Looking back at some of the best sampling works by Kanye West from his latest to the classics that earned him several Grammy awards.

Is Kanye West’s Sample of Backstreet Boys One of His Best? Looking At Ye’s Art of Sampling and How Far It Has Come

Kanye West [https://www.netflixjunkie.com/tag/kanye-west] ascended to the zenith
of rap mastery by curating a sonic palette that echoed innovation. Especially in
the realm of production, he used samples to create compositions that resonated
far beyond conventional boundaries. However, his meteoric rise was never just
about beats and verses well-delivered. It is a saga of audacious sample choices
that redefine hip-hop’s DNA, like the latest one through Backstreet Boys’
‘Everybody’. Never limited by the boundaries of genres, he fused soul, rock, and
obscure gems with his uniquely talented touch over the years.

Here are some of his most transcendent tracks that emerged from the kaleidoscope
of his sample mixes.


THE LATEST: A LISTENING PARTY KICKS OFF WITH A FAMILIAR BACKSTREET BOYS TRACK

When West held his first-ever listening party for an album in 2021, it would get
etched into the annals of rap history as legendary. So, as he geared up to
repeat that legendary scene for his upcoming ‘Vultures’ album last week, the
hype was palpable. 



As the night progressed and crowds awaited him at the Miami venue, the ‘Donda’
rapper marked his entry with a rap rendition of the 90s classic ‘Everybody’ by
Backstreet Boys. With lyrics as sharp as the beats that accompanied them, West
quickly won over the crowds that were now cheering him on
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-kanye-west-and-ty-dolla-sign-bold-move-sampling-backstreet-boys-in-everybody-sends-fans-into-frenzy/].
Still, it may not be West’s best sample to date for this reason. 


THE REASON: NOT ‘EVERYBODY’ IS NOT PLEASED AT YE’S TECHNICALITY PLAY

While Ye may have managed to successfully transport the audiences into over two
decades in the past in a wave of nostalgic appreciation, he employed some sneaky
means to do so. Since the track did not really use any particular bits from the
original Backstreet Boys’ track, it was not even technically a sample. 



For the vocals in the chorus, West roped in Charlie Wilson to do a cover version
of ‘Everybody’. This meant that he technically did not owe the original’s
artists credits. However, that in no way diminished the supremacy of the
pristine quality track that he delivered to keen listeners.

ALSO READ: Fans Rally Behind Nicki Minaj as Kanye West Blasts the Rapper for
Denying ‘New Body’ Clearance 
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-fans-rally-behind-nicki-minaj-as-kanye-west-blasts-the-rapper-for-denying-new-body-clearance/]

Out of the times when West officially did use samples, here are some of the most
mind-blowing ones. 


THE FIRST: WHEN KANYE WEST INCORPORATED CHAKA KHAN’S BEST

For his debut track, ‘Through The Wire’ Ye had some help from 70s ‘Queen of
Funk’ Chaka Khan. As seen amongst the many touching moments from Netflix’s Jeen
Yuhs
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/5-key-learning-of-yes-life-from-jeen-yuhs-a-kanye-documentary-series-on-netflix/],
the then-budding rapper from Chicago beat all odds as he created ‘Through The
Wire’  despite having a misaligned jaw post his accident. 



He symbolically named the single after Khan’s track that he had heavily sampled
in it, ‘Through The Fire’. Like the original, his track also featured
self-reflective themes with Khan’s iconic tunes reverberating in the background.
Its success indicated to him the powers of a female’s vocals, which he then went
on to incorporate a lot. 


SOUL INFUSION: SOUNDS OF THE WOMEN FROM BYGONE ERA

In his debut album itself, Ye would infuse modified or as-is vocals from iconic
female artists from decades before his time. These included Lauryn Hill’s
‘Mystery of Iniquity’ in ‘All Falls Down’, Aretha Franflin’s  ‘Spirit In The
Dark’ in ‘School Spirit’. Yet, the most memorable was to come in his next one. 



The 40-year-old’s ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone’ from his second studio album
carried the iconic chorus from Shirley Bassey’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. Years
later, the blues legend Nina Simone’s ‘Strange Fruit’ also appeared on his
Yeezus alum’s ‘Blood On The Leaves’.

