Golden Age Thursday Samples: The Sugarhill Gang’s “Apache” (1981) Gets Reimagined By Fellow Hip-hop Luminaries Missy Elliott (2005) & Sir Mix-a-Lot (1996)

Throughout this column, we have explored how songs from the past and other genres have infiltrated Hip-hop through the meticulous art of sampling. From funk to jazz to prog-rock, Hip-hop has manipulated tunes time and time again until it lands on a sound it can call its own. This week, though, the call is coming from inside the house, as we take a look at a heavily used Hip-hop sample from one of the very first Hip-hop groups to break genre barriers. While the hard-hitting funk of James Brown and the twinkling strings from movie soundtracks are a producer’s best friend, one of the most recognizable Hip-hop performances has become a source for future generations of the genre, a means to pay homage to the pioneers that made the genre, and this column, possible. 

In 1981, the Sugarhill Gang released their sophomore effort, 8th Wonder. Amongst the tracklist is a little number called “Apache,” which features its own terrific sample from the Incredible Bongo Band, flipped into the party-starting anthem we know today. For this Golden Age Thursday, we take a look at how “Apache” became a Hip-hop fixture through the same sampling techniques that gave the Sugarhill Gang an instant classic through the lens of Missy Elliott, Master P, and Sir Mix-a-Lot.

The Sugarhill Gang – “Apache”

Produced by Sylvia Robinson

Missy Elliott – “We Run This”

Produced by Rhemario Webber

Master P – “Make Em’ Say Uhh!” (Feat. Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, Mystikal & Fiend)

Produced by KLC

Sir Mix-a-Lot – “Jump on It”

Produced by Sir Mix-a-Lot