The music industry is in mourning for Roy Ayers, widely celebrated as the Godfather of Neo-Soul and a groundbreaking jazz-funk pioneer. He passed away at the age of 84 on March 4, but his influence will resonate deeply within the hip-hop community, where he has left an indelible mark as one of its most significant inspirations.
One of the defining tracks of Ayers’ career is the timeless classic “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” featured on his 1976 album of the same name. This song has become a cornerstone of his artistic legacy, so much so that it has been sampled nearly 200 times, as reported in The New York Times. Its infectious groove and uplifting vibe have made it a favorite among artists who seek to capture its brilliance in their own music.
In a revealing 2004 interview with Wax Poetics, Ayers proclaimed, “I have more sampled hits than anybody.” He acknowledged the possibility that he might not surpass James Brown in quantity but emphasized that his hits have been sampled extensively. “Oh, man, and there’s a few I don’t know about,” he added, showcasing his humility and excitement about his influence on the music landscape.
Among the many artists inspired by Ayers is Mary J. Blige, who sampled “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in her iconic track “My Life” from her 1994 album of the same name. This song was later interpolated in “MJB Da MVP,” featuring 50 Cent, on her 2005 album The Breakthrough. In her 2021 documentary My Life, Blige revealed the profound impact that Ayers’ music had on her. “I don’t know what’s in that record, but it was something in it that just cracked open everything in me,” she shared, illustrating how the music provided her an escape from her challenging childhood. “My life in the sunshine was something I wanted,” she poignantly reflected. Blige also heavily sampled Ayers’ 1976 track “Searching” on her 1997 album Share My World.
Dr. Dre, TLC, Juvenile, and Joe Budden have all created tracks titled “My Life,” while notable artists like Scarface and Naughty by Nature have produced songs named “Sunshine.” Notably, after sampling “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” on “Book of Life” from his 1994 album Resurrection, Common revisited the classic sample for his Grammy-nominated track “When the Sun Shines,” featuring Posdnuos, from his 2024 Grammy-nominated collaborative album with Pete Rock, The Auditorium Vol. 1.
Beyond the realm of sampling, Ayers collaborated with a variety of contemporary artists, enriching their music with his unique sound. He worked with Tyler, the Creator on “Find Your Wings,” featuring Syd and Kali Uchis, from Tyler’s 2015 album Cherry Bomb. He also partnered with Erykah Badu on “Cleva” from her 2000 LP Mama’s Gun; The Roots on “Proceed II” from their 2005 album Do You Want More?!!!??!; and Talib Kweli on “In the Mood,” featuring Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), from his 2007 album Eardrum, along with “Something Special” from Kweli and Madlib‘s 2024 joint LP Liberation 2.
Tyler, the Creator expressed his admiration for Ayers when he tweeted, “Roy Ayers called me like ‘Tyler, hey man, those changes are amazing, your chord selection is just beautiful my man.’ OMG MY HEART MELTED.” His appreciation for Ayers’ artistry goes beyond words, as he also sampled Ayers’ 1982 track “Ooh” on “Pothole,” featuring Jaden Smith, from his 2017 album Flower Boy. Later that year, Ayers made a memorable appearance at Tyler’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival, where Questlove honored him as “the cat who birthed us all in the ‘vibes only’ movement,” emphasizing how Ayers’ music has become synonymous with relaxation and good energy. “Thank You Roy Edward Ayers Jr for EVERYTHING you gave us, taught us, showed us, soothed us,” Questlove added.
According to Billboard, a comprehensive roundup of 21 hip-hop and R&B songs that have sampled and interpolated Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has been compiled, showcasing the track’s lasting influence on the genre. This list spans from the newest releases to the classic hits that have shaped the sound of modern music.
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Discover the Magic of Common & Pete Rock feat. Posdnuos in “When the Sun Shines Again”
“When the Sun Shines Again,” a collaboration between Common and Pete Rock featuring Posdnuos, expertly loops the captivating word “sunshine” throughout the track. This song was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, while its parent album The Auditorium, Vol. 1 received a nomination for Best Rap Album, further solidifying its significance in contemporary music.
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Joey Bada$$ Brings a Fresh Twist with “Shine”
From his 2020 EP The Light Pack, Joey Bada$$’s “Shine” samples the lively piano chords and high-pitched synths of Ayers’ classic, while also incorporating the phrase “shine” and the iconic “My life, my life, my life, my life” line. The final verse of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” is cleverly cut up in the chorus, creating a nostalgic yet innovative sound that resonates with fans.
