Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life: Original Samples

Yeah, we’re gonna complete the whole Jigga sample collection. After this one, there are only 2 albums that haven’t been completed. You can thank Thomas again for this set. At nine samples though, I’m not completely sure this collection is complete. The problem is samples aren’t always documented. We do what we can to compile what we know, but I’m almost positive there’s more diggin’ left to be done on this album. For one, we all know Timbo samples and Swizz does too, for the most part. So I’d like to see if anyone else can contribute to this list. And no I’m not talking about the Jay verses that Premo scratched in ‘Hand It Down’. I left those out for obvious reasons.

Released on September 29, 1998, Vol 2… Hard Knock Life is Jay-Z’s third album and probably his most successful album commercially. Yes, I said commercially. I’m not a huge fan of this album and I cringe every time I hear ‘Hard Knock Life’, but this is the album that made Jay-Z a household name. Here are the samples…

Edit 9/3/09 – Set has been updated with a new link.  Ne album information will be added later today.

1. “Are You Man Enough” by The Four Tops
From the album Main Street People (1973)
Sampled in “Hand It Down”
Produced by DJ Premier

2. “Coming of Age” by Jay-Z feat. Memphis Bleek
From the album Reasonable Doubt (1996)
Sampled in “Hand It Down”
Produced by DJ Premier

3.  “Hard Knock Life” by Peter Gennaro
From the album Annie soundtrack (?)
Sampled in “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
Produced by The 45 King

4.  “Sunshine” by Earth, Wind & Fire
From the album Gratitiude (1975)
Sampled in “Nigga What, Nigga Who”
Produced by Timbaland

5. “Ballad For The Fallen Soldier” by The Isley Brothers
From the album Between the Sheets (1983)
Sampled in “A Week Ago”
Produced by J-Runnah

6. “Theme From Shaft” by Isaac Hayes
From the album Shaft (1971)
Sampled in “Reservoir Dogs”
Produced by Erick Sermon

7. “24-Carat Black (Theme)” by 24-Carat Black
From the album Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth (1973)
Sampled in “Reservoir Dogs”
Produced by Erick Sermon

8. “The Beggar’s Song” by Wet Willie
From the album Wet Willie (1971)
Sampled in “It’s Like That”
Produced by Kid Capri

9. “The Hall of Mirrors” by Kraftwerk
From the album Trans-Europe Express ( 1977)
Sampled in “It’s Alright”
Produced by Damon Dash & Mahogany

10. “Once In A Lifetime” by Talking Heads
From the album Remain in Light (1980)
Sampled in “It’s Alright”
Produced by Damon Dash & Mahogany

11. “Weak At The Knees” by Steve Arrington
From the album Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame I (1983)
Sampled in “Money Ain’t A Thang”
Produced by Jermaine Dupri

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