Farewell to Sly Stone. A crucial figure in the development of American music, his life was marked by a blend of brilliance and suffering, pleasure and addiction. A highlight of Woodstock, he navigated the cultural scene only to later squander that perspective, with his cherished Family Stone disintegrating due to ego clashes and the leader’s unreliability.
With a recent documentary and an expressive memoir, Sly Stone has emerged from obscurity, receiving well-deserved acknowledgment before the conclusion of his life. The true essence of the funky soul maestro’s legacy may lie in the wealth of samples he generated, which arguably redefined the foundation of American pop music.
Here are five standout examples.
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LL Cool J – “Mama Said Knock You Out”
As one of the pillars of hip-hop's Golden Age, “Mama Said Knock You Out” features LL Cool J showcasing his vibrant masculinity, a powerful track where the MC moves seamlessly over a significant portion of Sly Stone funk. Built upon Sly’s own “Trip To Your Heart,” the striking breakbeat is solid and robust, while preserving a fervor for unrefined groove.
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Arrested Development – “Everyday People”
Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” was a beautiful expression of unity during the height of the Vietnam War, a time of intense division in American society. Celebrating community harmony, “Everyday People” is straightforward and heartfelt, blending Hollywood showtune melodies with a pulsating beat.
Reimagined for “People Everyday,” Arrested Development presents a slightly darker take, addressing the issue of Black-on-Black violence and exploring potential pathways forward. This track highlights the versatility of Sly Stone’s funky sound, revealing that even amidst its brightness, there lingered hidden darkness.
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Janet Jackson – “Rhythm Nation”
Admired by hip-hop crate diggers, Sly Stone’s brilliance quickly became evident in various facets of pop production. Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” may start with an industrial sound reminiscent of a broad Depeche Mode 12-inch mix, but it ultimately aligns itself with elements of avant-funk.
Sly Stone is at the core of the track, with the raw, metallic beat sourced from his legendary “Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Again).” Additionally, Brandy mirrored this approach in her 1995 single “Sittin’ Up In My Room.”
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Kendrick Lamar – “Momma”
As an artist deeply rooted in the history of West Coast Black American communities, it was only a matter of time before Kendrick Lamar drew from Sly Stone’s work. Rather than tapping into the Family Stone’s dance-floor-laden funk, his reflective 2015 track “Momma” delves into the ethereal, gospel-infused soul of Sly’s 1974 song “Wishful Thinkin.” Emerged during the fragmentation of his group and the decline of his stardom, it reflects on familial responsibilities and forms the basis of Kendrick’s poetic insights. It showcases intergenerational dialogue between two icons of Black artistry.
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The Roots – “Star”
Sly & The Family Stone’s iconic “Everybody Is A Star” was initially released as a B-side, but its powerful assertion has become the group's most emblematic message. Numerous artists, including Primal Scream—who often reference Stone’s work in their lyrics—are admirers, with The Roots incorporating the song into their own “Star / Pointro.”
Questlove’s groove serves as a fitting tribute to the Family Stone’s vibrant ensemble, while Black Thought’s introspective lyrics reinterpret the original's message, confronting societal inequalities in America. Even after 16 years—amid Los Angeles tumultuous with riots—the question remains, what has genuinely changed?
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Farewell to Sly Stone. A key player in the development of American music, his life was a blend of brilliance and suffering, enjoyment and dependency. The