Songs That Sample 2000s Music

The 2000s were a golden era for music, defined by the rise of digital streaming, the blending of genres, and the birth of iconic tracks that still dominate playlists today. From infectious pop anthems to innovative hip-hop beats, the music of that decade was groundbreaking—and it’s making a strong comeback.

Modern artists are increasingly turning to the hits of the 2000s to craft new sounds, using nostalgic samples to connect with both new listeners and those who grew up with these tracks. This resurgence reflects the timeless appeal of the era, but it’s also a testament to how the music industry is evolving.

This post continues our samples series, looking at the practice of sampling decade by decade.

The 2000s Comeback: How Modern Artists are Sampling a Decade of Hits to Craft New Sounds

Sampling has long been a tool in music production, allowing artists to repurpose melodies, beats, or even lyrics from earlier songs. Recently, this trend has taken a notable shift toward the 2000s. Songs that were chart-toppers just a couple of decades ago are being reshaped into new hits, creating a bridge between generations of listeners.

Take Jack Harlow’s “First Class,” for example. The song’s core is built around a sample of Fergie’s 2006 hit, “Glamorous.” This clever reuse instantly taps into the nostalgia of millennials while introducing a younger audience to a pop classic. By blending contemporary production techniques with a well-known 2000s melody, Harlow crafted a track that feels both fresh and familiar, ensuring cross-generational appeal.

Similarly, Rihanna’s “Cheers (Drink To That)” brought Avril Lavigne’s 2002 single “I’m With You” back into the spotlight. By using Lavigne’s chorus as a backdrop to her celebratory anthem, Rihanna reinforced the emotional impact of the original song while giving it a party-ready twist.

The 2000s: A Decade of Genre Fusion

The 2000s were a period of genre experimentation, where pop, hip-hop, and electronic music often blended into chart-topping hits. This genre fusion is evident in how modern artists are borrowing from that era to create innovative new sounds.

Charli XCX’s “Beg for You,” featuring Rina Sawayama, samples September’s 2006 hit “Cry for You,” transforming a Eurodance staple into a sleek, modern pop track. Charli XCX’s ability to draw on the euphoric energy of 2000s dance music while keeping her sound forward-thinking is a hallmark of today’s music production. It’s a nod to the past, but one that propels the track into contemporary playlists.

Another standout is Saucy Santana’s “Booty,” featuring Latto, which revives Beyonce‘s debut “Crazy In Love” to give a fresh take on confidence and body positivity. This blend of early 2000s pop with modern hip-hop influences exemplifies how artists today pay homage to the past while making it relevant to today’s cultural context.

Why the 2000s?

So, why are modern artists so drawn to the 2000s specifically? Part of it is timing. The artists and producers shaping today’s charts often grew up listening to these songs, and the emotional resonance tied to their memories makes those tracks ripe for reinvention. Moreover, with the 20-year nostalgia cycle in full swing, the early 2000s represent a period that’s not quite vintage but still holds a certain retro charm for both Gen Z and millennials.

The 2000s were also a decade of innovation in music production. Tracks like Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” which Kanye West sampled in “Stronger” (2007), brought electronic music to the forefront, blending it seamlessly with hip-hop. This era laid the foundation for much of today’s pop and electronic music, making it fertile ground for current producers to mine for inspiration.

In fact, Beyoncé’s “Hold Up,” from her critically acclaimed Lemonade album, is another example of how the 2000s continue to influence today’s music. By sampling the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2003 track “Maps,“ Beyoncé layered nostalgia with innovation, giving listeners both an emotional connection to the past and a compelling new narrative.

The Future of Sampling: What’s Next?

As we move further into the 2020s, the trend of sampling from the 2000s shows no sign of slowing down. Artists like Halsey, who sampled Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” in her hit “Without Me,” prove that there’s still plenty of untapped potential in this era’s rich catalog. The songs of the 2000s have a unique blend of digital innovation and raw emotion, and their influence on modern music is only growing.

For listeners, this resurgence is a win-win. Not only are they treated to modern hits, but they’re also reintroduced to the songs that shaped an entire generation. For the artists, it’s a way to honor their musical roots while pushing the boundaries of today’s soundscape.

The 2000s are no longer just a period of nostalgia—they’re actively shaping the future of music.

List of Song Samples from the 2000s

• Got Me Started – Troye Sivan
  Sample: “Shooting Stars” by Bag Raiders
• Cheers (Drink To That) – Rihanna
  Sample: “I’m with You” by Avril Lavigne
• Fly Girl (feat. Missy Elliott) – FLO, Missy Elliott
  Sample: “Work It” by Missy Elliott
• First Class – Jack Harlow
  Sample: “Glamorous” by Fergie (feat. Ludacris)
• Drums (Feat. Kim Petras) – James Hype, Kim Petras
  Sample: “Like I Love You” by Justin Timberlake
• Whatever – Kygo, Ava Max
  Sample: “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira
• Speed Drive – Charli XCX
  Sample: “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil
• Booty (feat. Latto) – Saucy Santana, Latto
  Sample: “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce (in turn, a sample of a 70s song)
• Million Dollar Baby – Ava Max
  Sample: “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes
• My Head & My Heart – Ava Max
  Sample: “Around the World (La La La La La)” by ATC
• OUT OUT (feat. Charli XCX & Saweetie) – Joel Corry, Jax Jones, Charli XCX, Saweetie
  Sample: “Alors on danse” by Stromae
• Creepin’ (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) – Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage
  Sample: “I Don’t Wanna Know” by Mario Winans
• Everybody (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) – Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert
  Sample: “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior.
• Without Me – Halsey
  Sample: “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
• Beg for You (feat. Rina Sawayama) – Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama
  Sample: “Cry for You” by September
• IT’S GETTING HOT – NLE Choppa
  Sample: “Hot in Herre” by Nelly
• Red Ruby Da Sleeze – Nicki Minaj
  Sample: “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” by Lumidee
• Kiss My (Uh Oh) – Anne-Marie, Little Mix
  Sample: “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” by Lumidee
• 2 On (feat. ScHoolboy Q) – Tinashe, ScHoolboy Q
  Sample: “We Be Burnin'” by Sean Paul
• Princess – Pia Mia
  “Kiss Kiss” by Chris Brown feat. T-Pain
• My Type – Saweetie
  Sample: “Freek-A-Leek” by Petey Pablo
• Safaera – Bad Bunny, Jowell & Randy, Ñengo Flow
  Sample: “Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliott
• good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo
  Sample: “Misery Business” by Paramore (interpolation)
• Grillz – Nelly, Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp
  Sample: “Soldier” by Destiny’s Child
• Run the World (Girls) – Beyoncé
  Sample: “Pon de Floor” by Major Lazer
• Whatcha Say – Jason Derulo
  Sample: “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap
• Live Your Life – T.I., Rihanna
  Sample: “Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone
• Touch It – Busta Rhymes
  Sample: “Technologic” by Daft Punk
• Stronger – Kanye West
  Sample: “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by Daft Punk
• Pound The Alarm – Nicki Minaj
  Sample: “Stronger” by Britney Spears
• Hold Up – Beyoncé
  Sample: “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored – Ariana Grande
  Sample: “It Makes Me Ill” by *NSYNC

Spotify Playlist

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