22 Famous Songs Across Genres That Sampled Michael Jackson

22 Famous Songs Across Genres That Sampled Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s musical genius extends far beyond his own catalog. His distinctive sounds, beats, and vocal stylings have become building blocks for countless artists across different musical landscapes. From hip-hop anthems to R&B slow jams, the King of Pop’s influence lives on through samples that transform his original work into fresh sonic experiences. Here’s how various artists have reimagined Michael Jackson’s magic in their own creative expressions.

1. Nas – “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”

Legendary producer Large Professor crafted something extraordinary when he flipped Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” for Nas’s 1994 classic. The ethereal sample provides a dreamlike quality against Nas’s razor-sharp wordplay and street poetry.

Released as the final single from “Illmatic,” the track showcases how Jackson’s pop sensibilities could enhance hardcore hip-hop. The contrast between MJ’s smooth melody and Nas’s gritty Queensbridge narratives creates a fascinating musical tension.

Many critics cite this as a perfect example of sample-based production, where the original material is transformed while still honoring its essence.

2. LL Cool J ft. Boyz II Men – “Hey Lover”

Romance meets rhythm in this 1995 hit that cleverly samples the closing track from Jackson’s “Thriller” album. LL Cool J’s smooth-talking verses float effortlessly over the lush instrumentation borrowed from “The Lady in My Life.”

Boyz II Men’s harmonies on the chorus complement the sample perfectly, creating a crossover smash that appealed to both R&B and hip-hop audiences. The Grammy-winning single proved that Jackson’s influence extended beyond dance tracks to more intimate, love-focused compositions.

The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating how Jackson’s musical DNA could help create chart success for a new generation of artists.

3. Grand Puba – “I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)”

Brand Nubian’s Grand Puba delivered this 1992 solo gem that transforms Jackson’s early solo hit into hip-hop gold. The bouncy sample creates an irresistible foundation for Puba’s confident, playful rhymes.

Producer Mark Spark maintained the infectious energy of Jackson’s original while adapting it for the golden era of hip-hop. The track showcases how even Michael’s earlier work, before the “Thriller” phenomenon, contained elements that resonated with hip-hop producers.

Grand Puba’s charismatic flow pairs perfectly with the sample, creating a feel-good classic that highlights the natural connection between Jackson’s musical sensibilities and hip-hop culture.

4. SWV – “Right Here (Human Nature Remix)”

The ladies of SWV struck gold when they reimagined their original track with Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” in 1993. Producer Teddy Riley brilliantly wove Jackson’s melodic backdrop into their smooth R&B vocals.

The remix outperformed the original version, climbing to #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and becoming one of the group’s signature songs. Sisters With Voices created something truly magical by marrying their harmonies with Jackson’s timeless composition.

The track remains a ’90s R&B staple, frequently appearing on throwback playlists and demonstrating how sampling can sometimes elevate a song to entirely new heights.

5. Aaliyah ft. Slick Rick – “Got to Give It Up”

Though primarily a cover of Marvin Gaye’s classic, this 1996 Aaliyah track cleverly incorporates elements from Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” The unmistakable bassline sneaks in, creating a musical conversation between two legendary artists’ works.

Producer Jermaine Dupri skillfully blended these influences with Aaliyah’s angelic vocals and Slick Rick’s narrative style. The result is a playful, retro-tinged R&B track that pays homage to multiple musical icons simultaneously.

This creative sampling approach demonstrates how producers could layer different musical references, using Jackson’s work as one ingredient in a more complex musical recipe.

6. Big Pun – “You Ain’t a Killer”

Big Pun’s haunting 1998 track digs deep into Michael Jackson’s catalog, sampling the young Jackson’s cover of “With a Child’s Heart.” Producer Knobody transforms the innocent original into something darker, perfectly matching Pun’s intense lyrical content.

The contrast between the childlike quality of the sample and Pun’s street narratives creates a powerful emotional dissonance. This unexpected pairing showcases how creative producers could find inspiration in unexpected corners of Jackson’s extensive discography.

The song appeared on Pun’s critically acclaimed “Capital Punishment” album, demonstrating how Jackson’s influence extended into hardcore hip-hop’s storytelling tradition.

7. Jay-Z – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”

Kanye West announced himself as a production force with this 2001 hit that brilliantly flips the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” The sample’s joyful energy provides the perfect backdrop for Jay-Z’s confident declarations of success despite adversity.

The track became one of Jay-Z’s signature hits, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. West’s production maintained the infectious happiness of the original while transforming it into something distinctly hip-hop.

This sample choice connects different eras of Black musical excellence, linking Michael’s childhood stardom with Jay-Z’s adult success story. The song remains a textbook example of how to repurpose classic Motown for contemporary hip-hop.

