The song "4:44" by Jay-Z prominently samples "Late Nights and Heartbreak" by Hannah Williams and The Affirmations. This soulful track forms the core musical backdrop for Jay-Z's introspective and critically acclaimed song.
Details of the Sampled Song
"Late Nights and Heartbreak" is a song rich with emotional depth, providing the perfect foundation for the raw honesty expressed in "4:44". The sample includes the distinct vocal and instrumental elements that give "4:44" its unique sound.
Here's a breakdown of the sampled song's details:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sampled Song Title | "Late Nights and Heartbreak" |
| Original Artist | Hannah Williams and The Affirmations |
| Songwriter | Kanan Keeney |
| Album | Late Nights and Heartbreak (2016) |
Production and Additional Elements
"4:44" was written by Jay-Z and produced by No I.D. While "Late Nights and Heartbreak" is the primary sample, the song also features another subtle, yet significant, musical contribution:
- Uncredited Interpolation: "4:44" includes an uncredited interpolation from "(At Your Best) You Are Love" by the legendary soul group The Isley Brothers. An interpolation involves re-recording a melody or lyrical phrase from another song, rather than directly sampling the original recording. This adds another layer of musical homage and complexity to the production.
The meticulous selection of these samples and interpolations by No I.D. contributed significantly to the critically lauded sound and emotional resonance of "4:44," allowing Jay-Z to deliver one of his most personal and acclaimed works.
