In 2025, music lost one of its most beloved innovators. The passing of Sly Stone, the forward-thinking funk-fusion artist and mastermind behind Sly and The Family Stone, sent a wave of grief and memories through the music world when the news hit the internet on June 9. Stone left behind an incomparable legacy, one propelled by unparalleled creativity matched with the gusto and prowess to bring these visions to life, resulting in some of the most memorable and finest examples of psychedelic soul still in rotation to this day.
Stone, along with being one of the most celebrated musicians of his time, not only left an undeniable mark on funk and soul, but also saw his compositions bleed into the Hip-hop world, which brings us to this Golden Age Thursday. On May 3, 1969, Sly and the Family Stone released Stand!, their fourth studio album. While the LP’s success was bolstered by singles like “Everyday People” and the title track, the very last song is “You Can Make It If You Try,” a groovy, uplifting number driven by colorful vocals, powerful horns, and, most importantly, an unforgettable drum break that chimes in around the 52-second mark, provided by legendary drummer Greg Errico. Below, you can hear how the likes of Jungle Brothers and Ice Cube turned this bright piece of Sly Stone history into a cornerstone in Hip-hop sampling.
Original Sample: Sly and the Family Stone – “You Can Make It If You Try”
Produced by Sly Stone
Jungle Brothers – “Because I Got It Like That”
Produced by Jungle Brothers
Ice Cube – “Wicked”
Produced by Torcha Chamba
8Ball & MJG – “Comin’ Out Hard”
Produced by 8Ball & MJG and Tony Draper
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