The Top 10 Upright Bass Lines in Hip Hop

[@pdbass]

At 1:01, I mistakenly listed the wrong song title in the graphic. It should say "Put It On"--apologies to Big L!!

[@mezzasegolas]

ahah, was going to bitch about that in the comments, well played! and nice bass, is it a Pöllmann?

[@pdbass]

@@mezzasegolas Yep

[@DynaBruhBlackKnight]

@@pdbass also, “Vibrations” was a tune by Roy Ayers that Buster Williams covers…love your channel and enjoy the fellowship on TalkBass..!!

[@Docchucklilchuck]

I have to say my favorite Double bass line is in “Sucka Nigga” Incredible. It’s such a “slippery” line. Smooth and beautiful. Bounces with a “head bop” Brilliant… (Ok, third edit here. The bass line may not be played on a double bass) I need ears on this and can someone correct me?

[@dmphotography.prints]

HAND IN YOUR BADGE... I'll never forgive you! 🤣

[@TheSteelDialga]

I love Buggin' Out by Tribe. That bassline always gets stuck in my head

[@SunyattaAmen]

Yo!!! Microphone check 1-2 what is this??!

[@evflorybarnes]

Man... As a fellow double bassist 9 days away from 43 this presentation gets me damn near emotional. Much of my pre-jazz education and formal double bass training was spent learning these lines from these records and then getting hip to their sources, first in name, then deep in study. This era opened many doors of music and my imagination, inspiration and personal expression. thank you.

[@evflorybarnes]

This one is worth a mention. I do solo bass cover of this tune. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3fChIidmrF2btk

[@evflorybarnes]

Which is the sample for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foiwpIqFZduDl5o

[@jorscan]

As a bassist, an old head and an em'cee, all I can say is thank you for this video, and the rest of your content. I'm psyched to dig in. I would just add one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite records, "I Remain Calm" by the late, great Leonard "Hub" Hubbard. Rest in Power Hub ❤

[@alexdebling1564]

The first time I heard Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay", I felt like I discovered A Tribe Called Quest's secret ingredient.

[@carloszagal1934]

Me too

[@adamnielsen8108]

@@carloszagal1934 Me too ;)

[@oe3phen]

really thought this was going to be #1...

[@s3hooligan]

That👆

[@rillloudmother]

yes, but Tribe sampled Jack Wilkins' version of Red Clay.

[@CGholston]

Gangstarr's "I'm the Man" samples Charles Mingus' Haitian Fight Song. It's one of the songs that got me into Jazz! It accompanies Jeru The Damaja's lyrics.

[@j.ciloafasho]

The “Rebirth of Slick” was the first song that came to mind when seeing the title of this video. That bass line with those horns over top…. jam!

[@rillloudmother]

That came out my senior year of high school.

[@halcop]

Ron Carter-Verses From the Abstract/Low End Theory-A Tribe Called Quest. I know it was written specifically for A Tribe Called Quest but it's still Ron Carter.

[@jmiguelsimpkins]

His bass line is actually an interpolation of Heatwave’s “Star Of A Story”. It’s the bass line at the beginning of the record before the verse.

[@nelsonharrison4305]

Paul, this is an absolutely brilliant presentation in every dimension i believe you have set a new standard here in demonstrating the genius of your predecessors as absorbed and skillfully articulated by a true disciple of the craft passed down from musical griots who invent the language we speak. You are a true testament that "bass rules." I saw this potential in you 33 years ago. Thanks for making my dream come true.

[@Zrillamarion]

Listen kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HTkJqLfZuCgM0

[@johniebaltimore]

The bass lines you selected have become embedded in my DNA. Hearing your perfect renditions lifted my spirit. One of my personal favorite double bass lines is on The Roots’ “Swept Away.” I believe it’s an original composition and not a sample. I maybe wrong tho. Thank you for your content.

[@michaelthomas4630]

Loved the video. I feel like A Tribe Called Quest could have filled this list alone. My favorite is "Verses from the Abstract". Maybe; there are so many dope tunes/lines! "Thanks a lot, Ron Carter, on the bass. Yes, my man Ron Carter, is on the bass.."

[@todddonaldson2822]

“Back in the day when I was a teenager” Golden age indeed, nice work man!

[@RPGtravelphoto]

Playing "Guess the Sample" in Golden Age Hip-Hop is a great way to kill some time and hear some good music. Though Roni Size's "Brown Paper Bag" might fall just outside the time period, IIRC the bass line is from Charlie Mingus and provides a real organic hook to the song.

