Golden Age Thursday Samples: Keni Burke’s “Risin’ to the Top” (1982) Becomes Hip-hop Staple Via Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1994), LL Cool J (1990), & The Notorious B.I.G. (1999)

Throughout our Golden Age Thursday deep dives into some of the more unique, off-kitler examples of the art of sampling, we sometimes let more obvious examples pass us by. In pursuit of the obscure, we’ve let the obvious pass us by. Below, you can hear a few of the many examples of how “Risin’ to the Top” has become a staple in sampling. Keni Burke – “Risin’ to the Top”Produced by Keni BurkePete Rock & C.L. Smooth – “Take You There”Produced by Pete Rock & C.L.