Many fan-favorite tunes are covers of earlier melodies created by pioneers that may have been unknown by some fans. Some include top hits sung by chart-topping artists such as Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.
Beyoncé – ‘If I Were A Boy’
Queen Bey surprised fans with her 2008 hit “If I Were A Boy,” a cover of BC Jean and Toby Gad’s song. This rendition reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered multi-platinum certifications in various countries.
Salt- N- Pepa’s ‘Whatta Man’
Salt N Pepa’s timeless hit “Whatta Man” was a cover of Linda Lyndell’s 1968 original. The duo’s version reached impressive positions on the Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart, and the UK Dance Singles Chart.
Aaliyah’s ‘At Your Best’
Aaliyah’s 1994 hit “At Your Best” was a beautiful rendition of The Isley Brothers’ 1976 smash hit “At Your Best (You Are Love).” The single spent weeks on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 3 in September 1994.
Destiny’s Child – ‘Emotion’
Destiny’s Child, the iconic girl group, also tried their hand at covering songs. In 2002, they released their version of Samantha Sang’s 1978 hit, “Emotion,” which became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Lauryn Hill’s ‘Killin’ Me Softly’
Lauryn Hill captivated audiences in 1996 with her rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.” This cover topped the Mainstream Top 40 chart, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”
Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is considered a classic.
However, not many people know that the original belongs to Dolly Parton. Houston’s emotional tribute to Bobby Brown took the song to new heights.
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”
Aretha Franklin’s iconic anthem “Respect” won her a Grammy and became a major feminist anthem. But it was originally written, and performed by the late music great Otis Redding in 1965.
These surprising covers remind us of the innovation and creativity that artists bring to their craft. While making a song, they pay homage to the original creators and introduce these timeless melodies to a new generation of listeners.
What’s The Problem?
In the world of hip-hop, sampling has been a long-standing tradition.
However, there are concerns about the overuse of sampling by newer artists, which some argue leads to a lack of originality in the genre. Hip-hop fans are divided on the issue, with some appreciating the homage paid to older tracks, while others feel it stifles the growth and creativity of the genre.
Goodie Mob Gets Real
Sampling has been a prominent element of hip-hop, and artists like Goodie Mob have witnessed its impact. In an exclusive interview with SOHH, members of Goodie Mob discussed their perspectives on hip-hop sampling, the state of the modern hip-hop world, and the influence of Drake’s success.
The post From Beyonce To Aaliyah: Songs Fans Probably Didn’t Know Were Covers appeared first on SOHH.com.
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