[@adambartone9193]

First of all I really enjoyed this video, I'm a huge hip-hop fan and upright player. Second of all, I have been watching your channel for a few years, I am totally surprised and excited about how passionate you are about hip-hop! PS Great sensibility on the final one to take that 10th note pattern and turn it into a groove, I had never heard that.

[@carloszagal1934]

You nailed almost every iconic double bass lines in hip hop! I was surprised to not see Electric Relaxation by ATCQ but it was nice to see them get love on your list. Very entertaining content! Maybe a part 2 is required?

[@carloszagal1934]

@@sactownchad agreed

[@pdbass]

TCQ is so amazing, they could get their own list. I’ll be doing one of my “From the Bottom” videos on Low End Theory in the next month or so.

[@ceruleanstone]

Definitely could use some Electric Relaxation on this list. That's my favorite hip-hop jazz double bass bassline.

[@CommishNflpro]

The late George Duvivier on the "Double" on Ronnie Foster's 1972 cut "Mystic Brew" from the Two Headed Freap LP. Was only 12 when that dropped but came upon it in the late 70's when I really got into Jazz. Recorded at the iconic Van Gelder Studios, (not far from where I live now) in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. That studio has a story of it's own....

[@SoundSignals]

Great top 10! Another few favourites: ATCQ "Buggin Out", Eric B. & Rakim - "Juice" and "Untouchables", Beatnuts "No Equal"

[@AfferbeckBeats]

I love Buggin Out, I was introduced to that through Dave Mirra's Freestyle BMX on the PS2. That bassline is the whole song, it's just drums and bass and rapping, no other sounds!

[@spudmckenzie9429]

I thought Juice would have made the list because that bass goes crazy

[@coloreo666]

This video is EXACTLY wht I was looking for. I'm making a double bass hip hop playlist but I'm no connoisseur, so naturally I went looking for one. I already had Cool Like Dat, Don't Sweat the Technique and When the sh*t goes down by Cypress Hill. Man, you done got me suscribed to your channel, absolutely loved your video. Looking forward to watching others! Have a nice day!

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@unc1589]

Dude you are the perfect age to bridge between the old and the.new. You can talk about Jamerson and Jeru the the Damaja in the same breath. Plus you got chops!

[@smashboogietheilladelic5740]

Great segment!

[@kilbozjan8871]

Music evolution is one of my favorite jazz bass line.

[@livelikeitshows1802]

“Back in the day when I was a teenager, before I had status and before I had a pager…🔥🔥🔥🔥 That would have been my #1. Awesome list, my man! Thanks for the video!

[@kevinlynch2248]

I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I have to say that in my humble opinion, yours is the best bass guitar channel out there today. Seriously!! I am also of the "Golden Age' of Hip-Hop and I love the songs you've chosen here!

[@pdbass]

Thank you for watching!!

[@adamalexander5634]

Premier schooled us all in that era. Great video, I’m a new fan, keep teaching and preaching!

[@nickguiffrida566]

This is incredible! Just discovered your channel, and this is high quality content and top notch playing! Really killer

[@jinjxmusic]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing - I love hearing "sampled" jazz bass and drums.

[@AndrewToddOC]

This is so good. Love to see Digable Planets and Beasties in the mix. Honorable mention to the respective tunes “Pacifics” and “The Scoop” (which I believe Adam Yauch played double-bass on - I could be wrong, as always). Love your stuff Paul. Many thanks!

[@AndrewToddOC]

Although now that I listen back, Pacifics is probably an electric bass. 🧐

[@Zrillamarion]

Go go go go kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOmpmB3Zrimea8

[@cimiv]

Yo true story this past weekend I took my family to the Discovery Museum in Acton MA that has a bunch of different themed rooms and exhibits. One room is all about sound, and they have an upright mounted to a post that usually kids just run up to and thwack around a couple times then run off to the next thing. Sadly you can't access the tuners or any positions lower than about 2nd position because the whole scroll is locked in a display case, but someone left it just close enough to being in tune that I could make that loop from Pacifics happen and I just went with it for a little while until one other dad looked over and gave me the "I hear you" nod, which was all I needed.

[@lechkwiecinski9033]

Awesome video. I loved how hip-hop was made in 90s. Upright bass smells like royalty in HH instrumentals.

[@3340steve]

Thank you for posting this excellent lesson, now i can woodshed where the core hip-hop tracks got it.

[@rafaelosuna4784]

Props for putting "dont sweet the technique " one of my favorite Rakim tracks!

[@exerciserelax8719]

Such a great concept for a video! I remember hearing Cool Like That as a kid/teen and thinking it was the hippest thing I'd ever heard. Jazz and hip-hop bringing the past and future together. The incorporation of jazz gave it a sense of style and laid-back groove that couldn't be beat.

