7 most sampled drum beats

The 7 Most Sampled Drum Beats

In the world of music production, sampling has become an integral part of creating new and exciting sounds. One of the most popular elements to sample in music is the drum beat. The drums provide the backbone to any song, and a well-crafted drum beat can elevate a track to new heights. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the 7 most sampled drum beats of all time. These beats have been used in countless songs and have become iconic in their own right.

  1. "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons (1969) - This drum beat, performed by Gregory Coleman, has been sampled over 1,000 times and is perhaps the most widely recognized and frequently used breakbeat in history. It was originally recorded as a B-side to a single released by The Winstons in 1969, but it wasn't until the 1980s that it gained widespread popularity as a sample in hip hop and electronic dance music. Some of the most notable tracks to sample "Amen, Brother" include N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton," The Prodigy's "Out of Space," and The Chemical Brothers' "Block Rockin' Beats."

  2. "Funky Drummer" by James Brown (1970) - Another classic drum break that has been heavily sampled is "Funky Drummer," performed by Clyde Stubblefield on James Brown's 1970 album "Sex Machine." This beat has been used in over 700 songs, including tracks by Public Enemy, N.W.A, and Beastie Boys. In addition to its widespread use in hip hop, "Funky Drummer" has also been sampled in a variety of other genres, including funk, soul, and electronic music.

  3. "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers (1973) - This drum beat, performed by Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, is another break that has been widely sampled in hip hop and electronic dance music. It was originally recorded on The Honey Drippers' 1973 single "Impeach the President," and has since been used in over 500 songs, including tracks by N.W.A, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Chemical Brothers.

  4. "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier (1980) - This iconic drum beat, performed by Bobby Chouinard, was first featured on Billy Squier's 1980 album "Don't Say No." It has since been sampled in over 400 songs, including tracks by Beastie Boys, The Chemical Brothers, and Fatboy Slim. "The Big Beat" is known for its powerful and driving sound, making it a popular choice for use in dance and electronic music.

  5. "Think (About It)" by Lyn Collins (1972) - This drum break, performed by John "Jabo" Starks, has been used in over 300 songs, including tracks by Public Enemy, N.W.A, and A Tribe Called Quest. It was originally recorded on Lyn Collins' 1972 single "Think (About It)," and has since become one of the most widely recognized and frequently used breakbeats in hip hop and electronic dance music.
     

  6. "Apache" by The Incredible Bongo Band (1973) - This drum break, performed by Michael Viner, was originally recorded on The Incredible Bongo Band's 1973 cover of The Shadows' "Apache." It has since been used in over 250 songs, including tracks by The Sugarhill Gang, The Prodigy, and The Chemical Brothers. "Apache" is known for its distinctive and energetic sound, making it a popular choice for use in dance and electronic music. 

  7. "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow (1980) - This classic drum break, performed by Tony Thompson, was first featured on Kurtis Blow's 1980 single "The Breaks." It has since been used in over 200 songs, including tracks by N.W.A, Beastie Boys, and The Chemical Brothers. "The Breaks" is known for its driving and energetic sound, making it a popular choice for use in hip hop and electronic dance music.

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