Menahan Street Band & Jay-Z

For my final sample post I wanted to talk about one of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z. I'll be discussing his use of a sample from the Menahan Street Band's debut album. 

The Menahan Street Band is a soul/funk band based in Brooklyn, New York that formed in 2007. They have released three albums, of which the third came out in 2021 after a 10 year hiatus. Most of their recognition actually comes from rappers having sampled their songs. Aside from Jay-Z, some other huge artists that have sampled their music are: Kendrick Lamar, Cordae, 50 Cent, Kid Cudi, Eminem, Ludacris, and many others. In terms of horns they only have one trumpet and one saxophone, both of which double on other instruments as well. 

I think their song Make The Road Walking is alright. It's not really my speed, but I can still enjoy it. Its hard not to immediately associate this song with Jay-Z's song since I know that so well, but it is cool hearing it as a standalone song. The sample that we hear in Roc Boys (And The Winner Is) begins at about 1:08. 

Here is Make The Road Walking:

It goes without saying that Jay-Z is one of the best rappers of all time. He is another household name in this country, and even if you can't name a song of his, I can guarantee that you'll probably recognize at least one by hearing it. His cadence and flow are truly unmatched,  and he has a way of rapping that is incredibly unique. On top of that, his lyricism is incredible. He is intelligent, clever, and funny when he chooses to be. Those are only three descriptors of the many that can be used to describe his lyricism. Jay-Z has released a total of 13 solo albums since 1996, with his most recent album having been released in 2017. He's also released 4 collaborative albums as well. He has sold over 140 million records, won 24 Grammys, and holds the record for the most number one albums by ANY solo artist on the Billboard 200. He was the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the first solo living rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. 

Roc Boys (And The Winner Is) is a really great song. This another song that is great to workout to. It always hypes me up so well, even if I'm just walking and listening to it I can't help but start walking with a little swagger in my step. This song is such a great example of how great a rapper and lyricist Jay-Z is. He just rides the beat so well. He makes it seem so easy, but he's spitting some incredible rhymes. The sample from Make The Road Walking can be heard from the beginning and throughout the whole song. 

Here is a link to Roc Boys (And The Winner Is):

Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)