Photo Credit: PeteRock.com
Since the late ‘80s, Pete Rock has been building his resume as one of the best hip hop producers of all time. His iconic style was a crucial part of the East Coast ‘90s rap scene. Rock’s ability to seamlessly pair jazz, R&B and funk samples with gritty drum patterns has always made his music stand out. Here is a short list of some of the best samples Pete Rock has used.
1. Nas - The World is Yours
Sample: Ahmad Jamal - I Love Music
Nas’ classic debut album Illmatic wouldn’t be complete without “The World is Yours.” Rock set the jazzy piano keys of Ahmad Jamal alongside a simple drum pattern, some expert scratching and some sample vocals from T La Rock.
2. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
Sample: Tom Scott and The California Dreamers - Today
Rock used Tom Scott’s saxophone solo to help paint the backdrop for one of the best works of his career. Rock and his partner in crime CL Smooth used this one to pay homage to a departed friend.
3. Public Enemy - Shut Em Down (Remix)
Sample: Mountain - Long Red
Although the original is good, Rock made Public Enemy’s “Shut Em Down” more palatable by adding Chuck D’s hard hitting bars to a soulful layer of samples including a catchy drum pattern from blues rock band Mountain.
4. Common - The Bitch in Yoo
Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger & the Trinity -
The East Coast vs. West Coast beef was one of the biggest storylines of hip hop during the ‘90s. Rock provided Common with the perfect platform to lyrically dismantle Ice Cube. A sample of Julie Driscoll’s rendition of “Light My Fire” set the tone for the scathing diss record.
5. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Soul Brother #1
The J.B.s - The Grunt
Rock layered six samples on “Soul Brother #1,” once again showing of his skills or blending different pieces of music. A sampled riff from James Brown’s band helps make this track one of the most memorable in Rocks gem-filled discography.
