Just because you’re blind doesn’t mean you can’t shine.

Stevie Wonder did not need no view to play piano like a chief. He didn’t need no view to become a music legend as well. Over fifty years in the music industry, he carried out tons of hits and platinum records.

Firstly known as a prodigy-child on Motown Records, he later became the major figure of Soul music.

And because Hip-Hop artists likes to dig in great music, Stevie Wonder didn’t escape from being sampled. Here’s a little compilation of the best use of Mr Stevland Hardaway Morris’ works.

One album, two singles: that’s the story of “the nigga named Jamal”. Produced mostly by Erick Sermon, Redman and Easy Mo Bee in 1995, Last Chance, No Breaks fits in the club of underground rappers who only did a one-shot. Nevertheless, the young kid from Philadelphia proved his album worths to be listened.

Especially with this smooth candy-like piano loop sampled from Ribbon in the sky. “Keep it real !”

Stevie Wonder – Ribbon in the sky (sample appears at 0:00)

Jamal – Keep it Real

 

Dangerous Mind, great movie uh ? But how about the soundtrack ? If you saw this film starring Michelle Pfeiffer, you know what I’m talking about.

Coolio, in 1995, released here one of the most major hits of Hip-Hop. The kind of rap songs, even your momma listened. Unlike Jamal, one success was enough to get wealth for the rest of his life. Well, Gangsta’s Paradise is almost a rap cover of Pastime Paradise from Mr Wonder.

So first, there goes the magnificent original track with violins quartet and Stevie delicate voice tone. It appears on his 1976 masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life, a double-disc which contains track like Isn’t She Lovely, I Wish, Sir Duke (tribute to Duke Ellington) and As.

Stevie Wonder – Pastime Paradise

Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise

 

Before Dr Dre, Foesum were the G-Funk precursors. Rolling on the West Coast (Long Beach), they brought loud bass lines and gangsta themes along with the lyrics. They even introduced Snoop Dogg to the game in 1992 with a diss track to a former member of Foesum, Domino who chose to leave the group after an intern conflict.

Speaking of bass, Lil Somethin’ Somethin’ from their debut album in 1996, is composed from a sample of Stevie Wonder, That Girl.

Foesum – Lil Somethin’ Somethin’

Stevie Wonder – That Girl (sample appears at 0:10)

 

Without even know, the blind child made a great gift to Hip Hop producers with this pure instrumental following.

The First Garden is like a shop for beatmakers. Every instruments diserves to be sampled: piano, harmonica, drums, bass, bird noises, xylophone. The track appears on his 1979 Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants.

Atmosphere, the underground band from Minneapolis, picked the piano intro to perform Cuando Limpia El Humo, which means “when the smoke clears”. Deep, dark and meaningful. All needed to be appreciated.

Atmosphere – Cuando Limpia El Humo

Stevie Wonder – The First Garden (sample appears at 0:13)

As always, Stoupe of Jedi Mind Tricks is very eclectic in his choice of samples. On War Ensemble, the depressive piano loop taken from All in Love is Fair fits perfectly JMT’s style.

Once again, Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah had things to say against war. Army of the Pharaohs are invited on the track. Push play, your ears are gonna enjoy.

Jedi Mind Tricks – War ensemble

Stevie Wonder – All in Love is Fair (sample appears at 0:01)