A Legendary Endorsement: Sister Nancy Lauds Jay-Z for Respecting & Sampling 'Bam Bam'

 Sister Nancy on Jay-Z's 'Bam' Sample: Why 'Everybody Else Was Cheap' | Reggae Royalties & Dancehall History

Sister Nancy, the trailblazing Jamaican artist widely recognized as the first female dancehall MC, recently delivered a massive endorsement for hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, praising his handling of the sample of her iconic 1982 track, "Bam Bam." Her comments highlight a long-standing issue in the music industry—the fair compensation and recognition of pioneering artists, especially those whose work becomes a cornerstone of other genres. In an interview, Sister Nancy pointedly stated that Jay-Z "did the right thing," asserting that "Everybody else was cheap; they didn't even think about me." This article dives deep into the significance of this statement, the legacy of "Bam Bam," and the fight for artists' rights.

The Timeless Power of 'Bam Bam': The Most Sampled Reggae Song

Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam" is more than just a dancehall classic; it's arguably the most sampled reggae song of all time. Its infectious rhythm and powerful, resonant vocal hook have been incorporated into over 100 tracks across genres, from hip-hop and electronic music to pop and R&B. Artists like Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, and Lizzo have all utilized its distinctive sound, cementing its status as a foundational piece of global music culture.

Despite its colossal influence, Nancy, born Ophlin Russell, spent decades without receiving a penny in royalties for her work. Due to the contractual realities of the 1980s Jamaican music industry, the publishing rights were held by her producer. It wasn't until she saw the track featured in a Reebok commercial in 2014 that she decided to take legal action, a move that finally secured her backdated royalties and 50% ownership of the song's publishing.

Jay-Z's 'Bam' and the Gold Standard of Sampling

In 2017, Jay-Z released the track "Bam" featuring Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on his critically acclaimed album, 4:44. The song, which heavily features the "Bam Bam" sample, quickly became a standout. However, what set Jay-Z's use apart, in Sister Nancy's eyes, was not just the musical quality but the level of respect and recognition he afforded the original artist.

In a move that contrasted sharply with the experiences Nancy had with other artists, Jay-Z extended a direct invitation. Nancy recalled the experience fondly, noting that the reality of him taking her with him to shoot the music video in Jamaica was "amazing." This gesture was not merely financial compensation—which she had fought years for—but a public acknowledgment and celebration of her pioneering role. This made the difference, allowing her to call Jay-Z her "No. 1" sampler for doing the right thing. The track "Bam" was later certified Gold in the US, further spreading the classic sound.

The Deeper Significance: Fair Compensation and Artistic Recognition

Sister Nancy's critique that "everybody else was cheap" speaks volumes about the historical exploitation of Jamaican and other global artists, whose soundscapes have often been mined for samples without adequate credit or payment. For years, Nancy had to work an accounting job at a bank in New Jersey despite her musical work being heard worldwide, underscoring the vital financial impact of Jay-Z's recognition, which ultimately allowed her to retire from her bank job.

The story serves as a powerful lesson for the modern music business. It emphasizes that ethical sampling and long-term artist relationships are crucial. Jay-Z's move was a masterclass in artist-to-artist respect, demonstrating that cultural appreciation should always be paired with fair business practice.

Sister Nancy's journey—from groundbreaking female DJ to fighting for her rightful publishing rights—is chronicled in the documentary, Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, ensuring her legacy and struggle are not forgotten. Her praise for Jay-Z is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the biggest impact is made not just through a great song, but through a simple act of profound respect.