Recently I was enjoying some funk & soul classics when Curtis Mayfield inevitably came up.
The former lead singer of The Impressions is known for a number of hits, with the group and as a solo artist, but there’s one song that even those unfamiliar with Curtis Mayfield have probably heard before.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z66wVo7uNw[/youtube]
Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up
The prominent horns from Move On Up were sampled by Kanye West for his 2006 single Touch the Sky, which also features a radio debut by rapper Lupe Fiasco.
Mayfield is truly one of the greats, a pioneer in funk/soul and socially conscious R&B. He’s a double inductee into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; inducted as a member of The Impressions in 1991, and again in 1999 as a solo artist.
Kanye is known for sampling his fair share of soul records in his earlier production days, so even though Touch the Sky was produced by Just Blaze it’s no surprise to hear this classic melody on a Mr. West track.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkwQbuAGLj4[/youtube]
Kanye West ft Lupe Fiasco – Touch the Sky
What’s your favourite Kanye West sample? Whether it’s from one of his own songs or something he produced for another artist, let me know in the comments below!