8. Ashanti – “Rock Wit’ U (Remix)”

Murder Inc. producer Irv Gotti crafted this smooth remix by incorporating elements from Jackson’s disco classic “Rock With You.” Released in 2003, the track blends MJ’s infectious groove with Ashanti’s sultry vocals.

The remix gave Ashanti’s already successful single a danceable makeover that connected her contemporary R&B sound with disco’s golden era. Jackson’s influence provides a nostalgic touchpoint while still feeling fresh within the early 2000s R&B landscape.

This remix exemplifies how Jackson’s dance music catalog continued to inspire new generations of producers looking to infuse their tracks with proven rhythmic formulas.

9. Rihanna – “Don’t Stop the Music”

Rihanna scored a massive international hit in 2007 with this dance track that ingeniously samples the distinctive “Mama-say, mama-sa, mama-coosa” chant from “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Producers StarGate transformed this iconic vocal phrase into a club-ready hook.

The sample bridges generations, introducing younger listeners to Jackson’s unique vocal stylings while giving the track an instantly recognizable hook. The song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in over ten countries worldwide.

This sample usage demonstrates how even a small, distinctive element from Jackson’s work could become the centerpiece of a new global hit.

10. Kanye West ft. T-Pain – “Good Life”

Kanye West returned to the Jackson well for this celebratory 2007 hit featuring T-Pain. The track prominently samples “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” transforming Michael’s upbeat love song into an anthem about enjoying success.

DJ Toomp and West’s production maintains the joyful essence of the original while adding contemporary hip-hop elements. The sample choice perfectly matches the song’s theme of reveling in the good things life has to offer.

Peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Grammy-winning single demonstrates how Jackson’s music continued to help create chart success well into the 2000s. The track remains a fan favorite in both artists’ catalogs.

11. Q-Tip – “Move”

A Tribe Called Quest’s frontman crafted this energetic solo track in 2008 by sampling the Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine.” Q-Tip’s production maintains the funk energy of the original while updating it for contemporary hip-hop sensibilities.

The sample provides a propulsive backbone for Q-Tip’s smooth flow and party-starting lyrics. This track showcases how the Jackson 5’s earlier work contained rhythmic elements that naturally fit within hip-hop’s groove-based aesthetic.

Released on Q-Tip’s comeback album “The Renaissance,” the song bridges different eras of Black music, connecting Motown’s polished production with golden-era hip-hop’s soulful approach.

12. Teyana Taylor ft. Wu-Tang Clan – “Gonna Love Me (Remix)”

This soulful 2018 remix draws from Michael Jackson’s heartfelt cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Producer Kanye West built the original track around this sample, creating a perfect foundation for Teyana’s emotional vocals.

The remix adds Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Raekwon, creating an interesting blend of soul sampling and raw hip-hop energy. The contrast between Jackson’s delicate vocals in the sample and the Wu members’ distinctive flows creates a compelling musical dialogue.

This track demonstrates how Jackson’s interpretations of other artists’ work could themselves become sample material, extending his influence through multiple layers of musical history.

13. Will Smith – “Can You Feel Me”

Before becoming a Hollywood megastar, Will Smith created this energetic 1997 track sampling Jackson’s “Working Day and Night.” Producer Poke of Trackmasters maintains the frenetic energy of Jackson’s original while adapting it for Smith’s upbeat rap style.

The funk-driven sample provides a perfect backdrop for Smith’s charismatic delivery and positive lyrics. Released on Smith’s “Big Willie Style” album, the track showcases how Jackson’s rhythmic sensibilities could enhance the feel-good hip-hop that Smith specialized in.

This deep cut from Smith’s musical career highlights how Jackson’s influence extended beyond his most obvious hits into his deeper album cuts.

14. Richie Rich – “Salsa House”

Bay Area rapper Richie Rich created this club classic in 1996 by flipping Michael Jackson’s “Working Day and Night” into a danceable hip-hop track. Producer DJ Daryl transformed the energetic original into something perfectly suited for West Coast party vibes.

The sample’s infectious groove provides an irresistible foundation for Rich’s smooth flow and party-focused lyrics. This regional hit demonstrates how Jackson’s music resonated with producers across different hip-hop scenes and geographic locations.

The track remains a favorite among West Coast hip-hop fans and showcases how Jackson’s catalog contained elements that could be repurposed for various regional hip-hop styles.

15. Chris Brown – “She Ain’t You”

Chris Brown’s “She Ain’t You” is a heartfelt homage to Michael Jackson’s timeless sound, drawing direct inspiration from “Human Nature.” By weaving Jackson’s classic melody into a modern R&B framework, Brown bridges past and present with style.

His smooth vocals and crisp production give the song a contemporary twist, while still honoring the original track’s dreamy essence. The nod feels intentional and deeply respectful, highlighting Jackson’s enduring influence.

