HipHhop has always been an art of sampling. Hardly any other genre handles the past as creatively – beats, sounds, and melodies are sampled, transformed, and placed into new contexts. And it’s not only funk, jazz, or soul that serve as sources of inspiration; classical music has long found its way into rap as well. Here are some striking examples of how classical music and rap enhance each other—and why this crossover is at the heart of the HipHop Ball.
Nas – I Can (2003)
Sample: Ludwig van Beethoven – “Für Elise”
Nas takes one of the world’s most famous piano pieces and turns it into a message for the youth. Between 808 drums and a children’s choir, Beethoven’s motif remains surprisingly present, creating a serious, almost textbook-like atmosphere.
The Fugees – Ready or Not (1996)
Sample: Enya – Boadicea
The slightly haunting, almost sacred Enya vocal sample makes this track one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s. Lauryn Hill’s voice floats above the melancholic soundscape, making the track feel more like a cathedral than a club. This interplay of sound and space mirrors what the HipHop Ball brings to life with its symphony orchestra.
Tupac – Me Against the World (1995)
Sample: Isaac Hayes – Walk on By
While not a direct classical quote, the orchestral arrangement in the sample adds a sense of epic grandeur, the kind you’d expect in a concert hall. Tupac’s lyrics aren’t just heard—they’re celebrated.
Jay-Z – Blueprint 2 (2002)
Sample: Paul Anka – My Way
Classical orchestral elements meet Jay-Z’s verses, creating a grand stage for big statements. The message: I’m going my own way—with drums and trumpets. This mindset also defines the HipHop Ball, where new paths are forged between street and stage, beats and ballet.
What does this mean?
These tracks show that classical music in hip-hop isn’t an odd fit—it’s an opportunity. The emotional power of classical music gives rap depth, drama, and even a sense of grandeur. At the same time, hip-hop brings classical music out of the museum and into real life—onto the streets, into the clubs.
That’s exactly where the HipHop Ball comes in.
Classical music and rap share more than one might think: both thrive on structure, emotion, and performance. And both love to think big. Maybe it’s no coincidence that rappers often turn to Bach, Beethoven, and the like.
Because sometimes, a great verse just needs a great orchestra.
