Songs That Sampled Bobby Caldwell
From 2Pac to Common
Samples & covers
Bobby Caldwell in Hip-Hop and R&B
Bobby Caldwell’s first records found their audience on Black radio, and a generation of hip-hop producers grew up with them. His 1978 debut and 1980’s Cat in the Hat became especially fertile ground for sampling in the 1990s and early 2000s, and producers are still digging into them.
“It certainly wasn’t intended that I was able to have the success, to be embraced by Black radio,” Bobby said in 2015. He welcomed the attention: when Chance the Rapper sampled one of his records, Bobby sent him a message of thanks. “I’ve never received a message from an artist thanking me for sampling their record,” Chance wrote after Bobby’s death in 2023. These are some of the best-known records built on his songs.
What You Won’t Do for Love (1978)
The song that introduced Bobby to the world. Read the story of the song.
- Aaliyah, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number” (1994) – R. Kelly’s title song for Aaliyah’s debut album interpolates a lyric from the original. It reached No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 32 in the UK.
- Kool G Rap, “Blowin’ Up in the World” (1995) – Buckwild’s production for 4,5,6 runs a slowed-down loop of the original under boom-bap drums.
- 2Pac featuring Eric Williams, “Do for Love” (1997) – Soulshock & Karlin’s production draws on Bobby’s chorus throughout, with Eric Williams of Blackstreet singing the hook. Released as a single in 1998, it reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 in the UK and went gold.
My Flame (1978)
The ballad from his debut album. Read the story of the song.
- The Notorious B.I.G. featuring 112, “Sky’s the Limit” (1997) – Clark Kent built the beat on a sample of “My Flame.” Released with “Going Back to Cali,” it reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 35 in the UK and went gold.
- Ella Mai, “One Day” (2016) – from her EP Time, it sets Bobby’s chord progression over synth bass and trap drums.
Open Your Eyes (1980)
A deep cut from Cat in the Hat that became one of hip-hop’s most treasured samples. Read the story of the song.
- Common, “The Light” (2000) – J Dilla built the song on the original’s piano and Bobby’s voice. It reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 R&B/Hip-Hop and was nominated for the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
- Kendrick Lamar featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, “R.O.T.C. (Interlude)” (2010) – a J-Mo production from the mixtape Overly Dedicated, built on the song.
- Little Brother, “Sittin’ Alone” (2019) – Nottz and Phonte chop the original’s piano and vocals for this track from the comeback album May the Lord Watch.
Coming Down from Love (1980)
The single from Cat in the Hat.
- MURS & 9th Wonder featuring Big Pooh, “Barbershop” (2006) – 9th Wonder uses the original’s hook and riff on this track from Murray’s Revenge.
Carry On (1982)
The title song of Carry On.
- A$AP Rocky, “Better Things” (2015) – samples Bobby’s “Carry On” on At.Long.Last.A$AP, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Keep listening
More Song Stories
1978
What You Won’t Do for Love
The hit that introduced Bobby to the world, from a heart-shaped single to 2Pac.Read the story1978My Flame
The debut-album ballad behind The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit.”Read the story1978Down for the Third Time
The slow-burning song that closes his first album.Read the story1980Open Your Eyes
The song Common built “The Light” on.Read the story1982Jamaica
Bobby’s tribute to his friend Bob Marley.Read the story1986The Next Time I Fall
Written with Paul Gordon, a No. 1 for Peter Cetera and Amy Grant.Read the story1988Heart of Mine
Written for Boz Scaggs, then the title song of Bobby’s 1989 album.Read the story1988All or Nothing at All
An original written with Dennis Matkosky for Al Jarreau.Read the story1991Stuck on You
The orchestral title song of his 1991 album.Read the storyListen
Dive into the timeless sounds of Bobby Caldwell, the legendary singer and songwriter behind the classic hit “What You Won’t Do For Love.” Experience his soulful voice and smooth jazz melodies that have captivated audiences for decades. You can enjoy Bobby Caldwell’s extensive catalog on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms. Discover why his music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
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