Fans and critics alike praised the song as both a tribute and a hit, making it one of Brown’s most memorable Jackson-inspired performances.

16. Polo G – “Bad Man (Smooth Criminal)”

Chicago rapper Polo G breathed new life into Jackson’s 1987 classic with this 2020 reinterpretation. Rather than directly sampling, producers Tahj Money and Dmac cleverly interpolate the iconic melody and “Annie, are you okay?” refrain.

Polo G’s street narratives create an interesting contrast with the familiar musical elements, bringing Jackson’s influence into contemporary trap territory. The track appears on Polo’s “THE GOAT” album, demonstrating Jackson’s continued relevance to hip-hop’s younger generation.

This approach shows how Jackson’s melodic sensibilities remain influential even when producers opt for interpolation rather than direct sampling.

17. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne ft. Usher – “Transparency”

Hip-hop heavyweights 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne joined forces with Usher for this 2020 track built around “The Lady in My Life.” Due to clearance issues, the song remained a rare release, highlighting the complexities of sample licensing.

Producer Bangladesh creates a smooth backdrop that showcases the versatility of Jackson’s original composition. The contrast between the rappers’ verses and Usher’s smooth chorus creates a perfect balance of hip-hop edge and R&B smoothness.

This collaboration demonstrates how Jackson’s ballads continue to provide inspiration for contemporary artists looking to create more emotionally nuanced hip-hop tracks.

18. Ghostface Killah ft. Mary J. Blige – “All That I Got Is You”

Wu-Tang’s Ghostface Killah created this emotionally raw 1996 classic by sampling the Jackson 5’s “Maybe Tomorrow.” Producer RZA transforms the melancholic original into a perfect backdrop for Ghostface’s autobiographical storytelling about childhood poverty.

Mary J. Blige’s soulful chorus adds emotional depth, creating a hip-hop/R&B hybrid that showcases the versatility of the Jackson 5 catalog. The track remains one of Ghostface’s most beloved songs, appearing on his debut solo album “Ironman.”

This powerful use of sampling demonstrates how Jackson’s work with his brothers contained emotional elements that could enhance hip-hop’s most personal narratives.

19. Public Enemy – “911 Is A Joke”

The Bomb Squad’s innovative production for this 1990 Public Enemy classic includes elements from “Thriller.” The sample is heavily transformed, showcasing the production team’s ability to deconstruct source material into nearly unrecognizable forms.

Flavor Flav takes center stage on this track, using the energetic backdrop to deliver scathing commentary on emergency services in Black communities. The song reached #1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart and remains one of Public Enemy’s signature tracks.

This creative sampling approach demonstrates how even Jackson’s most recognizable work could be reimagined to serve politically charged hip-hop.

20. Fabolous ft. Mike Shorey – “Baby”

Smooth-talking Brooklyn rapper Fabolous created this 2003 R&B-influenced hit by sampling “I Can’t Help It” from Jackson’s “Off The Wall” album. Producer Just Blaze maintains the gentle feel of the original while adapting it for contemporary hip-hop sensibilities.

Mike Shorey’s melodic chorus complements the sample perfectly, creating a track that appealed to both hip-hop and R&B audiences. The song reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Fabolous’s biggest crossover hits.

This successful single demonstrates how Jackson’s more understated compositions could provide perfect foundations for hip-hop love songs seeking broader appeal.

21. De La Soul – “Breakadawn”

Hip-hop innovators De La Soul created this 1993 classic by transforming “I Can’t Help It” into a laid-back, jazzy groove. Producer Prince Paul’s expert touch maintains the soulful essence of Jackson’s original while fitting perfectly with the group’s distinctive style.

The track showcases how Jackson’s more mature solo work contained elements that naturally complemented the jazz-influenced direction of alternative hip-hop. Released on their “Buhloone Mindstate” album, the song exemplifies De La Soul’s creative approach to sampling.

This thoughtful use of Jackson’s catalog demonstrates how his music could enhance hip-hop’s more experimental and introspective corners.

22. Mase ft. Lil’ Cease & Jay-Z – “Cheat On You”

Bad Boy rapper Mase enlisted Jay-Z and Lil’ Cease for this 1997 collaboration built on Jackson’s disco classic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” Producer D-Dot maintains the infectious energy of the original while adapting it for the shiny suit era of hip-hop.

The contrast between the upbeat instrumental and the song’s relationship-focused lyrics creates an interesting musical tension. This album cut from Mase’s debut “Harlem World” showcases how Jackson’s dance music could enhance hip-hop’s party-friendly sensibilities.

The track represents a perfect time capsule of late ’90s mainstream hip-hop and its relationship with disco-era samples.