The music industry is always evolving. With new trends always being introduced and incorporated, we can always look forward to what music will sound like in the future. While some are optimistic of the future of music, others prefer to look back and listen to music of the past instead. But why not do both? This is where the magic of sampling comes into play.
Starting in the 1980’s, around the birth of hip-hop music, sampling quickly grew into a practice used by artists of other genres, for example pop and electronic music. By the 90’s it had reached South Korea and was employed by artists like JYP and H.O.T, which led to many other artists doing the same. Let’s look into the world of sampling and a few various examples of K-Pop artists who have used it in their musical endeavors!
2. EXO – “Ya Ya Ya” (2019) and SWV – “You’re The One” (1996)
EXO-Ls were in for a treat when EXO announced that they would be incorporating a sample from one of the most known R&B groups from the 90’s, SWV. Right from the beginning, the one-line sample truly sets the tone of the song. An angelic voice repeats the words “you’re the one” in a distant voice; giving listeners the assumption that the song could be a ballad. But before you can even finish that thought, the beat comes in and changes the whole vibe of the song into a laid-back retro feel. “Ya Ya Ya” fits perfectly in EXO’s discography with its strong vocals, funky instrumental, and mesmerizing bridge. The song ends just as angelic as it starts with the “you’re the one” sample fading out, leaving the listeners wanting to replay it as soon as it’s over.
2. Agust D – “Agust D” (2016) and James Brown – “This is a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (1966)
When Suga of BTS made his dynamic and influential solo debut in 2016 as Agust D, he released his self-titled anthem Agust D. The song sampled one of James Brown’s most memorable songs, “This is a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” While most artists incorporate a short but prominent audio sample, Agust D, who wrote and produced the whole mixtape himself, decided to use the sample as a major part of the instrumental. Throughout the song, you can hear the sample in the background as Agust D showcases his immaculate rap skills. The use of the sample in this song aided in giving the song a crazy and hectic type of feeling and the music video supported it equally as well.
3. Twice – “Cheer Up” (2016) and Zhana Saunders – “Sanctuary of Love” (1991)
Twice’s “Cheer Up” is arguably one of the most well-known K-Pop songs ever. It has a catchy tune that’s easy to get hooked on, memorable hand gestures and dance moves, and a unique music video concept. It’s safe to say that most KPop fans know the song and the dance, but what some people don’t know is that Twice used a sample in the song! Although short, audio of singer Zhana Saunders singing “I need you” from her song “Sanctuary of Love” appears after the first chorus. This sample is a strategic touch which separates the lively chorus from the charming rap that follows. Even just a few words or a few seconds of a well-placed sample can really impact the whole song and leave a memorable impression on listeners.
4. IOI – “Whatta Man” (2017) and Linda Lyndell – “What a Man” (1968)
Serving as IOI’s second comeback and first formal introduction of their new seven-member unit, IOI put a twist on a very well-known song from the 60’s by Linda Lyndell called “What a Man.” Don’t let the similar titles fool you; other than parts of the chorus, they have completely different sounds and vibes to them. The original “What a Man” has a more relaxed and intimate feeling while IOI’s “Whatta Man” has a more energetic pop excitement to it. Both versions of the song saw success in their own ways respectively, and with such a catchy hook like that it only makes sense!
SHINee – “Sherlock (Clue + Note)” (2012) and SHINee – “Clue” and “Note” (2012)
Typically, it’s not very often that groups or artists sample their own songs; but SHINee is not your typical group. Because of their undeniable confidence and never being afraid to think outside the box or create their own trends, SHINee always leaves fans wondering what’s next. No one could have expected SHINee to sample two of their own songs and remix it into a whole different one. “Sherlock” is composed of the songs “Clue” and “Note” hence the (Clue + Note). Taking certain sections from each song and blending them together to create one final masterpiece is part of what makes Sherlock such a fascinating and monumental comeback. Not to mention, when the two songs come together, they tell a story of solving a mystery revolving around a clue and a note. This unique way of sampling could have been risky, but seeing as how “Sherlock” is one of SHINee’s most known songs, it’s evident that they made the right choice.
This article was written by KPOP-TV Blog Team member Taryn Burress