[@SciFiDigitalMusic]

Super dope. Ish giving me chills. I thought a lot of Hip hop producers were coming up with these baselines. This is mind blowing.

[@juanbcn83]

This video is pure gold!!! Brilliant. Not only for the information but for the good albums to listen also. It's an electric bass line but I need to mention. Root Down, with Wilton Felder on the bass and sampled for the Beastie Boys.

[@pdbass]

One the ILLEST lines ever!

[@patrickr12342]

It is a fantastic video. For me as a bassist, who grews up with hip hop, it is a must, to get into the history of jazz. Thank you so much, for your work. I a am glad, to found your channel, yesterday.

[@theamplesamples]

@pdbass Absolutely love the channel, your knowledge, musical and oratory gifts. In all deference, Hip Hop and Jazz owe one another a huge thanks. Sampling of jazz by Hip Hop artists occured mostly after the landmark Grand Upright vs Warner Brothers case. This meant so many of these jazz recording and composition samples were cleared and credited for release on Hip Hop albums. These original records were released at a time when vinyl and possibly cassette were the only medium of music sales. Being sampled by artists who were releasing CDs and now streams to a larger audience means jazz artists and writers (particularly self-published ones) made and make far more money than they ever would on albums from the 70s alone. Hip Hop extended the lives of once under valued copyrights. When done right, Black Art begets Black Art and financial freedom.

[@ianrags]

Great video! I am so glad I have found your channel, you are a great teacher and a criminally underrated creator. I’ve learned so much from going through your videos, thank you so much for what you do!!!

[@Zrillamarion]

Busta will kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOmpmB3Zrimea8

[@ri067953]

Thank you for pulling Beatnuts into this list. One of the unheralded hip hip production duos

[@blbrown5578]

Man, I can't thank you enough for opening my eyes and ears to your world of music! The very first sentence in the prescribed text book for music 101 read "most people argue that with music they know what they like to which you could counter I like what I know".Your videos and lessons drilled home that invaluable concept! The most challenging issue for KZbinrs is to develop content to capture and retain an audience! Congratulations to you for you have not only captured an audience but you are obviously speaking and teaching from a place that is truly near and dear to your heart. That is definitively the true meaning of success.

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@chowchichang2922]

This research is amazing ! Wow ! Who would have thought Eldee Young inspired Don’t Sweat The Technique …

[@BradyWatt]

Well done sir!

[@robertstrait1684]

Hey Paul, just want to say thank you...I've been super inspired by you and your channel. Thank you for teaching the music, history, and the culture....not just the theory. So many others fall short in this way, but you sir deliver the real. Kudos, keep keeping on my dude!

[@JohnHancotte]

Your channel has become my favorite on this YT network. You make me want to play and get out there like nobody else. I hope to catch you in the act one day, but I'm in Georgia. In the meantime, I will aspire to cop your attack, intonation, and rhythm drive. Hope you continue to have good health and enjoy this short life we all are facing. That low C extension is serious!

[@PeacePeaceGawd]

Peace to C. Scott for sharing this gem of a channel. After the big L bass line, I closed my eyes and was able to name each one, unfortunately, I’ve never been good at remember the name of the og sources. Bless your soul

[@protripl]

My fav: you covered it on this video.. Be by Common, super dope bassline, and overall instrumental... but another 2 I'll mention is NY state of Mind by Nas and Know the Ledge by Eric B and Rakim, thanks for the dope video 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SuperBassEd]

Ron Carter can also be heard on a tune that he co-wrote with French rapper Mc Solaar in the early 90's: "Un ange en danger", among other gems from from the excellent Stolen Moments Red Hot + Cool album. He gets significant solo time there and treats us with some signature glissandos (check the live version). :) Not a sample either, it's the original bass line.

[@valentinch0]

This one is a TUNE!

[@elephantgrass631]

One of the GOAT French rappers. I have a feeling that so much amazing hip hop to come from France and all the way over the pond In Quebec have been lost due to time and entropy. If there’s someone out there with burnt CD’s of anything underground or B side of such artists, it would really help music right now to upload it.

[@TheRflynn]

He’s also playing on The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, though my guess is its not a sample and it is on electric bass.

[@joshrosenstock2798]

This is so great! Thanks for including Beatnuts "Props Over Here" - love that one so much! These are the tunes that got me playing double bass in the first place.

[@jakesensi5552]

Great content. Being a bass player and sampler myself. One day digging in the crates I found the Choice is yours sample by accident. I was listening to the bass solo and all of a sudden BLAM he played the line. I almost broke my neck looking back to my turntable. I think he only did the line one time in the song.

