Nostalgic Samples of Today; Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Maiya Tha Don, Connie Diamond, Chinese Kitty, and Bia

Sampling is not a new concept in music production, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in hip-hop and rap. Women’s History Month should be about the celebration of all women, not just the popular girls; not just the privileged rap girls, or just all types of women. Sampling allows artists to borrow from and pay homage to previous works, creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for listeners. In the case of female rappers, many of whom are part of a younger generation, sampling older songs from the 90s and early 2000s may also be a way of connecting with a particular era of music that they admire. Rappers such as legendary Nicki Minaj with Red Ruby Da Sleaze which samples “Nina Sky’s Never Leave You”, Maiya Tha Don with “Dusties” in which she samples 50 Cent’s Magic Stick, Chinese Kitty with Boy Aint Mine which samples Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine, Ice Spice’s Gangsta Boo sampling P.Diddy I Need A Girl Part 2. , Connie Diamond with Move sampling Ludacris Move B*tch, and Bia released a snippet of her drill inspired track sampling Missy Elliot “She’s a B*tch” produced by Timbaland. 

Additionally, the use of nostalgic samples may be a response to the current state of the music industry, which has seen a proliferation of different genres and subgenres, making it harder for artists to establish a unique sound. By using samples from previous eras, female rappers are able to create a sense of familiarity and continuity with the past while also putting their own spin on it.

Ultimately, the use of nostalgic samples by female rappers is part of a larger trend in contemporary music production, where artists are increasingly looking to the past for inspiration and a resurgence of their favorite acts. Whether this trend will lead to the emergence of a new sound or the continuation of the current eclectic mix of genres remains to be seen, but it is clear that sampling nostalgic music is a powerful tool for artists looking to make their mark in the music industry or sustaining relevance.

Listen to a few tracks below: