Rap is a collection of music from other types of music. A beautiful amalgamation of layers of relentless sounds and catchy vocals which most of the time have been sampled from other songs. Although, rap is oversaturated with male talent, some of the greatest rap tracks have sampled songs by women artists. Thus, as it has been obvious throughout history, women have laid the ground work. As we close out Womxn’s History Month, please enjoy these prolific songs plus a playlist for your listening pleasure.

Sister Nancy “Bam Bam” (1982)

Notable samples: Jay-Z “Bam” (2017), Lauryn Hill “Lost Ones” (1998), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth “The Basement” (1992)

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Lyn Collins “Think About It” (1972)

Notable samples: Snoop Dogg “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None)” (1993), 2 Live Crew “Hoochie Mama” (1995)

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Mr Twin Sister “Meet the Frownies” (2010)

Notable sample: Kendrick Lamar featuring Dr. Dre “The Recipe” (2012)

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Lauryn Hill “Ex-Factor” (1998)

Notable sample: Drake “Nice For What” (2018)

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The Charmels “As Long As I’ve Got You” (1967)

Notable samples: Wu-Tang Clan “C.R.E.A.M.” (1993), Snoop Dogg “Neva Left” (1997)

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Wendy Rene “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” (1964)

Notable samples: Wu-Tang Clan “Tearz” (1993), RZA and Ol’ Dirty Bastard “Black Widow Pt. 2” (2001)

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Esther Philips “That’s All Right With Me” (1971)

Notable samples: Mobb Deep featuring Big Noyd “Give Up the Goods (Just Step)” (1995), J. Cole “St. Tropez” (2014), 9th Wonder “You’re the One For Me” (2021)

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Nina Simone “Four Women”

Notable sample: Jay-Z “The Story of O.J.” (2017)

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Cults “Bad Things” (2011)

Notable samples: J. Cole featuring Amber Coffman “She Knows” (2013), Dumbfoundead “Run Home” (2011)

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Chic “Good Times” (1979)

Notable samples: Sugarhill Gang “Rapper’s Delight” (1979), LL Cool J “Rock the Bells” (1985)

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Diana Ross “I’m Coming Out” (1980)

Notable sample: The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy, Mase and Kelly Price “Mo Money, Mo Problems”

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Aretha Franklin “One Step Ahead” (1965)

Notable sample: Mos Def “Ms. Fat Booty” (1999)

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Enya “Boadicea” (1987)

Notable samples: Fugees “Ready or Not” (1996), Meek Mill “Ready or Not” (2012), Mario Winans “I Don’t Wanna Know” (2004)

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Ann Peebles “I Can’t Stand the Rain” (1973)

Notable samples: Missy Elliott “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997), Reflection Eternal “Memories Live” (2000)

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Chaka Khan “Through the Fire” (1984)

Notable sample: Kanye West “Through the Wire” (2003)

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Wild Sugar “Bring It Here” (1981)

Notable samples: Beastie Boys “Brass Monkey” (1986), N.W.A “Quiet on the Set” (1988)

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René & Angela “I’ll Be Good” (1985)

Notable sample: Foxy Brown featuring Jay-Z “I’ll Be” (1996)

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Myra Barnes “The Message From the Soul Sisters” (1970)

Notable samples: Lil’ Kim featuring Puff Daddy “No Time” (1996), Gang Starr “No More Mr. Nice Guy” (1989), Geto Boys “City Under Siege” (1990)

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M.I.A “Paper Planes” (2007)

Notable sample: T.I. and Jay-Z featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne “Swagga Like Us” (2008)

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Linda Clifford “Never Gonna Stop” (1979)

Notable samples: 2Pac featuring Big Skye “All Eyez On Me” (1996), Nas “Street Dreams” (1996)

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