
10 Hip-Hop Songs That Sample Producer David Axelrod’s Music
This week, the musical world lost an icon when composer, arranger and producer David Axelrod died on Sunday (Feb. 5) at the age of 83 from complications of a brain aneurysm. Although not a well-known fixture to casual fans in the hip-hop world, die-hard beat junkies are well aware of Axelrod's influence and impact on the culture. His own music has been used by some of the greatest rap producers of all-time and become embedded in some of rap's most timeless records.
Getting his start as a staff producer for record companies specializing in jazz in the late 1950s, Axelrod produced his first album, saxophonist Harold Land’s The Fox, in 1959, but would experience greater success through his work with Lou Rawls after joining Capitol Records as a producer and A&R. Producing hit singles like "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing," "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" and "Dead End Street," Axelrod's talents would be in demand throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but his career would begin to falter during the 1980s, with the producer recording three solo albums that would go unreleased due to the changing tide of the music industry and the direction of its sound.
However, the producer's catalog would begin to become a playground for rap producers during the early 1990s. Everyone from Da Beatminerz to Swizz Beatz has mined the legend's compositions to lift drum loops and other wrinkles to create their own lush soundscapes. In celebration of David Axelrod's legacy, we've dug up 10 of the more notable rap songs that feature samples of his music that are essential listens for any fan of rap.
- 1
"I Am I Be"
De La SoulDe La Soul's "I Am I Be" samples Lou Rawls' "You've Made Me So Very Happy," which was produced by David Axelrod.
- 2
"Hip-Hop"
Mos DefMos Def's "Hip-Hop" samples David Axelrod's "The Warning Talk (Part II)."
- 3
"Take Em to War"
Kool G Rap Featuring B1 and MF GrimmKool G Rap's "Take Em to War" samples David Axelrod's "A Divine Image."
- 4
"Hit Me With That"
The BeatnutsThe Beatnuts' "Hit Me With That" samples David Axelrod's "Holy Thursday."
- 5
"Any Man"
EminemEminem's "Any Man" samples David Axelrod's "The Mental Traveler."
- 6
"Stay True"
Ghostface Killah Featuring 60 Second AssassinGhostface Killa's "Stay True" samples David Axelrod's "Terri's Tune."
- 7
"What's Ya Poison"
Mobb Deep Featuring CormegaMobb Deep's "What's Ya Poison" samples David Axelrod's "1000 Rads."
- 8
"Strange Fruit"
Pete Rock Featuring Tragedy Khadafi, Cappadonna, Sticky FingazPete Rock's "Strange Fruit" samples David Axelrod's "The Smile."
- 9
"Dr. Carter"
Lil WayneLil Wayne's "Dr. Carter" samples David Axelrod's "Holy Thursday."
- 10
"Cycle"
Schoolboy QSchoolboy Q's "Cycle" samples David Axelrod's "The Warnings (Part 1)."
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