[@WowDaniX]

Thanks for the trip back down memory lane. I love the live music vibe.

[@davidreidy5750]

Oh man I miss the golden era of hip hop,and Beat nuts was one of my faves when I used to hang out on the Brownstones in upper west side NYC back in early 90's.Youre killing it man!!🤖♥️

[@sittingbull1903]

Haven’t listened yet but if “don’t sweat the technique “ ain’t top 5 then I’m calling for a recount !

[@TheWattsSuperhero]

Loved the break down. It was totally solid!! Imma a golden age head myself, so I know you could had a list of 20 more examples!! I while ago I went to do a little research on Ron Carter. Ended up on his KZbin channel by chance, and ended up checking out one of his tutorial sessions and was thouroughly educated as well as impressed. But mind got blowned when he hit me back with the Thank You !!! Made my day, my week, and my month! By the way awesome video!

[@kareembuck9481]

Bruhhhhh, taking me back making my head swell with love for this music we thought was only ours! Thank you soo much

[@rclspin]

Very nice presentation Paul, I had forgotten many of those songs, that's what I call reminiscent.

[@s3hooligan]

Loved this! These bass lines were the soundtrack of my early adulthood. Thanks for educating me on the source. ATCQ with Freddy Hubbard remain my favorite hip hop tracks of all time.

[@curtislawrence7096]

Thank you - Made my list for owning these stellar recordings. Excellent playing !

[@SchizoSkillz]

I love "Verses From the Abstract" by ATCQ, featuring Ron Carter, on the bass, thanks a lot, Ron Carter, on the bass...😎

[@Arbed225]

Excellent job recapping the bass lines. Young-Holt Unlimited was one of my favorite groups.

[@mattnieri1202]

Love this video! Paul, you could do vol. 2, 3, ... 8, on this topic :) Most of my favorite hip-hop tracks have an upright bass sample. Even mamá said knock you out has upright bass. It makes such an impact.

[@onesixfive]

props for not making 'dont sweat the technique #1! its one thing for someone to just do a bunch of research and that is worthy of props in itself but it is obvious how much you were into this. you ought to have given some credit to the producers who chopped these lines. i think this video is going to blow up - this is a great topic for your channel and you nailed it. well done brother

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ambreewilliams6585]

So many great memories! I absolutely KNEW you were going to feature Eric B & Rakim's "Sweat The Technique"! My absolute FAV back in the day!

[@Drinks4450]

Dude you a bad man!!! To be able to play all those bass riffs and with such accuracy and dedication you should be crowned a Genius. Thats was GGGreat!😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@derryltivers]

I know it may sound crazy but my first base I stole from my high school my first double bass I kept her for some time and then how to refinish them Rob returned it 20 years later great condition. I would say that I’m a bass player but it’s still a work in progress I’m a drummer Percussionist I’m 61 years old and I truly love music after hearing you play all those different songs and breaking them down and showing a truce forms I truly enjoy it and I appreciate everything that you do and I just wanna say thank you

[@sanchopp]

Thank you, thank you, thank you !!! There are many bass lines and albums that I never hearded. Thank you for this video.

[@derryltivers]

My brother thank you for all you do. Your appreciation for the base and for jazz music is uncanny.

[@AmazingJayB51]

Sooo, excited when I see you’re covering this!!! 🔥

[@bertharris8628]

I was waiting for the Digable Planets sample and Trident...and there were several i didn't know about...Thanks, Paul

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Wow what a throwback! These are all incredible! I realize these were all on upright, but I remember the first time I heard Deja Vu, after growing up with Steely Dan! It was like Holy S!

[@SilverDomUK]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou!! I have been trying to find a track and it's been driving me crazy!! The Eric B.& Rakim - Don't Sweat The Technique sample used from Young Holt Unlimited's Queen Of The Nile track is used in the trailer of the new film "Wolfs". I knew I had heard it before somewhere but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called!

[@pgtd1201]

stetsasonic's is still on my table since it came out. Talking all that jazz!

[@johnjill3900]

Great idea! Always loved the Stetsasonic, never knew it was lifted from LL Smith. cool stuff!!

[@mustafahajj]

Wicked.... the Common joint "BE" The brother in this video is EXCELLENT! Mega talented 👏🏽 👌🏽

[@andregordon2599]

Dude, so many hip hop heads have gotten into jazz, blues, soul, Motown etc because of hip hop. We love it

[@bassocanario]

Brilliant-as always! Also: your right hand attack is even more balanced than it was a year ago...You sound fantastic. This one was a real treat, thank you! Thanks for another inspiring post, and... Happy New Year !

