There is a twinkle of magic in every melody lifted from a classic and revitalized through Hip-hop. When a certain chord progression hits the right producer’s ear at the exact time they need to hear it, and the ethereal nature of inspiration enters the room, there is an otherworldly presence that inhabits the artist, the sample, and the new sounds the two are going to make. Even more miraculous is when a producer can reimagine the sentiments behind a sample to emphasize the current moment, the larger cultural pantheon that has probably changed dramatically since these samples were originally released.
One of the finer instances of this is what the beautifully soulful, longing-driven “As Long As I’ve Got You” by The Charmels has become. This stunning ballad has been sampled over 60 times since its 1967 release, and the passionate love it explores has become synonymous with anthems of poverty, grit, and brotherhood. Below, you can hear the original sample and how the likes of RZA, Teddy Riley, and Bud’Da turned it into something they can call their own.
Original Sample: The Charmels – “As Long As I’ve Got You”
Produced by Isaac Hayes & David Porter
Wu-Tang Clan – “C.R.E.A.M”
Produced by RZA
Blackstreet – “No Diggity” (Feat. Dr. Dre & Queen Pen) “All-Star” Remix
Produced by Teddy Riley & Allstar
Mad Flava – “Fools”
Produced by Erich “Hype Dawg” Krause, Mad Flava, Courtney Branch, & Tracy Kendrick
