Guide to Marvin Gaye Samples
From the late 50s to the early 80s, Marvin Gaye was a dominant figure in the world of R&B, soul, and pop. As a result, many modern artists across genres have sampled his work. In this post, we will explore the broad-reaching influence of Marvin Gaye samples and delve into the numerous songs that feature samples of his timeless music.
Learn more about sampling in our article The Anatomy of Hip-Hop Sampling
Who Has Sampled Marvin Gaye?
Marvin Gaye’s influential sound has been sampled by various artists in diverse genres. Gaye’s discography has found a new life in modern music, from hip-hop artists like 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar to pop icons like Ed Sheeran and Michael Jackson. Even contemporary R&B artists, like Pharrell and Robin Thicke, have taken cues from Gaye’s signature style.
What Marvin Gaye Song Did 50 Cent Sample?
50 Cent’s crew, G-Unit, sampled Marvin Gaye’s “Come Live With Me Angel” in their classic track, “Wanna Get to Know You” The soothing background melody, sampled from Gaye’s song, provided a contrasting backdrop to 50 Cent’s rugged rap verses, illustrating the versatility of Gaye’s music.
Did Michael Jackson Sample Marvin Gaye?
Although Michael Jackson was heavily influenced by Marvin Gaye, there’s no known record of him directly sampling Gaye’s music. However, both shared a similar love for soul and Motown, significantly shaping their individual sounds.
How Much Does It Cost to Sample Marvin Gaye?
The cost to sample a Marvin Gaye song can vary greatly, depending on factors like the song’s popularity and how it’s being used. To sample a song, you must generally negotiate a fee with the copyright owner. In Marvin Gaye’s case, his catalog is handled by his estate or the recording company that owns the rights to his music. It’s advisable to consult a music rights expert or attorney for guidance.
What Marvin Gaye Song Did Pharrell Sample?
The hit song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams was famously embroiled in a lawsuit for allegedly copying Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” While the artists maintained that they were inspired by the ‘feel’ of Gaye’s song and did not directly sample it, the jury ruled in favor of Gaye’s estate, making this a landmark case in music copyright disputes.
Did Amy Winehouse Sample Marvin Gaye?
Amy Winehouse, a soulful British singer known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals, did not officially sample Marvin Gaye’s music. However, her music was deeply influenced by Motown and soul music, including Marvin Gaye’s work.
Who Copied Marvin Gaye Songs?
Artists have been accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s songs in several instances. One of the most notable cases involved the song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams. In 2015, a jury found that “Blurred Lines” had infringed on Gaye’s 1977 song “Got to Give It Up” and awarded Gaye’s family approximately $7.4 million in damages.
Another case involved Ed Sheeran’s song “Thinking Out Loud,” which was accused of copying elements from Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” Marvin Gaye’s estate lost the case in 2023.
Please note that these cases are based on allegations of copyright infringement, which is a legal matter that can be subject to interpretation and judgment. The artists involved may not have intentionally copied Gaye’s songs, and the outcomes of these cases do not necessarily reflect their artistic integrity.
What Song Did Kendrick Lamar Sample for Marvin Gaye?
Kendrick Lamar is known for his nuanced use of samples. In “The Heart Part 5” from his album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Lamar samples Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You.”
Did Kanye Sample Marvin Gaye?
Kanye West is a master of sampling and has indeed sampled Marvin Gaye’s music. In his song “Spaceship,” West samples Gaye’s “Distant Lover.” This particular sample emphasizes West’s talent for taking classic songs and recontextualizing them in new and innovative ways.
Did Robin Thicke Sample Marvin Gaye?
As mentioned earlier, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were accused of copying the feel of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” in their hit “Blurred Lines.” The legal decision favoring Gaye’s estate underscored the thin line between inspiration and copyright infringement, although no direct sample was used.
Does Marvin Gaye Own His Music?
Marvin Gaye owned some of his music, but not all. Like many artists of the time, he signed away many of his rights to Motown Records in the early years of his career. However, he gained more control over his music, particularly with later albums like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On.”
What is Marvin Gaye’s Best Selling Song?
Marvin Gaye’s best-selling song is undoubtedly “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” This soul classic topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks in late 1968 and early 1969 and has since been covered by numerous artists.
What Song Made Marvin Gaye Famous?
While Marvin Gaye had a string of hits, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is often cited as the song that propelled him to superstardom. This track helped solidify Gaye’s status as one of Motown’s leading artists and remains an iconic piece of his discography.
Check out another article about soul samples in hip-hop: From Soul to Hip-Hop: The Enduring Legacy of Curtis Mayfield Samples
In Conclusion
Marvin Gaye’s soulful melodies and evocative lyrics have left a lasting impression on the music industry. His music has been sampled, emulated, and celebrated by artists across genres, illustrating his work’s timeless appeal and enduring influence. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no denying the far-reaching impact of Marvin Gaye’s music.
