It's hardly a secret anymore that Jamaica has had a big influence on hip hop music in America, from DJ Kool Herc toasting over breakbeats at block parties, giving rise to the genre, to producing and influencing icons like Heavy D, KRS-One and Can-I-Bus. Our reach does not stop there, however, as our music has also served as the hook for many a hip hop beat. Here are just a few that have been used by Sean Carter a.k.a. Jay-Z:
Chase the Devil - Max Romeo (1976)
From the Lee 'Scratch' Perry produced War Inna Babylon, and featuring his house band, the Upsetters, this classic track was sampled in a Kanye West production, 'Lucifer,' for Jay-Z's The Black Album in 2003
I Will - John Holt (1973)
Itself a cover of a Beatles hit (ironically from their White Album), I Will was released as a bonus track on the 1000 Volts of Holt Album. Its infectious horn introduction was again used by Kanye West on the Black Album for Jay-Z, on his monster hit, Encore.
Justice to the People - The Upsetters (1973)
Again drawing from the Lee 'Scratch' Perry powerhouse studio band, Jay-Z this time employed the talents of producer Kasseem 'Swizz Beatz' Dean for his hit Jigga my Nigga in 1999, sampling the Upsetters for the song's powerful intro. The song was a cover of the Chilites' Give More Power to the People