It was confirmed yesterday evening that the world has lost a true musical pioneer and visionary. Sly Stone, the enigmatic and groundbreaking frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82.

Though Sly had lived a quiet, reclusive life in recent decades, his impact on music is undeniable.

As one of the founding architects of funk, Sly and his band fused a wide range of influences to create a sound that was both revolutionary and enduring. Their music remains as vibrant and infectious today as it was when it was recorded in the ’60s and ’70s. Beyond his musical innovation, which includes the pioneering use of early drum machines, Sly was also a cultural trailblazer as one of the first soul and R&B artists to bring together performers of different races and genders. This inclusive spirit not only helped define the band’s sound but also embodied the liberal, love-centred ethos of San Francisco at the time.

And Sly Stone’s music has continued to inspire generations of artists through the art of sampling. As a platform devoted to selling samples, we felt it was important to recognise his immense influence on sample culture. Sly is one of the most sampled artists in history, with his iconic recordings forming the foundation of countless classic tracks across a wide range of genres.

In honour of his enduring legacy, we’ve curated some of our favourite Sly Stone samples and the tracks they’re sampled in.

Sly Stone – Thank you for the music.

Sly & The Family Stone: Remember Who You Are

As Sampled in

Sly & The Family Stone: I Cannot Make It

As Sampled in I’ll Be Surprised By Skinny Man

Sly & The Family Stone: Loose Booty

As Sampled in Shadrach by The Beastie Boys

Sly & The Family Stone: Everybody is a Star

As Sampled in Star by The Roots

Sly & The Family Stone: Sing a Simple Song

As Sampled by the Jungle Brothers in The J.Beez Comin’ Through

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