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The Alchemist’s Secret Sauce: 5 Legendary Sample Flips 💎
Inside the sample choices behind some of his biggest classics.
Photo credit: EMPIRE
The Alchemist is a Beverly Hills native who came up under DJ Muggs and the Soul Assassins before building one of the most consistent producer runs in hip-hop. From early work with Mobb Deep and Dilated Peoples to major contemporary records with Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Eminem, and the newer wave of Boldy James, Earl Sweatshirt, Larry June, and Griselda, he has always positioned sampling at the forefront of his craft. Considered one of the most meticulous ears in crate-digging, Alchemist leaves no stone unturned for inspiration, transforming even the simplest textures into something that feels intentional. His chops, filters, and drum selection never get in the way of the loop- instead working together, giving artists space to find their pocket.
Across more than twenty-five years, Alchemist has developed a definitive sound where the sample leads and the mood carries the record. Whether it’s a four bar loop, seamlessly looping or a complete reconstruction of a melody built effortlessly from a one-shot stab, he effectively bridges nostalgic sampling tradition with new flows which has captivated audiences across multiple generations of hip-hop and solidifying himself as one of the most prolific talents in music. For producers, the lesson is simple: trust your ear, dig with curiosity, and let the loop breathe. Below are five of his most notable sample flips that demonstrate why his production game is different.
💎 #1: THE ALCHEMIST F/ PRODIGY, NINA SKY & ILLA GHEE – “HOLD YOU DOWN” (2004)
→ Sampled: Al Kooper - Love Theme from “The Landlord” and → Lil Kim’s vocals from “It’s All About the Benjamins”
💎#2: KENDRICK LAMAR “MEET THE GRAHAMS” (2024)
→ Sampled: Timothy Carpenter and Triunity “Sweeter” and → Andrew Wartts and The Gospel Storytellers “Can You Say Yeah”
💎 #3: JADAKISS F/ STYLES P “WE GONNA MAKE IT” (2001)
→ Sampled: Samuel Jonathan Johnson “My Music”
💎 #4: MAC MILLER F/ ACTION BRONSON AND LOADED LUX “RED DOT MUSIC” (2013)
→ Sampled: Camel “A Heart’s Desire” and → Head West “Attention”
💎 #5: LARRY JUNE, THE ALCHEMIST & BIG SEAN “PALISADES, CA” (2023)
→ Sampled: Luis Alberto Spinetta “Omens of Love”
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