Hit-songs like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s sultry single “WAP,” or 21 Savage’s “Runnin,” contain samples. In fact, 92% of top producers this year are using samples. Tracklib, the largest global digital sample clearance platform, analyzes samples and trends like those with their new State of Sampling report.
In the Tracklib report, trends in multiple major genres including Rap, R&B and Pop illustrate sample use. Additionally, break downs of sampling techniques, use of multimedia samples, and more information appear throughout the report.
Respect My Region offers the biggest highlights from Tracklib’s annual report by reliving the hottest tracks of 2020.
Cardi B F. Megan The Stallion “WAP” — Trend Increase: Vocal Sampling
Along with many trend spikes, the practice of sampling vocals experiences a 30% rise. For instance, Hip Hop and R&B producers routinely isolate vocals to accompany drum production. As a result, “WAP,” features vocals from DJ Frank Ski and 21 Savage & Metro Boomin’s “Runnin” taps Diana Ross.
Freddie Gibbs “1985” — Tracklib Trend Alert: Straight Loop Sampling
In addition to trend spikes, emerging techniques like straight loop sampling are proven to prevail in the Tracklib report. Essentially, straight loop sampling showcases the loop arrangement in lieu of drums.
One of the most exquisite examples of straight loop sampling is Gangsta Gibbs’ Alfredo track “1985.” In reality, the trend took over Hip-Hop in 2020, with straight loop samples appearing on multiple albums like Action Bronson’s Only For Dolphins.
Drake & Future “Life Is Good” — Trend Alert: Sampling Interviews
Although the audio sample briefly appears, Drake and Future’s “Life Is Good,” is one of the few songs to utilize content from an interview in 2020. The clip in question is from Future’s previous French TV interview. Meek Mill’s protest anthem “Otherside Of America,” features audio from his CNN interview, too.
Other remarkable trends include a 130% increase in the sampling of Soul and R&B and Funk genres and a 100% increase in sampling on Grammy-nominated Hip Hop albums.
Read Tracklib’s 2020 State of Sampling report in full here.
