Willie Hutch
Willie Hutch, a name that resonates with soul and rhythm, was prominent in the music industry during the 1970s. But who was Willie Hutch? And why is his music still relevant today, especially in the hip-hop genre? Read on to learn about Willie Hutch samples in hip-hop.
Want to know the basics of sampling? Read The Anatomy of Hip-Hop Sampling
Willie Hutch’s Musical Career
Born in 1944 in Los Angeles, Willie Hutch was raised in Dallas, Texas. His music career began in 1964 on the Soul City label with the song “Love Has Put Me Down.” His music soon caught the mentor’s attention for the pop/soul quintet The 5th Dimension, and Hutch started writing, producing, and arranging songs for the group.
In 1969, Hutch signed with RCA Records and released two albums before Motown producer Hal Davis asked him to write lyrics to “I’ll Be There,” a song he wrote for The Jackson 5. The group recorded the song the morning after Hutch received the call. Soon after, Motown CEO Berry Gordy signed Hutch as a staff writer, arranger, producer, and musician.
Hutch later co-wrote songs for the Jackson 5 and their frontman Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye. In 1973, Hutch started recording albums for Motown, releasing the Fully Exposed album that year. That same year, Hutch recorded and produced the soundtrack to the Blaxploitation film, The Mack. Hutch had several R&B hits during this period, including “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” and “Slick.” He also recorded the soundtrack for the 1974 film Foxy Brown.
He recorded at least six albums for Motown, peaking with 1975’s single “Love Power,” which reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. He left Motown in 1977 for Norman Whitfield’s Whitfield Records. Hutch returned to Motown in 1982, where he scored the disco hit “In and Out” that same year and also recorded a couple of songs – “The Glow” and “Inside You” – for the 1985 film The Last Dragon. He had a club hit with the song “Keep on Jammin'” as well. Hutch left Motown again by the end of the decade and, by 1994, had moved back to Dallas.
Willie Hutch died in Dallas, Texas, on September 19, 2005, at 60.
Notable Songs by Willie Hutch
Songs like “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” and “I Choose You” exemplify Hutch’s musical genius. These songs not only topped the charts in their time but also became timeless classics, sampled by numerous hip-hop artists over the years.
Willie Hutch’s Influence on Hip-Hop
Sampling is a fundamental element of hip-hop, and Willie Hutch’s music has been a goldmine for hip-hop artists looking for that classic soul and funk sound.
How Willie Hutch’s Music Has Been Sampled
With its rich melodies and soulful rhythms, Willie Hutch’s music has been sampled in numerous hip-hop songs. His music combines old-school charm and modern appeal, making it a favorite among hip-hop artists.
Notable Hip-Hop Songs with Willie Hutch Samples
Willie Hutch’s musical portfolio is vast and varied, with numerous hits under his belt. As a solo artist, he released several successful songs, including “Love Has Put Me Down,” “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out,” and “Slick.” These songs showcased his musical talent and ability to create timeless classics resonating with audiences. Listen to “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” below:
In addition to his solo work, Hutch also penned hits for other artists. His songwriting prowess came to the fore when Motown producer Hal Davis asked him to write lyrics to “I’ll Be There,” a song he wrote for The Jackson 5. The group recorded the song the morning after Hutch received the call, and it became one of Jackson 5’s most significant early hits.
Hutch’s songwriting talents didn’t stop there. He co-wrote songs recorded by the Jackson 5 and their frontman Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye. His contributions to these artists’ discographies further cemented his prolific songwriter and producer status.
Hutch’s work in the film industry is also noteworthy. He penned the soundtrack to the 1973 blaxploitation film, The Mack, which is often considered one of the era’s finest. The soundtrack spawned such funk-soul classics as the title track, “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out,” and “Slick.”
Throughout his career, Willie Hutch demonstrated his musical versatility, contributing to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His songs, both those he performed and those he wrote for others, continue to influence artists and resonate with audiences today.
“Lost” by Chance the Rapper feat. Noname Gypsy (2013)
This song samples Hutch’s “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out.” The soulful rhythm of the original music adds a unique depth to the track, enhancing its overall appeal.
“Devil in a New Dress” by Kanye West feat. Rick Ross (2010)
This track samples “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” by Smokey Robinson, produced by Willie Hutch. The sample adds a nostalgic touch to the song, making it a standout track in Kanye’s discography.
“Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK feat. OutKast (2007)
Sampling Hutch’s “I Choose You,” this song is a testament to the timeless appeal of Hutch’s music. The sample adds a classic touch to the track, making it a memorable anthem in the hip-hop genre. The “I Choose You” sample is one of the most iconic in hip-hop. The track is from the classic UGK album, Underground Kingz.
“Blue Laces 2” by Nipsey Hussle (2018)
This song samples “Hospital Prelude of Love Theme” by Willie Hutch. The sample adds a soulful rhythm to the track, enhancing its musicality and appeal.
“The Heart Pt. 3 (Will You Let It Die)” by Kendrick Lamar feat. Jay Rock and Ab-Soul (2012)
Sampling “Mother’s Theme (Mama)” by Willie Hutch, this track showcases the profound influence of Hutch’s music on modern hip-hop. In addition, the sample adds a unique depth to the song, making it a standout track in Kendrick’s discography.
“Stay Fly” by Three 6 Mafia feat. Young Buck and 8Ball & MJG (2005)
This track samples “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold” by Willie Hutch. The sample adds a classic touch to the song, enhancing its appeal.
“Poppin’ My Collar” by Three 6 Mafia (2005)
Sampling “Theme of the Mack” by Willie Hutch, this song showcases the timeless appeal of Hutch’s music. The sample adds a unique depth to the track, making it a memorable song in the hip-hop genre. “Stay Fly” and “Poppin My Collar” appear on Most Known Unknown by Three 6 Mafia.
“Superstar” by Usher (2004)
This song samples “Mack’s Stroll (The Getaway)” by Willie Hutch. The soulful rhythm of the original track adds a unique charm to the track, enhancing its overall appeal.
“Don’t Do It” by Jeezy (2008)
This track samples “The Overture of Foxy Brown” by Willie Hutch. The sample adds a nostalgic touch to the song, making it a standout track in Jeezy’s discography.
Each of these songs showcases the profound influence of Willie Hutch’s music on the hip-hop genre. His timeless classics inspire artists, adding a unique blend of old-school charm and modern appeal to their tracks.
The Legacy of Willie Hutch in Hip-Hop
Willie Hutch’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable. His music continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists.
Willie Hutch Samples Conclusion
Willie Hutch’s influence on hip-hop is profound and enduring. His music, sampled in numerous hip-hop songs, has significantly shaped the genre. From adding a nostalgic touch to enhancing the musicality of the tracks, Hutch’s samples have left an indelible mark on hip-hop. As we look forward, we can only expect his legacy to continue inspiring and shaping hip-hop’s future.
More articles about soul music’s influence on hip-hop:
From Soul to Hip-Hop: The Enduring Legacy of Curtis Mayfield Samples
Superfly: Dissecting Curtis Mayfield’s Masterpiece
FAQs
- Who is Willie Hutch? Willie Hutch was a prominent figure in the music industry during the 1970s, known for his contributions to the soul and funk genres.
- Who sampled Willie Hutch’s “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out”? “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” by Willie Hutch has been sampled in numerous songs. Some notable examples include “Lost” by Chance the Rapper feat. Noname Gypsy (2013), “Put That on My Set” by A$AP Mob feat. A$AP Rocky and Skepta (2016), and “Permission” by Ro James (2015).
- Who sampled Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You”?
- “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch has been sampled in several songs. Notable examples include “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK feat. OutKast (2007), “I Choose You” by Wiz Khalifa (2006), and “Pimpin’ (Part 2)” by 50 Cent (2005).
- Who sampled Willie Hutch? Various artists across genres have widely sampled Willie Hutch’s music. Some artists sampled his music include Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, UGK, Nipsey Hussle, Three 6 Mafia, and Usher.
- Who sampled Willie Hutch’s “I Just Wanted to Make Her Happy”? “I Just Wanted to Make Her Happy” by Willie Hutch was sampled in “The Trill Loopgod” by Chris Crack and Vic Spencer (2017).
- Who sampled Willie Hutch’s “Color Her Sunshine”? “Color Her Sunshine” by Willie Hutch has been sampled in several songs. Some notable ones include “Rich Off Cocaine” by Rick Ross feat. Avery Storm (2009), “Late Nights” by Jay Worthy, Larry June, and “Hood Star” by Three 6 Mafia (2008).
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