ALSO READ: Kanye West and Takashi Murakami: The History, Timeline, and Story
Behind the Most Iconic Partnership in Hip Hop 
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-kanye-west-and-takashi-murakami-the-history-timeline-and-story-behind-the-most-iconic-partnership-in-hip-hop/]

Not to forget the men who lent the 24-time Grammy many of Ye’s tracks their
charm. 


70S AND 80S BLUES: THE CHARM OF THE PREVIOUS CENTURY’S MALE ARTISTS 

The majority of the OG names that emerged in the pantheon of the previous
centuries’ most renowned artists at one point or another appeared on West’s
songs. From Curtis Mayfield: ‘Move On Up’ to Otis Redding’s ‘Try a Little
Tenderness’, Ye weaved many hits from that time into his music.  



However, the most popularly known one would go on to be Ray Charles’ ‘I’ve Got a
Woman’, which made his ‘Gold Digger’ from ‘Late Registration’ an instant hit. By
infusing Charles’ mellow melodies with Jamie Foxx’s, he created an indisputable
chart-topping hit. Through his use of samples, one can even navigate the
metamorphosis of Ye’s personality over time. 


THE KANYE WEST TRANSITION: FROM FUNK TO GOSPEL

The Yeezy founder’s many fans are familiar with West’s increasing inclination
towards creating religiously aligned music. While his earlier days were marked
by funkier, fast-paced infusions like Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster,
Stronger’ in ‘Stronger’ and Jackson 5’s ‘I Want’ in ‘Izzo’, the landscape of
Ye’s music has changed lately.



West’s ninth studio album, ‘Jesus Is King’ reflects his spiritual state of mind.
By using samples from gospel artists like James Cleveland And The Southern
Community Choir and Pastor TL Bennet more frequently, the father of four began
signaling a transition in his life. His latest sonic bravado through the
Backstreet Boys feature is among the first breaks from the traditions he had set
up lately. 

ALSO READ: Are Coodie Simmons and Kanye West Still Friends? Where Is the
‘Jeen-yuhs’ Director Now?
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-netflix-news-are-coodie-simmons-and-kanye-west-still-friends-where-is-the-jeen-yuhs-director-now/] 

What do you think of the journey Kanye West has weaved through the samples he
used over the years? Do you have a favorite among these? Share your thoughts in
the comments. 

Ibadat Kaur

Comment

Is Kanye West’s Sample of Backstreet Boys One of His Best? Looking At Ye’s Art of Sampling and How Far It Has Come - Netflix Junkie

Home

Music News

Netflix Junkie

https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/nj_bg_transparent-1.png

Ibadat Kaur is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie. Her love for Narcos &amp; Pedro Pascal is what brought her to the world of entertainment news. She has immense love for historical and investigative documentaries on people and cultural practices. If this was not enough, she was a blogger prior to keeping her step in the glitz and glamor of the entertainment world and covered culture and heritage while traveling across Central and South America. For Ibadat, writing has been her safe space, and she aims to pick up reviewing anthology formats like Black Mirror &amp; Criminal at Netflix Junkie. If you want an expert on comedy (dark and satire) psychology or travel, then Ibadat is your person. While you will mostly find her covering everything and anything from the world of entertainment, about her favorite celebrities, shows, and movies, Ibadat is an avid Schitt's Creek fan and loves the novel George Orwell’s 1984. And if not this, she will be seen actively backpacking for her next trip, petting her dog Raven, or studying the human condition (side-eye).

https://netflixjunkie.com/music-news-is-kanye-wests-sample-of-backstreet-boys-one-of-his-best-looking-at-yes-art-of-sampling-and-how-far-it-has-come

Is Kanye West’s Sample of Backstreet Boys One of His Best? Looking At Ye’s Art of Sampling and How Far It Has Come - netflix-junkie

14 Cities at Just 13: North West Teams Up With Molly Santana for Summer Concert

Olivia Wilde Blames ‘Parasocial Attachment’ for Fury Over Harry Styles Romance

'House of the Dragon' Season 3: What is the Battle of the Gullet? Everything to
Expect in Episode 1

Wu-Tang, Fat Joe, and Chuck D Drop Rap Rivalries to Celebrate the Knicks’
Historic NBA Title

Taylor Swift and Electric Lady Studios: History and Reason Why the Multi-Time
Grammy Winner Prefers It

