Jamaican reggae and dancehall music have long provided the rhythmic heartbeat for countless tracks across a wide variety of genres.
From hip-hop to pop and electronic dance music, these influential sounds have been incorporated into numerous chart-topping hits. In honor of Reggae Month, which starts on February 1, here are five of the most sampled reggae and dancehall tracks and their impact on the global music scene.
Bam Bam – Sister Nancy
Arguably the most sampled reggae song of all time, Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam has transcended its roots to become a timeless classic. The track’s infectious beat and iconic vocals have been featured in numerous songs, including Lauryn Hill’s Lost Ones and Guerilla Black’s Compton featuring Beenie Man. Most recently, Kanye West’s Famous borrowed its distinctive bass notes. While Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam is the most recognized version, the original instrumental foundation can be traced back to Toots and the Maytals’ 1966 Jamaica Festival-winning song of the same name.
One Blood – Junior Reid
Junior Reid’s powerful anthem One Blood is another staple in the sampling landscape. Its message of unity and distinctive melody have made it a favorite for artists looking to infuse their tracks with reggae authenticity. The Game’s It’s Okay (One Blood) became an instant hit in the mid-2000s, helping introduce the song’s signature sound to a new generation. Since then, its iconic beats have been repurposed across genres, from hip-hop to reggaeton.
Murder She Wrote – Chaka Demus & Pliers
A dancehall classic, Murder She Wrote has become a go-to sample for producers looking to capture the energy of old-school Jamaican music. Its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics make it a timeless favorite on dance floors worldwide. Some of the most recognizable samples include El Taxi by Pitbull, Freaks by French Montana and Nicki Minaj, and Post to Be by Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jhene Aiko. Even the Black Eyed Peas gave the song new life with a 2020 remake for the movie Bad Boys for Life, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth
Though recorded outside of reggae’s birthplace in Birmingham, England, Pass the Dutchie remains one of the genre’s most iconic sounds. Unlike the other tracks on this list, this song was a pop sensation upon its release in 1982, topping charts across the globe. Interestingly, Pass the Dutchie itself is a rework—borrowing its hook, vocals, and melody from Pass the Kouchie by The Mighty Diamonds, released just a year prior. More recent reimaginings include Dis Generation by A Tribe Called Quest featuring Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s Pass da Blunt, Have Mercy by French Montana, Jadakiss, and Beanie Sigel, and Burna Boy’s Time Flies from his Twice as Tall album.
Under Me Sleng Teng – Wayne Smith
One of the most influential riddims of the 1980s, Sleng Teng revolutionized reggae with its digital sound and has since been reworked countless times. Tracks like Hardware by Ini Kamoze and Reggae Joint by 2 Live Crew have sampled its distinct melody, while its unmistakable bassline continues to serve as a party-starting anthem in reggae and dancehall circles.
Over the years, Jamaican music has evolved into diverse styles, from mento and ska to rocksteady, reggae, dancehall, and more recently, trap dancehall. These genres have not only shaped Jamaican culture but have also influenced artists and producers worldwide.
The enduring popularity of reggae and dancehall underscores their significance in the global music landscape. By continuing to inspire musicians across genres, Jamaican music remains a vibrant and essential part of the world’s cultural soundtrack.
