Honoring Quincy Jones: A Musical Genius Whose Influence Shaped Generations
Today, we pause to honor the extraordinary legacy of Quincy Jones, a man whose contributions to music are nothing short of legendary. Quincy wasn't just a prolific producer, arranger, and composer; he was a visionary who helped shape genres, push boundaries, and create sounds that resonate across decades and the globe. With a career spanning over 70 years, his music has been the foundation for countless songs across all genres, and in hip-hop, he's been sampled repeatedly as artists pay homage to his artistry in their unique ways.
For those unfamiliar with our Sample Game, it’s a regular segment where we highlight songs sampled in hip-hop tracks, showcasing the artistry of both the original music and the new interpretations. Today, instead of playing the game, we're spotlighting some of our favorite samples of Quincy Jones’s work. Without musical icons like Quincy, the Sample Game—and hip-hop itself—wouldn’t be as rich or as fun. Here’s a look at five classic tracks that showcase Quincy’s genius and how artists have reimagined them.
1. Mobb Deep - “Shook Ones Pt. II”
Sampled Track: "Kitty with the Bent Frame"
One of the darkest and most haunting beats in hip-hop history owes its eerie atmosphere to Quincy’s “Kitty with the Bent Frame.” Mobb Deep’s gritty lyrics mesh perfectly with the sampled loops, making this track a staple in rap and a testament to the versatility of Quincy’s catalog.
2. Kanye West - “Good Life”
Sampled Track: Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”
Co-produced by Quincy Jones, “P.Y.T.” captures the vibrant pop energy of the early ’80s. Kanye West took this upbeat track to new heights, reworking it into the feel-good anthem “Good Life.” With its infectious bounce and Quincy’s unmistakable production influence, it’s a prime example of how old-school grooves still fuel the hip-hop fire.
3. Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One - “Classic”
Sampled Track: George Benson’s “Give Me the Night”
A Quincy Jones production, “Give Me the Night” is a smooth, soulful jam that’s quintessentially funky. Kanye West, Nas, and KRS-One breathed new life into it with their own “Classic,” using Benson’s cool groove as a foundation. This sample shows Quincy’s knack for timeless melodies that effortlessly transition into new musical realms.
4. MF DOOM - “Rhymes Like Dimes”
Sampled Track: “One Hundred Ways”
The soulful vibes of James Ingram’s “One Hundred Ways” (produced by Quincy) are transformed in “Rhymes Like Dimes” by MF DOOM, who weaves the sample into a track as laid-back as it is lyrically intricate. Quincy’s touch makes the original song smooth and emotive, a perfect counterpart to DOOM’s clever wordplay.
5. Ludacris - “Number One Spot”
Sampled Track: “Soul Bossa Nova”
Perhaps one of Quincy Jones's most iconic compositions, “Soul Bossa Nova” is instantly recognizable with its playful, jazzy rhythm and vibrant brass. This track not only captivated music lovers worldwide but also became synonymous with the Austin Powers film series, where it served as the theme song. Ludacris sampled “Soul Bossa Nova” for “Number One Spot,” bringing in the Austin Powers theme for a clever, humorous twist that complements his punchlines. By layering in Quincy’s lively tune, Ludacris created a track that’s as nostalgic as it is catchy, proving Quincy’s timeless appeal across generations and genres.