Today marks eight years since the passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Although he has been gone in the physical, his legacy continues to live on and his music has left an imprint on the generations both past and present.
It is no secret that Michael Jackson is an icon, and his music has been an inspiration to artists across all genres of music.
That’s why we have taken the initiative to highlight some of the hottest tracks sampled by some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, whether you realized it or not.
1: Human Nature/ SWV “Right Here” (1992)
Released in 1992, the song samples Michael Jackson’s classic hit “Human Nature” off of his album Thriller released in 1982.
2: LL Cool J ft. Boyz II Men “Hey Lover” (1995)
LL Cool J tapped Boyz II Men for this classic track back in 1995 and it samples MJ’s “Lady In My Life,” also from his album Thriller.
3: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Ft. Kelis “Got Your Money” (1999)
ODB and Kelis teamed up for their uptempo song “Got Your Money” in 1999. It was featured on his project “N*gga Please,” and samples the classic song “Billie Jean.”
4: Puff Daddy ft. The Lox & Lil Kim “All About The Benjamin’s” (1997)
Back in 1997 Bad Boy Records was all about the Benjamins and they still are today. Biggie’s classic verse from the song samples the Jackson 5 song “It’s Great To Be Here.”
5: Jay-Z “I Just Wanna Love U” (Give It To Me) (2000)
Jay-Z definitely had a banger on his hands back in 2000 with this one. Off of The Dynasty: The Roc Familia album, the song shares a sample from the Jackson 5 song “I Want You Back.”
6: Ashanti “Rock Wit’ You” (Awww Baby) (2003)
Back in 2003 Ashanti released “Rock Wit’ You” off her album Chapter II, and it samples Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” off of his 1979 album Off The Wall.
7: Kanye West “Good Life” (2007)
Back in 2007, Kanye West had everyone singing about the good life with this single as it appeared on his album Graduation. It samples MJ’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” another classic from his album Thriller.
8: Beyoncé “Sweet Dreams” (2008)
Back in 2008, Beyoncé released her album, I Am…Sasha Fierce and one of the many amazing tracks included “Sweet Dreams,” which shares similarities with MJ’s single “Thriller.”
9: Chris Brown “She Ain’t You) (2011)
Back in 2011 Chris Brown put his own spin to the SWV remix of “Human Nature” and created this track for his album F.A.M.E. Needless to say, with MJ as one of his biggest inspirations, Chris Brown definitely nailed this.
10: Rihanna ft. Chris Brown “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” (2012)
Back in 2012 Rihanna and Chris Brown teamed up for “Ain’t Nobody Business” off of Rihanna’s album Unapologetic. Fitting for their situation during that time, the song includes a sample from Michael Jackson’s 1987 song “The Way You Make Me Feel” off of his album Bad.
