Ever wondered where that scratchy voice saying "f-f-f-rrreeeesssshhh" on every second '80s rap record actually originated from? Or who originally sang the chorus of "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock? Look no further. We've handpicked ten of the most recognisable and widely used vocal samples of all time, the ones you heard a million times before but never knew where they come from. Not your obvious James Brown or Chuck D lines and shouts, but the ones that somehow feel like they always existed as a part of our urban sonic landscape, almost like the sound of trains and buses. We'll trace them back to the original recordings and hopefully shed some light on just how and why they earned their place in sampling history. Ready?







Think we've missed something out? Share your favourite vocal samples with the WhoSampled community in the comments below!