J. Cole is one of the most talented rappers of our generation. Known for his introspective and socially conscious lyrics, Cole has released multiple critically acclaimed albums. In addition to his lyrics, Cole is also known for producing his own beats. One of his most popular beats is the one he created for “Work Out.” In this blog post, we will explore what J. Cole sampled for “Work Out” and how he transformed those samples into his iconic beat.
The Samples
J. Cole’s “Work Out” samples two songs: “The New Workout Plan” by Kanye West and “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul. The beat starts off with a catchy synth melody that was taken from “Straight Up.” This melody is instantly recognizable and is what hooks the listener from the start. J. Cole seamlessly blends this melody with a driving drum beat and bassline, which serves as the backbone of the song.
As the beat progresses, J. Cole incorporates elements from “The New Workout Plan.” This song, which was released in 2004 on Kanye West’s album “The College Dropout,” features a soulful sample from “International Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK featuring OutKast. J. Cole isolates the horn section from this sample and incorporates it into “Work Out.” This gives the beat a jazzy and playful feel, which is a departure from the more serious tone of J. Cole’s previous work.
Transforming the Samples
While J. Cole may have sampled these two songs, he didn’t just copy and paste their elements into “Work Out.” Instead, he transformed them into something entirely new. J. Cole’s production style is heavily influenced by the boom-bap era of the ’90s, and this is evident in the way he chops up these samples.
For “Straight Up,” J. Cole takes the main melody and pitches it up. This gives it a brighter and more upbeat feel, which fits perfectly with the lyrics of “Work Out.” In “The New Workout Plan,” J. Cole doesn’t just use the horn section as is. Instead, he chops it up and rearranges it to fit with the rest of the beat. This creates a call-and-response effect that adds to the playful nature of the song.
J. Cole also adds his own instrumentation to “Work Out.” One of the most prominent examples of this is the piano riff that comes in after the first verse. This riff is simple yet effective and adds another memorable element to the beat.
The Legacy of “Work Out”
“Work Out” was J. Cole’s first mainstream hit. It peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. The song’s success can be attributed, in part, to its catchy beat. J. Cole’s use of samples from “Straight Up” and “The New Workout Plan” created a nostalgic feel that resonated with listeners.
“Work Out” also marked a departure from J. Cole’s previous work. While his earlier projects had a more serious tone and focused on socially conscious issues, “Work Out” was a lighter and more playful song. This allowed J. Cole to show a different side of his artistry and brought him a wider audience.
Conclusion
J. Cole’s “Work Out” is a classic example of how sampling can be used to create something entirely new. By taking elements from “Straight Up” and “The New Workout Plan” and transforming them into a fresh beat, J. Cole was able to create a hit song that resonated with audiences. “Work Out” marked a turning point in J. Cole’s career, and its legacy can still be felt today.
FAQ
What song is sampled on J. Cole?
J. Cole is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has released several hit songs throughout his career. One of his popular songs is ‘Can’t Get Enough,’ which features Trey Songz. ‘Can’t Get Enough’ was released in 2011 as a single from J. Cole’s debut album, ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story.’
The song has gained a lot of popularity among music lovers for its catchy beat and lyrics. However, many people may not know that ‘Can’t Get Enough’ actually samples another song. The sample used in the song was taken from Balla Et Ses Balladins’s ‘Paulette,’ a West African classic.
‘Paulette’ is a song that was originally released in 1965 by Balla Et Ses Balladins, a popular band from Guinea. The song features a catchy melody and Afrobeat rhythm that has been recognized worldwide. J. Cole and his production team sampled a part of the song’s melody and added it to ‘Can’t Get Enough.’
The sample used in ‘Can’t Get Enough’ adds an Afrobeat element to the song, making it more lively and upbeat. It also helps to create a unique sound that is not often heard in mainstream hip-hop music. The use of the sample in ‘Can’t Get Enough’ is a testament to J. Cole’s appreciation for African music and his ability to incorporate it into his own music.
‘Can’T Get Enough’ by J. Cole samples Balla Et Ses Balladins’s ‘Paulette.’ The sample used in the song adds an Afrobeat element to it, making it more lively and unique. The use of the sample showcases J. Cole’s appreciation for African music and his ability to incorporate it into his own music.
What Jay Z song did J. Cole sample?
J. Cole is a renowned rapper, known for his impeccable lyricism and production skills. One of his prominent songs in his early career titled ‘The Last Stretch’ featured a sample of Jay Z’s ‘Where I’m From’. The song is from Jay Z’s second studio album, ‘In My Lifetime, Vol. 1’ released in 1997.
In the song ‘The Last Stretch’, J. Cole raps about the struggles he faced in his career before he made it big in the music industry. The song features a sample which is essentially an instrumental loop taken from ‘Where I’m From’. The sample is mainly used in the song’s chorus and adds a haunting and emotional vibe to the overall track.
‘Where I’m From’ is a classic Jay Z song that is considered by many to be one of his best. The song was produced by none other than DJ Premier and features a gruff vocal delivery from Jay Z, rapping about his life in Brooklyn and his rise to fame. The beat of the song is a simple looping sample of a guitar riff, which has been used by numerous other rappers over the years.
As for J. Cole, he has made a name for himself over the years through his unique style of rapping and his exceptional production skills. He has cited Jay Z as one of his biggest influences in the industry and has sampled his music on more than one occasion.
J. Cole sampled Jay Z’s ‘Where I’m From’ in his song ‘The Last Stretch’. The sample adds to the song’s overall emotional and haunting vibe and pays homage to one of the greatest rappers of all time.
What song did J. Cole produce for Kendrick?
