Kanye West's Late Registration: The Samples

May 6, 2018

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Introduction

Kanye West's Late Registration is undoubtedly one of the most influential and critically acclaimed albums of all time. Released in 2005, the album showcased Kanye's mastery of sampling, taking snippets from various sources and weaving them together into a cohesive musical narrative.

The Art of Sampling

Sampling is an integral part of hip-hop and has been a key component of Kanye's artistic process. By borrowing snippets from existing songs and incorporating them into his own music, Kanye not only pays homage to his musical influences but also creates a unique sonic experience for his listeners.

Sample #1: "(Wake Up Mr. West)" featuring Bernie Mac

In the introduction track of Late Registration, Kanye samples a dialogue by the late Bernie Mac taken from the film "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood." This sample sets the tone for the album, with Bernie Mac humorously criticising Kanye's tardiness, injecting a sense of self-awareness into the project.

Sample #2: "Touch the Sky" featuring Curtis Mayfield

"Touch the Sky" features a prominent sample from Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up." Kanye brilliantly incorporates the horns and drums from the original track to create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, emphasizing his message of ambition and perseverance.

Sample #3: "Gold Digger" featuring Ray Charles

One of the album's biggest hits, "Gold Digger" heavily relies on a sample of Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman." By fusing Charles' soulful vocals and lively piano melody with his own rap verses, Kanye crafts an infectious track that explores themes of love, money, and societal expectations.

Importance and Impact

Late Registration's innovative use of sampling not only showcases Kanye's musical prowess but also draws attention to the artists and songs that influenced him. Through his reimagining of these samples, Kanye introduces a new generation of listeners to timeless classics while pushing the boundaries of hip-hop production.

Conclusion

Kanye West's Late Registration stands as a testament to his unmatched creativity and ability to transform existing musical fragments into groundbreaking compositions. This album not only solidified his place in music history but also paved the way for future artists to explore and experiment with sampling.

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Kyle Lynch
Love Kanye's sample selections!
Nov 8, 2023
Eric Dosch
This article offers fascinating insights into Kanye West's sample selections on "Late Registration." A must-read for music enthusiasts!
Oct 12, 2023