Bob James Reflects On Creating Hip-Hop's Most Beloved Sample -- "Nautilus" | People's Party Clip

Nautilus, the iconic instrumental track, has become a legendary piece in the world of hip-hop. Known for its catchy melody and groovy beat, it has been sampled in numerous hip-hop songs. In fact, it has become one of the most sampled songs in the genre. But why is it called Nautilus?

Well, according to the story, the name "Nautilus" was given to the song by the rapper Creed, who described it as sounding like a submarine. And with that, the name stuck. But let's take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of this song and explore some of the hip-hop tracks that have sampled it.

• "Beastie Boys - Beastie Groove"
• "Run-DMC - Beats to the Rhyme"
• "Ghostface Killah - Daytona 500"
• "Slick Rick - Children's Story"
• "Public Enemy - Anti-N**** Machine"
• "EPMD - Brothers on my Jock"
• "Eric B. & Rakim - Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em"
• "Main Source - Live from the Barbeque"
• "Onyx - Throw Ya Gunz"
• "Naughty by Nature - Craziest"
• "A Tribe Called Quest - Clap Your Hands"
• "Jungle Brothers - My Spray"
• "Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Some Emcees"

This is just a small taste of the extensive list of tracks that have sampled Nautilus. It's incredible how one song can have such a profound impact on an entire genre. And if you're a hip-hop fan, chances are you've heard some of these tracks and felt the infectious groove of Nautilus.

The Making of Nautilus

But how did Nautilus come to be? Well, the story behind its creation is quite fascinating. The song was the result of a spontaneous jam session with jazz drummer Idris Muhammad. David Sanborn, the saxophonist who composed Nautilus, recalls working with Idris and the unique energy he brought to the recording.

Idris had a special connection to the song, being from New Orleans himself. Sanborn believes this connection played a significant role in shaping the groovy, New Orleans street beat that defines Nautilus. The chemistry between Idris on drums and Gary King on bass created a magical foundation for Sanborn to play his sax licks.

Sanborn fondly remembers the recording session for Nautilus, a session that started off with no specific plan. He had a baseline in his head that he wanted Gary King to play, trusting that the bassist would work his magic and turn the simple lick into something extraordinary. And that's exactly what happened.

The result was a piece that didn't even have a title initially, just another song among the many Sanborn had been working on. But little did he know that this simple, unassuming track would become the hidden gem on the B-side of his album.

The Underappreciated B-Side

Nautilus was never intended to be a hit or receive significant airplay. In fact, Sanborn had other songs in mind to be the main focus of the album. But sometimes, it's the unexpected and overlooked that catches people's attention.

In hip-hop, there's a saying that goes, "the B-side wins again." The B-side refers to the flip side of a vinyl record, often overshadowed by the A-side, which is the main single chosen by the record label. But time and time again, it's the B-side that captures the hearts and ears of the listeners.

Nautilus embodies this notion perfectly. It was hidden away on the B-side, just a playful experimentation for Sanborn. However, it resonated with hip-hop producers, who found its cinematic and funky groove irresistible. The combination of the repetitive beat, the magic of Idris and Gary's rhythm section, and the added strings and synthesizers created something truly special.

The rest is history. Nautilus became a staple in the hip-hop sampling world, with artists not only appreciating its groovy vibe but also recognizing its potential for creative reinterpretation. It's a testament to the power of unexpected discoveries and the influence a seemingly insignificant track can have on an entire genre.

So if you're a hip-hop fan or just a lover of great music, take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Nautilus. And next time you listen to a hip-hop track, who knows, you might just hear the familiar groove and know that it all started with a submarine-like sound.