Three (More) Just Blaze Samples We Love Posted by Lucas G. on 05/19/14 | Filed under Production Breakdown, Just Blaze, Pepsi

As you know, and probably are as well, we are a some big old rap nerds here at RefinedHype. One of the thing I get the most rap nerdy about is samples. From quizzes to who the best sample producer is and even the best sample of all time debate, we are never shy to talk samples, so when Pepsi came out with a list of five Just Blaze beats they love, we had to respond. I have to say, they nailed their picks - they did take my favorite, "Touch the Sky" - but there were a few I felt were left off the list.

Bobby Byrd's "I'm Not To Blame" on Jay Z's "U Don't Know (Remix)"

There just ain't nothing like a sped-up vocal chop. It might be the most underrated technique in hip-hop. I don't know what it is  about them exactly, all I know is that the make me feel all tingly inside; this might be one of the best examples. I love how Blaze took a slow, booming song and transformed it into something so explosive. Let it breathe Just!!!

Space "Deliverance" on Talib Kweli's "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1"

Any one can sample James Brown or Etta James, but it take a special talent to turn a futuristic, disco pop tune into a gripping, piano-driven hip-hop beat. Well, Just Blaze did on  "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1" I know this is supposed to be all about the samples, but the Blaze's work on the instrumentals is just phenomenal; those keys blend so nicely with the snare.

Dionne Warwick's "You're Gonna Need Me" on Usher's "Throwback"

I could have picked one of the hundred thousand Jay Z hits Blaze produced, but I want to pick something that showed his range. Blaze can cook up an creamy R&B beat  just as easily as an M.O.P-assisted banger. On this track alone he fits Usher's soulful crooning and Jadakiss raspy approach without changing too much with that Dionne Warwick sample bridging the gap and adding just that touch of old school to the tune.

Is Just Blaze underrated? Dude has hit after hit on his resume, was a big influence in that turn of the century era, and can turn a sample into something completely different and dope. I'm not sure exactly where he stands, but I think you would have a easier time arguing for him than against him...the proof is in the beats.

Five Samples from Just Blaze That We Absolutely Love (via Pepsi) 

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