How Hip-Hop Sampled & Covered Roberta Flack Over The Years

The music industry is mourning the loss of legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, who passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 88. RELATED: Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 In a career spanning over 40 years, Flack was responsible for some of the smoothest melodies and meaningful lyrics in soul music. From “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to her timeless duets with the late Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is The Love?” and “The Closer I Get To You,” Flack left behind a legacy that is embraced across generations. Not surprisingly, Flack’s intricate compositions made for great samples and covers within the world of Hip-Hop. Scroll down to take a look at how the culture embraced Flack’s discography over the years.

1. The Fugees – "Killing Me Softly With His Song"

Cover of Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” (1973)

2. Scarface – "On My Block"

Samples “Be Real Black For Me” with Donny Hathaway (1972)

3. D'Angelo – "Feel Like Makin' Love"

Cover of Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1974)

4. Terror Squad – "Take Me Home"

Samples “If Only For One Night” with Peabo Bryson (1980)

5. Gang Starr – "Who Got Gunz"

Samples “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face“ (1972)

6. T.I. – "What You Know"

Samples “Gone Away” (1970)

7. Project Pat – "Take Da Charge"

Samples “The Closer I Get To You“ with Donny Hathaway (1977) 

8. Lil Kim – "Queen B**ch"

Samples “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” (1969)

9. Kanye West – "Hey Mama"

Samples Donal Leace’s “Today Won’t Come Again,” produced by Flack (1972)

10. Nas – "2nd Childhood"

Samples “Born To Love” with Peabo Bryson (1983)

11. Biz Markie – "Spring Again"

Samples “Back Together Again” with Donny Hathaway (1979)

12. Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg – "Never Leave Me Alone"

Samples “Where Is The Love” with Donny Hathaway (1972) 

13. Tony Yayo ft. G-Unit – "I Know You Don't Love Me"

Samples “Early Ev’ry Midnite” (1975)