J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are two of the most successful and influential rappers of the current generation, known for their lyrical prowess and ability to create thought-provoking music. While they have collaborated on several tracks in the past, one of the most significant collaborations between the two artists is the song “Forbidden Fruit.”
Forbidden Fruit is a song that features on J. Cole’s album “Born Sinner,” which was released in 2013. The song features Kendrick Lamar, who is credited as a featured artist and is known for his contribution to the song’s success.
J. Cole produced the track himself, showcasing his skills as both a rapper and a producer. The song features a jazz-influenced beat, with a smooth and mellow sound that complements the introspective lyrics. The track’s laid-back and relaxing feel is a refreshing change of pace from the high-energy bangers that dominate the current hip-hop music scene.
The song’s lyrics describe the perils of fame and the dangers of excess. Kendrick Lamar’s verse complements J. Cole’s introspective and thoughtful lyrics, adding depth and insight to the song’s overarching themes.
Forbidden Fruit is a standout track in J. Cole’s discography, showcasing his talents as both a rapper and producer. The fact that he was able to collaborate with one of the most respected rappers in the industry, Kendrick Lamar, only adds to the song’s significance.
Did J. Cole make Kendrick Lamar?
The music industry is full of collaborations, both official and unofficial, and sometimes fans and critics alike speculate on who may have been instrumental in an artist’s success. One such topic of speculation is whether J. Cole “made” Kendrick Lamar, referring to whether Cole played a significant role in Lamar’s rise to fame and critical acclaim.
While it’s impossible to say definitively whether J. Cole “made” Kendrick Lamar, it’s clear that Cole played a significant role in Lamar’s career early on. Both Cole and Lamar were on the rise around the same time in the early 2010s, with Cole having released his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story” in 2011, and Lamar gaining buzz with his “Section.80” mixtape in 2011 as well.
In a 2015 interview with Hot 97, Cole confirmed that he was involved in Kendrick’s signing to Aftermath Records, a label founded by Dr. Dre. Cole said that he met Kendrick through fellow rapper Jay Rock, and was blown away by his talent. Cole explained that he hyped Kendrick up to Dr. Dre, telling him about Kendrick’s mixtape and showing him videos of his live performances. According to Cole, Dr. Dre was impressed and ultimately signed Kendrick to Aftermath.
It’s worth noting that Cole doesn’t take sole credit for Kendrick’s success. In the same interview, he praised Kendrick’s unique talent and work ethic, saying that Kendrick had “something special” that couldn’t be replicated. He also acknowledged that Kendrick’s signing to Aftermath was just one step in his journey to becoming the successful artist he is today, and that Kendrick had done the hard work of building his own buzz and fanbase before signing with a major label.
In short, while it may be oversimplifying things to say that J. Cole “made” Kendrick Lamar, it’s clear that Cole played an important role in helping to get Kendrick’s music in front of the right people and securing his spot on a major label. Kendrick’s success is a testament to his own unique talent and hard work, but it’s clear that Cole was a supportive and influential figure in his early career.
What song did Kanye sample for slow Jamz?
“Slow Jamz” is a popular pop rap, R&B, hip hop and soul song recorded by Kanye West, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx. The song was produced by West together with Jon Brion and it was released as a single in 2004.
The song has a distinct old-school feel with a rhythmic and melodic nostalgia that can be traced to the samples used by Kanye in the song. The primary sample used in “Slow Jamz” is Luther Vandross’ 1981 cover of Dionne Warwick’s 1964 ballad “A House Is Not a Home”. The sample’s use in the song is known as “chipmunk soul” due to its sped-up nature.
Kanye West is known for his extensive use of sampling in his music, and “Slow Jamz” is no exception. By sampling Vandross’s song, West was paying homage to an R&B classic while also adding a contemporary twist. The sample was expertly integrated into the overall production of the song, giving the track a warm and soulful feel.
The use of “A House Is Not a Home” in “Slow Jamz” is a perfect representation of Kanye’s approach to sampling. He has an ability to take a classic song and make it relevant to a new generation. This skill has been praised by many, including fellow rapper Jay-Z, who once remarked, “Kanye has the gift of producing great samples.”
“Slow Jamz” is a classic example of Kanye West’s sampling-driven approach to music production. The use of Luther Vandross’ cover of Dionne Warwick’s “A House Is Not A Home” highlights Kanye’s ability to take classic samples and make them relevant to modern music. The “chipmunk soul” sound on the track, courtesy of the sped-up sample, is also a testament to Kanye’s production genius and creative vision.
Did J. Cole produce The Warm Up?
The Warm Up is a mixtape released by American rapper J. Cole on June 15, 2009. The mixtape was produced primarily by J. Cole himself, with assistance from fellow producers Elite and Syience. Although J. Cole had previously released multiple mixtapes prior to The Warm Up, this project helped to establish him as an up-and-coming artist in the hip-hop world.
J. Cole’s production on The Warm Up is praised for its emotive and soulful aesthetic, often incorporating samples from classic R&B and soul songs. The production on tracks such as “Dead Presidents II” and “Lights Please” has been noted as particularly strong, showcasing J. Cole’s knack for crafting instrumentals that support and complement his lyrics.
While J. Cole is widely regarded as one of the most talented MCs in the game, his skills as a producer are sometimes overlooked. The Warm Up is a testament to his ability to create cohesive and sonically pleasing projects from start to finish. The mixtape has been viewed over 3,100,000 times, streamed over 451,000 times, and downloaded over 700,000 times on DatPiff. These numbers, along with critical acclaim, demonstrate the lasting impact of J. Cole’s production on The Warm Up.
