There are a good number of iconic Donna Summer samples in Hip-Hop today. The Queen of Disco has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1970s. With a discography like hers, it’s no surprise she’s as revered as she is. Over time, artists and producers across genres have recognized just how much of a treasure trove the late icon’s catalog is. Consequently, many stars have borrowed from her work through the art of sampling.
Kanye West, one of the biggest artists in the world today, recently joined the bandwagon, sampling one of Summer’s works in one of his latest releases. However, soon after its release, the rapper took down the song from streaming platforms. Ye is now being sued by Donna Summer’s estate for copyright infringement. Fans and onlookers wonder how things will unfold with this case, and if the song will ever be released again. While we all wait to find out, here are seven other great Donna Summer samples in Hip Hop.
“Money” - The Game (2008)
Released as a part of The Game’s third album LAX (2008), “Money” is a jam of a song. A towering testament to the hustle, ambition, and resilience of the streets, The Game showed out with his delivery on the track. Many elements come together to make the sophisticated and hard-hitting beat produced by Cool & Dre. Particularly notable, “Money” samples “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer. The singer’s vocals from her song’s iconic hook appears within the first 20 seconds of “Money,” and are present throughout the song.
“Dancin 4 Dollas” — Tyga (2011)
One of the standout tracks from Tyga’s #BitchImTheShit mixtape, “Dancin 4 Dollas” also samples “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer. Released in 2011, “Dancin 4 Dollas” is a party starter that is sure to get fans of contemporary Hip Hop dancing. While it was not a huge commercial success, the song is a fan favorite. Additionally, its interpolation of the hook from Summer’s “She Works Hard For the Money” is expertly executed.
“Rainy Dayz” — Raekwon Ft. Ghostface Killah & Blue Raspberry (1995)
On August 1, 1995, Raekwon released his critically acclaimed debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Subsequently, he dropped “Rainy Dayz” as the album’s fourth single in 1996. The RZA-produced track samples “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand. Right before the one-minute mark, Summer’s vocals take center stage, ushering in Raekwon, who subsequently kills his verse. Later into the track, the sampled vocals make additional appearances.
“Luv 2 Luv U (Remix)” — Timbaland & Magoo Ft. Shaunta & Playa (1997)
Before their disbandment in the early 2000s, Hip Hop duo Timbaland & Magoo released three studio albums. Their debut offering, Welcome to Our World, dropped in 1997 and contains 18 tracks. Two of those tracks are “Luv 2 Luv U” and “Luv 2 Luv U (Remix).” The remix, featuring Shaunta and Playa, samples the iconic Donna Summer song, “Love To Love You Baby.” While Summer’s vocals aren’t used in the track, it certainly borrows the lyrics and melody of “Love To Love You Baby” in its hook.
“Somethings Wrong With Him” — Royce Da 5’9” (2004)
When Royce da 5’9” dropped his sophomore album in 2004, it appeared on the Billboard 200 but only peaked at number 161. Regardless of its unsatisfying commercial reception, the album contains some great tracks. Without a doubt, “Somethings Wrong with Him” is among the best songs on the record. It samples “Once Upon A Time” by Donna Summer, and is expertly produced by 6 July. Likewise, Royce da 5’9” brings the heat, delivering a great rap performance on the track.
“P Power” — Gunna Ft. Drake (2022)
Obviously, this is the most recent song on this list. However, it also contains one of the most iconic and memorable Donna Summer samples in contemporary Hip Hop. “P Power” was released on January 13, 2022 as an extra addition to Gunna’s third studio album, DS4Ever. It was produced by Metro Boomin and contains a vocal and instrumental sample of Summer’s “Could It Be Magic.” The trap song is a Gold-certified banger, and both Gunna and Drake eat up their respective verses on it.
“Street Glory” — Nas Ft. Pop (2000)
On November 21, 2000, Nas released QB’s Finest, a compilation album under his then-new Ill Will Records imprint. The 17-track project featured a handful of rappers from the Queensbridge Housing Projects. Altogether, they created an impressive album and had individual moments to shine throughout the project. However, there are certainly some standout tracks, and “Street Glory” is one of them. The stirring song samples the instrumental from “Once Upon A Time” by Donna Summer. Undeniably, it is one of the most beautiful and fitting Donna Summer samples in Hip Hop.
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