Nas: The Sample Lineage

Nas's iconic sound transforms jazz, soul, and funk samples, from Joe Chambers' "Mind Rain" on Illmatic to Kurtis Blow's hook and Michael Jackson's synth on It Was Written.

Tracklist

  1. N.Y. State of Mind — Nas
  2. Mind Rain — Joe Chambers
  3. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) — Nas feat. Lauryn Hill
  4. If I Ruled the World — Kurtis Blow
  5. Human Nature — Michael Jackson
  6. N.T. — Kool & the Gang
  7. Nas Is Like — Nas
  8. I Love Music — Ahmad Jamal Trio

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

N.Y. State of Mind — Nas

Nas built an iconic career by transforming jazz, soul, and funk samples into the gritty, introspective soundscapes that defined his lyrical genius. His debut, *Illmatic*, opens with the definitive "N.Y. State of Mind."

Mind Rain — Joe Chambers

DJ Premier and Nas discovered the melancholic piano loop for "N.Y. State of Mind" by "thumping through records," finding Joe Chambers' 1978 jazz track. This unique sample became the atmospheric backbone of Nas's seminal record.

If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) — Nas feat. Lauryn Hill

Nas evolved his sound on *It Was Written*, aiming for broader appeal with tracks like "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)." Producers Trackmasters meticulously crafted a polished sound that maintained his hip-hop credibility alongside Lauryn Hill.

If I Ruled the World — Kurtis Blow

The title and aspirational hook of Nas's hit directly interpolates Kurtis Blow’s 1985 song, "If I Ruled the World." This connection bridges generations of hip-hop while reimagining the classic concept for a new era.

Human Nature — Michael Jackson

Large Professor showcased his ingenuity on "It Ain't Hard to Tell," famously sampling Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" for its instantly recognizable synth melody. He had even explored this soulful sample on Nas's earlier demo.

N.T. — Kool & the Gang

The driving rhythm for "It Ain't Hard to Tell" came from the funky drum break in Kool & the Gang's 1971 track, "N.T." Large Professor masterfully looped this instrumental classic, giving Nas's track its undeniable groove.

Nas Is Like — Nas

Returning to DJ Premier's signature craft, "Nas Is Like" demonstrates his meticulous ear. Premier layered a melodic loop from a discarded Lutheran church record with bird chirps from Don Robertson, then scratched Nas's own vocals from "It Ain't Hard to Tell" and "Street Dreams" to form the iconic hook, creating a composite of diverse sonic elements.

I Love Music — Ahmad Jamal Trio

Pete Rock built "The World Is Yours" around the melancholic piano loop from Ahmad Jamal Trio's 1970 jazz classic, "I Love Music." This choice solidified the track's introspective mood, with Pete Rock stating, "These weren't raps, it was street literature," perfectly aligning with Nas's poetic lyrical genius.

As our deep dive into the foundational sounds behind a legend's catalog concludes, thank you for joining OffStereo. May it inspire you to listen for the echoes that connect every generation of music.

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