Busting on the scene in the late 70’s with a record deal from Motown, the late Teena Marie was one of the original divas of rhythm and blues. With white skin, but a voice as soulful as a singer with the richest melanin, Teena Marie was referred to as the ‘Ivory Queen Of Soul.’ Her noteworthy career and superlative vocals influenced hit-makers such as Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and Faith Evans.
Teena Marie may have been a r&b veteran, but her influence ran deep in the hip-hop community. Long before she signed a record deal with Birdman’s Cash Money Records label, Marie’s music was sampled in hip-hop tracks that came from some of the game’s biggest emcees, and it still is today.
Listen to a short list of Teena Marie samples within the hip-hop community below.
Artist: Raekwon
Song: Ooh La La La
Sample: Ooo La La La
Artist: Ludacris
Song: Child of the Night ft. Nate Dogg
Sample: Portuguese Love
Artist: Pastor Troy
Song: License to Kill
Sample: Out on a Limb
Artist: The Fugees
Song: Fu-Gee-La
Sample: Ooo La La La
Artist: Mobb Deep
Song: It’s Alright ft. 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige
Sample: Ooo La La La
Artist: The Firm
Song: Firm Biz ft. Dawn Robinson
Sample: Square Biz
Artist: Nicki Minaj
Song: Firm Biz ’08 ft. Jadakiss
Sample: Square Biz
Artist: Jadakiss
Song: By My Side ft. Ne-Yo
Sample: I Need Your Lovin’