[@pdbass]

You been here since day one, Mark! Thank you, brotha. Have a wonderful year--P.S. I had my soundpost moved for the first time in about 5 years. It completely took pressure off the top and loosened up my strings. She’s playing like buttah now!

[@6fretless]

@@pdbass And you have inspired me and many others from the beginning, so thank YOU ! Glad that your set-up is perfect now...Watch out, world! 😉😎🤗

[@ivand8531]

Those bass lines... Totally sick!

[@LeoTraversaMusic]

This is awesome, Paul. Watching your videos, I feel like we grew up listening to the same music ;-) Your GAP band segment was great ! Thanks.

[@jordangalash4289]

I am so stoked about this video. Great work!

[@kannon3979]

I was waiting on that Common baseline. Thank you so much 🎶

[@NicHasegawa]

Your list leans, decidedly, towards the *best* era of Hiphop ❤️ Also, The Roots “Intro/There’s Something Going On” has a killer upright bass line

[@greghamilton4129]

Thank you. I love your list. Most of these are still heavy in my rotation to this day. Especially your nod to the Beatnuts who had some of the best underground songs in the Golden Age of Hip-Hop.

[@valentinch0]

“Music Evolution” by Buckshot LeFonque has a great double bass line as well. Excellent video!

[@elephantgrass631]

Fantastic recommendation and a rare one for today at that.

[@agumonkey]

first name that came to mind. Common - Pop's rap part 2 is also a potential entry

[@terrymiller111]

I just found out about your channel a few days ago. I was worried until I found out we have VERY similar taste in Golden Age hip hop as well as certain seminal jazz bassists. This video was awesome.

[@Tiddleypidlei]

GREAT VIDEO!! You’ve got some great tunes on this list. I swear It’s like this video was made for me.

[@adrianlawrence4807]

THIS WAS FANTASTIC🎼🔥✨🥁🧙🏾‍♂️

[@mw6343]

Man! You are blowing my mind with this one. I too am an avid fan of the Hip Hop's Golden Age for 2 reasons: 1) The diversity, thoughtfulness and intentionality of the lyrics and 2) the tributes to jazz and old school R&B. Why are DJs like J Dilla were so sought after? That right there! :) Keep amazing us with your astuteness! Blessings...

[@kurth6595]

Excellent picks here. I’d also want to add in two songs from Aesop Rock: “Dryspell” (classic Ornette Coleman sample) and “Big Bang”

[@Zrillamarion]

Let's never leave kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOmpmB3Zrimea8

[@tagon70]

Sir ..You are great...stumbled onto your channel ..Excellent.Great ear and great list.

[@tyteskillz]

My favorite sample is from Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew” on ATCQ’s “Electric Relaxation” on their Midnight Marauders album.

[@ericdelrio4614]

Awesome video! As a bass player and hip hop head this was such a fun and interesting watch.

[@rdp2445]

Hey Paul, just ran into your channel and as a fellow bassist and old school hip-hop head I feel your passion. I always be trying to find old school hip- hop bass lines on my bass. It was truly hip- hop that got me to listen to that classic jazz. Bass is the groove that makes your body move. And groove is in the heart. 🎸✌

[@MMAOverload2]

Your list is absolutely AMAZING TOP TO FREAKING BOTTOM WOW…..

[@anthonyrobinson6590]

Buster Williams is so underrated.

[@kingbennyb]

Hi! I just discovered your channel! Liked & sub'd! As a guy who's played 6 string guitar for 30+ years, Not a bass player, I HAD to spend some time learning some golden age hip-hop intros on bass... just in case! Great topic! I would love to see more of these! Thanks!

[@DavidZoffer]

Yes, yes Paul. Killing it as usual. Love that you wrote it all out, too! Happy New Year!

[@franciscosabino9875]

Man i just discovered your channel and god damn... I just wanted to thank you a lot because this is mindblowing.. greetings from Portugal 👌👌

[@corbinfoster3007]

Thank you so much for this! Def need a part 2. Throwing my two cents in "Catch a Bad One" by Del the Funky Homosapien. Ron Carter if I'm not mistaken.

[@justinalec8718]

Omg yes!!! That common opening! Thats one i had to learn how to play

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Dope video. I'm glad I found this channel . I subscribed mad fast

[@kozmo7]

Awesome man this was awesome Thank you so much!

[@pertjacanape]

I always loved Ron's inventiveness with the phrasing. I think he plays outside-in with the time perhaps better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays bass like an Art Tatum solo slowed down.

[@k.junior7792]

Great vid🔥 I've have got to come to your spot and listen to your collection 🎼👏🏾

[@thomasnelson5758]

Be (Intro) still gives me chills to this day