3 Memorable Sample Interpolations
Some rap record replays you might have missed.
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It’s hard to find time to write the kind of articles I want to write. But I’m trying to teach myself to embrace the little pockets of time I do have and write what I can when I can.
With that in mind, here are three cool interpolations that I want to share with you. Interpolation = replaying a piece of music as part of a new composition.
“Jockbox” by The Skinny Boys (Interpolates “Rock Box” by Run-DMC)
Hailing from Bridgeport, Connecticut, the rap group The Skinny Boys consisted of brothers Jay “Superman Jay” Harrison, Shaun “Shockin’” Harrison, and their cousin Jacque "Jock" Harrison.
No strangers to finding inspiration in the work of their peers (their group name is a play on The Fat Boys), Jock put his beatboxing talents to the test when he recreated the fuzzy guitars of Run-DMC’s hit “Rock Box” for the group’s massive tune “Jock Box.” Now 40 years old, this song has aged perfectly and had a resurgence when it was selected as the theme for Comedy Central’s Workaholics, which ran from 2011 to 2017.
“Money Flow” by Three Six Mafia (Interpolates “If Your Girl Only Knew” by Aaliyah and “My Melody” by Eric B & Rakim)
To study Three 6 Mafia’s sample source library is to dive headfirst into an endless rabbit hole of well-worn and ultra-obscure recordings. From injecting new life into ‘90s horror movie themes like Brainscan and Witchboard 2 to re-imagining tracks from critically and commercially misunderstood Marvin Gaye albums, DJ Paul and Juicy J have consistently demonstrated the ability to flip anything and everything throughout their lengthy careers.
Three 6’s 1996 sophomore effort, Chapter 1: The End, saw Paul and Juicy take their interpolation game to new heights on “Money Flow” as they brilliantly layered replayed segments from Aaliyah and Eric B & Rakim while slipping in a Scarface vocal sample for good measure.
“Who’s Tha M.F.” by Juvenile (Interpolates “Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang)
Someone could pen a lengthy book about the influence of Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness.” It has been a go-to source for sampling and interpolation over the past four decades.
In 1997, Mannie Fresh made extensive use of “Summer Madness” on a highlight moment from Juvenile’s sophomore effort, Soulja Rags. “Who’s Tha M.F.” showcases Juve at his absolute best, as he offers a songwriting masterclass that covers topics like incarceration, poverty, an internal battle between seeking revenge and forgiveness, political alienation, and so much more. It’s all delivered flawlessly in the form of a tight personal narrative that heightens the emotion and weightiness of the song. Mannie Fresh’s production chops are on full display as he puts his interpolation skills to the test on the song’s chorus. The result is an unforgettable rap classic that’s just one year shy of its 30th birthday.
Hit the comments to let me know what you think of these interpolations and if there are any you’d like to see covered in future articles.