2026 is officially underway, and a new year brings the possibility of change. Sure, a positive habit can be formed at any moment, but something about starting fresh at the start of the year makes it feel more special, like making a pact with a friend. We over here at Glide want to usher in a new era of our Golden Age Thursday column in 2026, one that opens the door to exciting new areas in music.
Throughout the year, we will spend our Thursdays exploring some of the most recognizable, beloved, mysterious, and genre-shifting samples from Hip-hop history. We want to shine a light on producers and the artists who inspire their sound, and for our inaugural Golden Age of 2026, we have a special one for you.
In 1978, a jazz musician named Stanley Cowell released an album titled Talkin’ Bout Love, a short yet sweet demonstration of his innate chemistry through collaboration and his mastery of tone. Unfortunately, it is an album that has not made its way to digital streaming services, although the final song on the LP, “Here I Am,” with its soulful croons and twinkling keys, may sound familiar. The song can be found throughout Hip-hop history, but made significant appearances in recent years. Below, you can hear Cowell’s original composition, and how contemporary Hip-hop icons like Roc Marciano and Ras G flipped it into something they could call their own.
Original:
Roc Marciano – “Here I Am”
Produced by Roc Marciano
Ras G – “Money”
Produced by Ras G
Isaiah Rashad – “Wat’s Wrong” (Feat. Zacari & Kendrick Lamar)
Produced By D. Sanders & Al B Smoov
