampled Quincy Jones’ music, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work on the musical landscape. His music continues to inspire new generations of artists, proving that his legacy will live on for years to come.

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