Progressive rock, known for its complexity and virtuosity, might seem worlds away from hip hop. Yet, a closer look reveals a fascinating connection: the sampling of Prog Rock in hip hop music. While often overlooked, prog’s influence can be heard in some of hip hop’s biggest tracks. This article explores notable examples of prog rock samples used in hip hop, highlighting the unexpected bridge between these seemingly disparate genres.
Prog Rock Samples: A Hip Hop Staple
Sampling, a cornerstone of hip hop production, involves incorporating pre-existing recordings into new compositions. Hip hop artists frequently mine diverse genres for unique sounds, and prog rock, with its intricate arrangements and memorable melodies, has proven a fertile ground for sampling. This practice demonstrates hip hop’s ability to transform and reinterpret existing material, creating something fresh and innovative. While some prog rock purists might initially resist this cross-genre pollination, the results often speak for themselves.
Notable Examples of Prog in Hip Hop
One striking example is Run the Jewels’ “Legend Has It” from their album RTJ3. The track incorporates a sample from Gentle Giant’s complex and dynamic instrumental piece, “Knots.” The juxtaposition of Gentle Giant’s intricate soundscapes with Run the Jewels’ hard-hitting raps creates a powerful and unexpected sonic experience.
Run The Jewels
Kanye West, a known admirer of diverse musical styles, heavily sampled prog rock on his critically acclaimed album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Perhaps the most iconic example is his use of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” in the chart-topping hit, “Power.” This sample, combined with elements from other genres, showcases West’s masterful ability to blend disparate sounds into a cohesive and impactful whole.
Another standout example from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is “Dark Fantasy,” which samples Mike Oldfield’s “In High Places,” featuring Jon Anderson of Yes on vocals. The ethereal vocals and atmospheric sounds of the original are transformed into a grand, operatic intro for West’s track. Additionally, “So Appalled” on the same album utilizes a sample from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s “You Are – I Am.” These instances demonstrate the breadth of prog’s influence on West’s work.
Beyond Kanye West, other hip hop artists have also embraced prog rock samples. Wiz Khalifa’s “Ounces and Pounds (OZS & LBS)” incorporates a sample from Camel’s “Lady Fantasy,” showcasing the versatility of prog’s melodic and harmonic structures. 50 Cent’s “Financial Freedom” samples Eloy’s “Isle of Sun,” further highlighting the unexpected connections between these genres. Raekwon’s “Flashback Memories” features a prominent sample of the iconic solo section from Genesis’s “Firth of Fifth,” showcasing the enduring appeal of prog rock’s instrumental prowess. Finally, the underground hip hop duo Madvillain, comprised of MF Doom and Madlib, sampled Gentle Giant’s “Funny Ways” in their track “Strange Ways.”
A Continuing Legacy
The sampling of prog rock in hip hop serves as a testament to the enduring power and influence of both genres. While seemingly disparate on the surface, these musical styles share a common thread of innovation and a willingness to push boundaries. The continued use of prog rock samples in contemporary hip hop suggests that this unexpected cross-genre dialogue will continue to evolve, yielding exciting new musical hybrids for years to come.
