When the news of the death of David Bowie hit the Web, it was no wonder that hip-hop stars flocked to their feeds to pay homage. Kanye West called the music legend one of his “most important inspirations.” Q-Tip heralded Bowie as one of his “heroes.” Pharrell Williams called him “a true innovator, a true creative.” Though the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has also etched a legacy that transcends music–he is also a fashion and art icon–his artistry became the source of some of hip-hop’s biggest records. From Public Enemy, to Jay Z, to Puff Daddy & the Family, David Bowie served as a blueprint, time and time again.
A Bowie favorite of hip-hop artists to sample has been “Fame,” his 1975 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit from his album, Young Americans. The track was tapped for Hov’s arsenal of fury on Takeover,” tracks from Ice Cube and Public Enemy and for a Dr. Dre track of the same name. Transformed constantly were Bowie’s enigmatic melodies into hardcore hip-hop tracks, proving that his tunes were not only iconic, but also malleable. His music was even behind the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard charts: Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.”
If you’re not up on the importance of David Bowie, take a small glimpse into his influence with these 12 rap songs that drew from his genius. Get familiar.
-
-
Puff Daddy and The Family- “Been Around The World” (1997)
-
Vanilla Ice- “Ice Ice Baby” (1990)
-
Ice Cube- “Alive On Arrival” (1991)
-
Ol’ Dirty Bastard- “Dirty Run” (2005)
-
EPMD- “I’m Mad” (1990)
-
Dr. Dre- “Fame” (1996)
-
Jay Z- “Takeover” (2001)
-
MF DOOM- “Rapp Snitch Knishes” (2004)
-
J Dilla- “Take Notice” (2003)
-
Ultramagnetic MCs- “Break North” (1988)
-
El-P- “Innocent Leader” (2002)
-
Public Enemy- “Night Of The Living Baseheads” (1988)
-
Honorable Mention: A Tribe Called Quest – “Can I Kick It?” (1990)
-
Honorable Mention: James Brown – “Hot (I Need To Be Loved)” (1975)
