When it comes to meaningful hip-hop production, J. Cole stands in a class of his own. His use of samples isn’t just about flipping old records, it’s about building emotional depth, setting a mood, and paying respect to music that came before. For producers looking to understand the art of sampling, diving into J. Cole’s catalog is essential. Whether he’s using jazz, soul, or classic hip-hop influences, his samples always serve the story.
Here are 10 essential J. Cole samples every producer should study, counting down from 10 to 1.
10. “Can I Holla At Ya” – Sample of “To Be With You” by Jimmy Cliff
This deep cut from Truly Yours 2 is raw, emotional, and reflective. Cole flips a delicate guitar loop from Jimmy Cliff into a somber backdrop for one of his most personal tracks. There’s nothing flashy about it, just a soulful sample, honest lyrics, and room to breathe. It’s a reminder that less can be more when you’re working with the right emotion.
9. “Rich…” – Sample of “Poverty’s Paradise” by 24-Carat Black
This track from Born Sinner is a haunting reflection on money, class, and meaning. The sample comes from a lesser-known soul group whose music has an almost cinematic quality. The looped strings create a dark atmosphere that perfectly supports the theme. The lesson here is simple, dig deeper than the obvious and you’ll find hidden gems.
8. “Forbidden Fruit” – Sample of “Mystic Brew” by Ronnie Foster
This jazz-funk classic has been sampled before, most notably by A Tribe Called Quest, but Cole’s version gives it a smoother, more polished feel. The original groove is mostly intact, but subtle tweaks and modern drums bring it into the Born Sinner era. It’s a great example of honoring a well-known sample while making it your own.
7. “Deja Vu” – Sample of “Swing My Way” by KP & Envyi
This one sparked conversation when it dropped, especially since Bryson Tiller had already used the same sample in “Exchange.” Still, Cole’s version carries a unique energy. It’s chopped and spaced differently, giving it a slightly more broken, staggered feel. It’s a reminder that two producers can take the same starting point and end up in totally different places.
6. “The Cut Off” – Sample of “Friends or Lovers” by Bernard Wright
This track from KOD is a moody, introspective piece about emotional boundaries. Cole flips Bernard Wright’s smooth 80s jam into something much darker. The original track is full of warmth and groove, but here, it becomes ominous and distant. The pitch shift and loop selection show how a sample’s mood can be completely transformed.
5. “Love Yourz” – Sample of Sam Smith (Live Version) “I’m Not the Only One”
Instead of using a studio version, Cole sampled a live performance for added texture and realness. The background harmonies and atmosphere from the live setting create a natural warmth. It’s subtle and almost unrecognizable, but it gives the track a powerful undercurrent. Sometimes, the best samples are the ones people don’t even realize are there.
4. “Villuminati” – Sample of “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. and “Juicy Fruit” by Mtume
Cole opens Born Sinner with a bold flip that nods directly to hip-hop history. By sampling both Biggie’s intro and the original “Juicy Fruit” track, he connects three generations in one moment. His version is more aggressive and darker than the original, giving the sample a fresh edge while honoring its legacy.
3. “January 28th” – Sample of “Waves” by Freddie Joachim
From 2014 Forest Hills Drive, this track uses a mellow jazz loop from Freddie Joachim to create one of the album’s most laid-back yet impactful moods. Cole lets the sample breathe, keeping it close to the original. It shows that sometimes, trusting the source material is the best move a producer can make.
2. “Lights Please” – Sample of “Theme from the Planets” by Dexter Wansel
This track helped put Cole on the map. It’s a perfect balance of soulful sampling and sharp storytelling. The Dexter Wansel loop has an outer-space, dreamy vibe that fits the narrative. It’s not overly chopped, just trimmed enough to loop cleanly, allowing the lyrics to stay in focus while the beat sets the tone.
1. “Apparently” – Sample of “La Morte Dell’ermina” by Filippo Trecca
Arguably one of J. Cole’s most iconic samples, this piano loop carries 2014 Forest Hills Drive’s emotional centerpiece. The original is an Italian composition with classical roots, and Cole transforms it into a soulful, introspective ballad. The repetition of the loop gives it a hypnotic quality that never gets old. This is a masterclass in simplicity, feeling, and restraint.
Final Thoughts
What makes J. Cole’s sample choices so iconic isn’t just the music he picks, it’s what he does with it. He knows when to let a loop speak for itself and when to twist it into something new. He’s not chasing trends. He’s telling stories, and the samples are part of that storytelling.
For producers, these tracks are more than just songs to enjoy. They’re blueprints. Listen closely, study the arrangement, and pay attention to how each sample shapes the mood. Whether you’re flipping vinyl or digging through digital crates, the right sample can change everything.