Jelly Roll & Bunnie Xo Kids and IVF History: All About Their Children

Who Is Elvis Guetta? Meet David Guetta’s 22-Year-Old DJ Son Who Opens Shows for
Him

Does Kanye West Have Any Siblings? Inside the Rapper’s Family

Drake’s ‘ICEMAN’ Sets New 2026 Billboard 200 Mark, Surpassing BTS and Noah Kahan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/tag/kanye-west">Kanye West</a> ascended to the zenith of rap mastery by curating a sonic palette that echoed innovation. Especially in the realm of production, he used samples to create compositions that resonated far beyond conventional boundaries. However, his meteoric rise was never just about beats and verses well-delivered. It is a saga of audacious sample choices that redefine hip-hop&#8217;s DNA, like the latest one <strong>through Backstreet Boys’ ‘Everybody’</strong>. Never limited by the boundaries of genres, he fused soul, rock, and obscure gems with his uniquely talented touch over the years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some of his most transcendent tracks that emerged from the kaleidoscope of his sample mixes.</span></p>
<h2><b>The latest: A listening party kicks off with a familiar Backstreet Boys track</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When West held his first-ever listening party for an album in 2021, it would get etched into the annals of rap history as legendary. So, as he geared up to repeat that legendary scene for his upcoming &#8216;Vultures&#8217; album last week, the hype was palpable. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Kanye West Ft. Ty Dolla $ign - EVERYBODY [YEEZY&#039;S BACK] Vultures FULL VERSION Backstreet Boys Sample" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhxNNMOlgiU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the night progressed and crowds awaited him at the Miami venue, the ‘Donda’ rapper marked his entry with a rap rendition of the 90s classic ‘Everybody’ by Backstreet Boys. With lyrics as sharp as the beats that accompanied them, <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-kanye-west-and-ty-dolla-sign-bold-move-sampling-backstreet-boys-in-everybody-sends-fans-into-frenzy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West quickly won over the crowds that were now cheering him on</a>. Still, it may not be West’s best sample to date for this reason. </span></p>
<h2><b>The reason: Not ‘everybody’ is not pleased at Ye’s technicality play</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While Ye may have managed to successfully transport the audiences into over two decades in the past in a wave of nostalgic appreciation, he employed some sneaky means to do so. Since the track <strong>did not really use any particular bits from the original Backstreet Boys’ track</strong>, it was not even technically a sample. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Backstreet Boys - Everybody (Backstreet&#039;s Back) (Official HD Video)" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6M6samPEMpM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the vocals in the chorus, <strong>West roped in Charlie Wilson to do a cover version of ‘Everybody’</strong>. This meant that he technically did not owe the original’s artists credits. However, that in no way diminished the supremacy of the pristine quality track that he delivered to keen listeners.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-fans-rally-behind-nicki-minaj-as-kanye-west-blasts-the-rapper-for-denying-new-body-clearance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fans Rally Behind Nicki Minaj as Kanye West Blasts the Rapper for Denying ‘New Body’ Clearance </a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Out of the times when West officially did use samples, here are some of the most mind-blowing ones. </span></p>
<h2><strong>The first: When Kanye West incorporated Chaka Khan’s best</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For his debut track, ‘Through The Wire’ Ye had some help from 70s ‘Queen of Funk’ Chaka Khan. As seen amongst <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/5-key-learning-of-yes-life-from-jeen-yuhs-a-kanye-documentary-series-on-netflix/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the many touching moments from Netflix’s <em>Jeen Yuhs</em></a>, the then-budding rapper from Chicago beat all odds as he created ‘Through The Wire’  despite having a misaligned jaw post his accident. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Through The Wire" width="1170" height="878" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AE8y25CcE6s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He symbolically named the single after Khan’s track that he had heavily sampled in it, ‘Through The Fire’. Like the original, his track also featured self-reflective themes with Khan’s iconic tunes reverberating in the background. Its success indicated to him the powers of a female’s vocals, which he then went on to incorporate a lot. </span></p>
<h2><strong>Soul infusion: Sounds of the women from bygone era</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In his debut album itself, Ye would infuse modified or as-is vocals from iconic female artists from decades before his time. These included Lauryn Hill’s ‘Mystery of Iniquity’ in ‘All Falls Down’, Aretha Franflin’s  ‘Spirit In The Dark’ in ‘School Spirit’. Yet, the most memorable was to come in his next one. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Kanye West - All Falls Down ft. Syleena Johnson" width="1170" height="878" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8kyWDhB_QeI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 40-year-old’s ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone’ from his second studio album carried the iconic chorus from Shirley Bassey’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. Years later, the blues legend Nina Simone’s ‘Strange Fruit’ also appeared on his Yeezus alum’s ‘Blood On The Leaves’.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-kanye-west-and-takashi-murakami-the-history-timeline-and-story-behind-the-most-iconic-partnership-in-hip-hop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kanye West and Takashi Murakami: The History, Timeline, and Story Behind the Most Iconic Partnership in Hip Hop </a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not to forget the men who lent the 24-time Grammy many of Ye’s tracks their charm. </span></p>
<h2><strong>70s and 80s blues: The Charm of the previous century’s male artists </strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The majority of the OG names that emerged in the pantheon of the previous centuries&#8217; most renowned artists at one point or another appeared on West’s songs. From <strong>Curtis Mayfield: ‘Move On Up’ to Otis Redding’s ‘Try a Little Tenderness’</strong>, Ye weaved many hits from that time into his music.  </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="JAY Z, Kanye West - Otis ft. Otis Redding" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BoEKWtgJQAU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the most popularly known one would go on to be Ray Charles’ &#8216;I’ve Got a Woman&#8217;, which made his ‘Gold Digger’ from ‘Late Registration’ an instant hit. By infusing Charles’ mellow melodies with Jamie Foxx’s, he created an indisputable chart-topping hit. Through his use of samples, one can even navigate the metamorphosis of Ye’s personality over time. </span></p>
<h2><strong>The Kanye West transition: From funk to gospel</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Yeezy founder’s many fans are familiar with West’s increasing inclination towards creating religiously aligned music. While his earlier days were marked by funkier, fast-paced infusions like Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ in ‘Stronger’ and Jackson 5’s ‘I Want’ in ‘Izzo’, the landscape of Ye’s music has changed lately.</span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Kanye West - Stronger" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PsO6ZnUZI0g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">West’s ninth studio album, ‘Jesus Is King’ reflects his spiritual state of mind. By using samples from gospel artists like <strong>James Cleveland And The Southern Community Choir and Pastor TL Bennet</strong> more frequently, the father of four began signaling a transition in his life. His latest sonic bravado through the Backstreet Boys feature is among the first breaks from the traditions he had set up lately. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-netflix-news-are-coodie-simmons-and-kanye-west-still-friends-where-is-the-jeen-yuhs-director-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Are Coodie Simmons and Kanye West Still Friends? Where Is the ‘Jeen-yuhs’ Director Now?</a> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What do you think of the journey Kanye West has weaved through the samples he used over the years? Do you have a favorite among these? Share your thoughts in the comments. </span></p>


