Reggae Icon Ini Kamoze proves that classic music will always have an audience after his 1994 smash “Here Comes the Hotstepper” was catapulted to the top of the Reggae Songs Chart on iTunes following its use in a Starbucks Ad. With the singer’s music sampled several times over the years, we look at a few notable interpolations of material from the music star.
Sampled song; “Here comes the Hotstepper”
“Here comes the Hotstepper”
One of his early hit releases in 1991 “Here Comes the Hotstepper”, helped to create mainstream attraction to his unique delivery and flow, which has been revered by many internationally. Among its most noted samplers include Beyonce and Lil Lil Kim.
“Baby Boy”-Beyoncé featuring Sean Paul-2003
This Billboard charting collaboration is undoubtedly the most recognised track using the 90’s classic, which samples both vocals and lyrics from the original track. Beyoncé recites the hook to Kamoze’s song during “Baby Boy’s” close,( I’m Stepping it Hot This Year, I’m Stepping it Hot this Year, don’t You Like it, Don’t You Like It,”) showing the cross-genre influence of the Reggae song.
“Spicy” by Lil Kim feat Fabulous-2018
It was a similar sample used for this 2018 Lil Kim track with Fabolous, utilising Kamoze’s “hot stepping” lyrics into his verse, further demonstrating the popularity of the single and the iconic line.
Sampled song – World-A-Music
“World-A-Music” – Ini Kamoze
“Out in the streets, they call it murder” is an iconic line from an equally iconic track. “World-A-Music” is a Reggae staple globally for its compelling and instantly recognisable riddim and soulful lyrics.
“Welcome to Jamarock” by Damian Marley-2005
The lead single from Damian Marley’s Grammy-winning “Welcome to Jamrock” album, Kamoze’s sample, was excellently placed on this classic as it stamped a compelling introduction to the song and new ears to the distinct sound of the Reggae Legend.
“They Call It Murder” by Tony Yayo-2005
The G Unit Rapper Tony Yayo used Kamoze’s song as a foundation for his single -“They Call It Murder” on his 2005 project Yayo-Raw and Uncut.
Another US Hip/Hop Rap artiste, Juelz Santana also sampled the Reggae track on his 2005 release titled “Murda Murda.”
Sample song -Wings With Me
Wings With Me-Ini Kamoze
“Here Comes Trouble” by Chronixx-2014
One of Chronixx’s most compelling releases to date, this militant and powerful song capitalised on a commanding sample from Kamaoze’s “Wings With Me,” that sets a solid foundation and arguably the colour of the vastly popular single.
“Here Comes Trouble” -Chronix”
