10 Iconic Roy Ayers Samples That Defined Hip-Hop and R&B
Roy Ayers wasn’t just a vibraphonist—he was a musical visionary whose sound shaped hip-hop and R&B in ways that still resonate today.
His signature jazz-funk grooves, buttery keys, and hypnotic vibes didn’t just stay in the jazz world; they became the foundation for some of the most iconic tracks in music. A Tribe Called Quest flipped the musician’s smooth instrumentation for “Bonita Applebum,” while Mary J. Blige infused his soulful essence into “My Life.”
Following his passing on March 4, 2025, at 84, it’s only right to honor his legacy by revisiting ten classic songs that sampled his work. These tracks don’t just borrow from Ayers—they carry his influence forward, proving that his music will always be part of the culture.
J. Cole – “Rags to Riches (At The Beep)”
Sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
J. Cole pays homage to his storytelling roots with this deep-cut gem. Sampling the popular “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” Cole reflects on his come-up, aspirations, and the realities of the rap game.
Kendrick Lamar - “Good Kid”
Sample: “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid” masterfully weaves a tense, introspective narrative over the moody bassline of Roy Ayers’ “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby.” The sample reinforces the song’s
2Pac – “Lost Souls”
Sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
2Pac’s posthumous track “Lost Souls” from the “Gang Related” movie soundtrack borrows from several classic records, including The System’s single “Don’t Disturb This Groove” and lyrics from Ayer’s “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.”
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Digable Planets - “Borough Check”
Sample: “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby”
Digable Planets’ “Borough Check” pays homage to Brooklyn’s rich cultural landscape, seamlessly flipping Ayers’ “We Live in Brooklyn, Baby” into a laid-back, jazz-infused groove.
Naughty By Nature – “Sunshine”
Sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
Another hit that reimagines Ayers’ signature groove is “Sunshine” by Naughty By Nature. This sample brings a feel-good energy while maintaining the smooth, melodic essence of the original.
Tyler, The Creator – “Pothole”
Sample: “Ohh”
“Pothole,” one of the standout tracks from Tyler, The Creator’s “Flower Boy,” borrows from Roy Ayers’ “Ooh,” a deep cut from his 1983 album “Ooh.”
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Mary J. Blige – “My Life”
Sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” is a deeply personal and soulful track, made even more potent by its foundation—Ayers' “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.”A Tribe Called Quest – “Bonita Applebum”
Sample: “Daylight”
A Tribe Called Quest took the warm, dreamy essence of “Daylight” and flipped it into one of the smoothest love anthems in hip-hop history. That lush groove paired with Q-Tip’s laid-back delivery made “Bonita Applebum” an instant classic, proving Ayers' timeless influence on the culture.Black Eyed Peas – “Vibrations Pt. 1, Pt. 2”
Sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”
Ayers’ classic “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has been sampled multiple times, but Black Eyed Peas’ “Vibrations” stands out, blending soulful loops and socially conscious lyrics. The song is a throwback to hip-hop’s golden era, proving Ayers’ impact remains timeless.
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Tyler, The Creator – “Find Your Wings” feat. Roy Ayers, Kali Uchis, and Syd
Tyler, the Creator tapped into the legendary sound of Roy Ayers for “Cherry Bomb’s” ethereal standout, “Find Your Wings.” The jazz-funk icon’s signature vibraphone and warm instrumentation add a soulful, dreamlike quality to the track, perfectly complementing Tyler’s message of self-discovery and artistic freedom.
