Frankie Beverly, the iconic lead singer of Maze, has created timeless classics that have shaped the sound of soul, R&B, and funk. Honoring the man and his music, AUNTIE Magazine has compiled Beverly’s most-sampled or covered hits.
The composer’s music has also heavily influenced modern genres like hip-hop and R&B, with many artists sampling his work. Here’s a list of the top Frankie Beverly songs sampled, showing how his sound continues to resonate through generations.
1. “Before I Let Go”
Frankie Beverly and Maze’s most iconic song, “Before I Let Go,” has been a staple in Black culture for decades. Beyoncé notably covered the song in 2019, adding her own twist with a sample in her Homecoming: The Live Album. Hip-hop group Blackstreet also sampled it in their hit “Don’t Leave Me,” highlighting its versatility across genres.
2. “Joy and Pain”
Another Maze classic, “Joy and Pain,” has been sampled in several tracks, most notably by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock in their smash hit “It Takes Two”. The sample gave the hip-hop world a crossover anthem, blending Beverly’s soulful melodies with a hard-hitting beat.
3. “Happy Feelin’s”
With its smooth, feel-good vibe, “Happy Feelin’s” has been used by artists like Mary J. Blige in her song “Feel Inside.” The track’s warmth and optimism make it a favorite for R&B artists looking to capture that classic soul sound.
4. “We Are One”
Beverly’s anthem of unity, “We Are One,” has been sampled in several hip-hop and R&B tracks, including Jay-Z’s song “A Million and One Questions.” The song’s uplifting message resonates with many artists.
5. “Southern Girl”
Kanye West sampled the laid-back “Southern Girl” groove for “Drive Slow” from his album Late Registration. The track helped bridge old-school funk with the modern sound of hip-hop, demonstrating Beverly’s lasting influence.
6. “I Can’t Get Over You”
R&B singer Avant sampled “I Can’t Get Over You” for his smooth hit “Read Your Mind”. The original’s emotional depth perfectly complemented Avant’s seductive style, showcasing Beverly’s music’s timelessness.
7. “Golden Time of Day”
The Roots sampled a soulful classic, “Golden Time of Day,” in their track “Clock With No Hands.” The lush instrumentation and calming vibe made it ideal for the hip-hop group’s introspective lyrics.
Beverly returned to the ancestors on Sept. 10, according to a post to his Instagram account.
“FROM THE FAMILY OF FRANKIE BEVERLY. Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly,” the post read. “He lived his life with pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all. Howard Stanley Beverly, aka Frankie Beverly 12/6/46 – 9/10/24, The Beverly Family.”
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Beverly’s timeless catalog inspires and shapes today’s music across genres, proving that his soulful sound will never go out of style.
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Rest well–earned, Sir.
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