Songs That Sample 90s Music

From hip-hop to dance, R&B to pop, the music of the 90s left an indelible mark on the industry. Today, modern artists are breathing new life into these iconic sounds by sampling 90s hits in their latest chart-toppers. The fusion of nostalgia with contemporary styles is proving to be a winning formula, bringing fresh relevance to the tracks that shaped an entire generation. Let’s dive into how this trend is redefining today’s music landscape.

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

How Modern Artists are Reviving the 90s with Iconic Samples

One of the most notable examples of this resurgence is David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s hit, “I’m Good (Blue)”, which samples “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65. Released in 1998, the original was an iconic Eurodance track that dominated clubs worldwide. By taking the instantly recognizable melody and pairing it with modern EDM production, Guetta and Rexha were able to introduce the infectious hook to a whole new audience, while also igniting nostalgia in those who remember the original.

Beyoncé also tapped into 90s gold with “BREAK MY SOUL”, sampling Robin S.’s “Show Me Love”, a dance anthem from 1993. Beyoncé’s rendition brings a modern house beat that aligns with today’s dance music while keeping the essence of Robin S.’s hit alive. The result? A timeless track that bridges decades and feels both familiar and innovative.

Hip-Hop’s Relationship with 90s Classics

Hip-hop has long had a relationship with samples, but today’s artists are finding fresh ways to reinterpret classic 90s jams. Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda”, for example, heavily samples Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back”, a track that was virtually inescapable in the 90s. Minaj took the iconic bassline and used it to build a playful and provocative anthem that resonates with today’s audiences while nodding to its 90s roots.

Cardi B’s “WAP”, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, samples a lesser-known but culturally significant 90s house track, “Whores in This House” by Frank Ski. The explicit and bold nature of the original complements the energy of “WAP”, making the sample an integral part of the song’s attitude and success.

R&B’s Love Affair with the 90s

R&B is another genre that finds itself indebted to the 90s. Rihanna’s “Jump”, for instance, samples Ginuwine’s 1996 slow jam “Pony”. Where the original was a sultry, bass-heavy R&B track, Rihanna’s version transforms it into an uptempo, electrifying banger, highlighting how samples can be recontextualized to fit different moods and eras.

Nostalgia Meets Innovation

What’s fascinating about the use of 90s samples is that they don’t just rely on nostalgia; they fuse the old with the new. This creative recycling not only pays homage to the originals but also allows modern listeners to experience a reimagined version of iconic sounds. Whether it’s Taylor Swift borrowing from Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” for her hit “Look What You Made Me Do”, or Camila Cabello sampling Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” in “Crying in the Club”, these artists are giving a second life to 90s classics in a way that feels fresh and current.

Why the 90s?

So why the 90s, and why now? There’s a cyclical nature to pop culture, and as millennials—the generation that grew up on 90s music—come of age, the sounds of that decade have started to re-enter the cultural consciousness. Modern artists are seizing this opportunity, understanding that a well-placed 90s sample can tap into a deep well of nostalgia while also connecting with younger listeners who may be hearing these hooks for the first time.

Additionally, the 90s was a period of immense experimentation in music production. The birth of hip-hop’s sampling culture, the rise of Eurodance, and the explosion of R&B created an array of diverse, memorable tracks that continue to influence today’s music. For artists looking to innovate while still paying respect to the greats, the 90s offers a rich catalog of sounds to draw from.

The Future of Sampling

As long as music continues to evolve, the past will always play a role in shaping the future. With modern technology allowing artists to seamlessly integrate samples into new tracks, we’re likely to see even more 90s influences in the coming years. The key to success is balance—reinterpreting iconic sounds while adding fresh, contemporary elements to create something new.

In the end, modern artists are doing more than just borrowing from the past—they’re creating a dialogue between eras. By sampling the 90s, they’re not just celebrating the music of that decade but also showing how its influence continues to resonate in today’s musical landscape.

List of Song Samples from the 1990s

• BREAK MY SOUL – Beyoncé
  Sample: “Show Me Love” by Robin S.
• REACT – Switch Disco, Ella Henderson, Robert Miles
  Sample: “Children” by Robert Miles
• Anaconda – Nicki Minaj
  Sample: “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot
• I’m Good (Blue) – David Guetta, Bebe Rexha
  Sample: “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65
• (It Goes Like) Nanana – Peggy Gou
  Sample: “9PM (Till I Come)” by ATB
• Scrub – Sleepy Hallow
  Sample: “No Scrubs” by TLC
• Not Your Barbie Girl – Ava Max
  Sample: “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
• Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] – Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua
  Sample: “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
• Alone (with Nicki Minaj) – Kim Petras, Nicki Minaj
  Sample: “Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay
• Stan – Eminem, Dido
  Sample: “Thank You” by Dido
• ALIEN SUPERSTAR – Beyoncé
  Sample: “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred
• Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift
  Sample: “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred
• Love Again – Dua Lipa
  Sample: “My Woman” by Al Bowlly with Lew Stone & His Monseigneur Band
• Drunk On Love – Rihanna
  Sample: “Intro” by The XX
• Crying in the Club – Camila Cabello
  Sample: “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
• WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) – Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion
  Sample: “Whores in This House” by Frank Ski
• Love a Girl Right – Little Mix
  Sample: “Thong Song” by Sisqó
• Jump – Rihanna
  Sample: “Pony” by Ginuwine
• Something New – Zendaya, Chris Brown
  Sample: “Creep” by TLC
• Bittersweet Goodbye – Issey Cross
  Sample: “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
• I’M HIS, HE’S MINE (feat. Doechii) – Katy Perry, Doechii
  Sample: “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” by Crystal Waters

Spotify Playlist

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