Sunday Night Sample- Jay-Z - Feelin’ It

Tonight we’re going with one of my favorite tracks, of one of my favorite albums Jay-Z ever put out. From back when he was relatively unknown and very slept on.

Jay-Z’s “Feelin’ It” stands out as a classic track from his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, which hit the shelves in 1996. This album not only cemented Jay-Z’s reputation as a formidable artist in the hip-hop world but also showcased his unique storytelling prowess and lyrical dexterity. “Feelin’ It,” in particular, serves as a perfect embodiment of the album’s ethos, blending introspective lyrics with smooth, jazz-inflected beats.

Sample

Ahmad Jamal - Pastures

The production of “Feelin’ It” is a testament to the golden era of hip-hop sampling, with the track sampling jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal’s 1970 song “Pastures.” This choice of sample is a brilliant reflection of the track’s laid-back, reflective vibe. The producer behind this magic, Ski Beatz, managed to loop Jamal’s mellow piano riff, (most noticeable at the 1:09 mark) layering it over a laid-back beat that perfectly complements Jay-Z’s introspective lyrics. The song also features background vocals by Mecca, adding an additional layer of depth and soul to the track.

An interesting fact about Reasonable Doubt is that despite its now-legendary status, it wasn’t an immediate commercial success. It took years and several more albums for the quality of Reasonable Doubt to be fully recognized, with Jay-Z himself often citing it as his finest work. This slow burn to fame is a testament to the album’s depth and the industry’s evolution.