Are Coodie Simmons and Kanye West Still Friends? Where Is the ‘Jeen-yuhs’
Director Now?

Fans Rally Behind Nicki Minaj as Kanye West Blasts the Rapper for Denying ‘New
Body’ Clearance

Kanye West and Takashi Murakami: The History, Timeline, and Story Behind the
Most Iconic Partnership in Hip Hop

Remember When Kanye West Launched a Design to Produce His Own Foam Concept Donda Car?

<p>NEW YORK, NY &#8211; SEPTEMBER 07:  Kanye West attends the Ralph Lauren 50th Anniversary event during New York Fashion Week at Bethesda Terrace on September 7, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)</p>


Ralph Lauren &#8211; Front Row &amp; Backstage &#8211; September 2018 &#8211; New York Fashion Week

https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/netflixjunkie-logo-2.jpg

https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1028990682-scaled.jpg

https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/Ibadat-Kaur-Dabh.png

description

https://www.netflixjunkie.com/music-news-is-kanye-wests-sample-of-backstreet-boys-one-of-his-best-looking-at-yes-art-of-sampling-and-how-far-it-has-come/

Is Kanye West’s Sample of Backstreet Boys One of His Best? Looking At Ye’s Art of Sampling and How Far It Has Come

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

EDITORS' PICK

The World of NJ

Connect With Us

General

Legal