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Larry June Infuses West Coast Vibes in “Watering My Plants”
Larry June’s “Watering My Plants,” from his 2020 album Adjust to the Game, brings a signature West Coast bounce to Ayers’ instrumental in “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” The track features the catchy “My life, my life, my life, my life/ In the sunshine” hook throughout, creating an uplifting atmosphere that perfectly embodies the essence of summer.
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Snoop Dogg Teams Up with Eric Jaye in “I’ve Been Looking for You”
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Dreezy Delivers a Unique Sound in “Ready”
Dreezy’s “Ready,” from her 2016 album No Hard Feelings, creatively pitches down the iconic drone synth riff from Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” layering it beneath the entirety of the track. This innovative approach highlights Dreezy’s artistic vision while paying homage to Ayers’ timeless influence.
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Teedra Moses Captivates with “You’re so Different”
Teedra Moses’ “You’re so Different,” from her 2015 album Clair Voyant, skillfully chops up the cheerful piano chords originally from “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” This track showcases her unique style while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Ayers’ music.
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The-Dream Showcases Talent in “Outkast”
The-Dream’s “Outkast,” from his 2014 EP Royalty: The Prequel, beautifully lifts the serene piano melody of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” His soft harmonization with the underlying drone synth riff creates a dreamy atmosphere that pays homage to Ayers’ timeless sound.
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Z-Ro Collaborates with Mýa in “Tired”
Z-Ro’s “Tired,” featuring Mýa, from his 2008 album Crack, creatively interpolates the “My life, my life, my life, my life” line during the second verse. This seamless integration adds depth to the song while celebrating the influence of Ayers’ work, demonstrating how his music continues to inspire artists across genres.
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Joe Budden Reflects on Life in “My Life”
Joe Budden’s “My Life,” from his 2007 mixtape Mood Muzik Vol. 3.5, samples the iconic “My life, my life, my life, my life” line twice in the hook, showcasing how Ayers’ music has permeated the hip-hop genre. This track highlights Budden’s introspective lyrics while paying homage to the classic sound that has influenced countless artists.
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J. Cole Explores Themes in “Rags to Riches (At the Beep)”
J. Cole’s “Rags to Riches (At the Beep),” from his 2007 mixtape The Come Up Mixtape Vol. 1, samples the smooth instrumental of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” throughout the track. The memorable lines “My life, my life, my life, my life/ In the sunshine/ Everybody loves the sunshine” are woven into the fabric of the song, alongside other iconic phrases, creating a nostalgic vibe that resonates with listeners.
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Mary J. Blige’s “MJB Da MVP” Featuring 50 Cent
Mary J. Blige’s “MJB Da MVP,” featuring 50 Cent, from her 2005 Grammy-winning album The Breakthrough, interpolates “My Life” and incorporates several of her other classic hits. The bridge features the lines, “You remind me of a real love (You don’t have to worry)/ Real love/ All night long I’m goin’ down/ Reminisce on the love we have/ You are everything, love without a limit/ What you gonna do without my life, my life, my life, my life?” This clever integration illustrates the profound influence of Ayers on her artistry.
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Mos Def’s “Life is Real”
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Juvenile Collaborates with TQ in “My Life”
Juvenile’s “My Life,” featuring TQ, from his 2001 album Project English, interpolates the memorable “My life, my life, my life, my life” line in the catchy chorus. TQ adds a soulful touch with the “sunshine” reference drawn from another legendary track by Bill Withers: “Ain’t No Sunshine.” This creative blend showcases how Ayers’ influence continues to resonate in modern music.
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2Pac & Outlawz’s “Tattoo Tears” Features Classic Hook
2Pac and Outlawz’s “Tattoo Tears,” from their 1999 album Still I Rise, incorporates the iconic “My life, my life, my life, my life/ In the sunshine” hook in Napoleon’s third verse. This seamless integration reflects how Ayers’ work has influenced some of the greatest names in hip-hop.
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TLC’s “My Life” Celebrates Ayers’ Legacy
TLC’s “My Life,” from their 1999 Grammy-winning album FanMail, interpolates the memorable “My life, my life, my life” line in the late Left Eye’s third verse. This tribute not only emphasizes the group’s respect for Ayers but also highlights how his music has inspired a generation of artists.
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2Pac feat. Outlawz’s “Lost Souls” Incorporates Iconic Lines
2Pac’s “Lost Souls,” featuring Outlawz, from the soundtrack of the 1997 film Gang Related, uniquely interpolates the “My life, my life, my life, my life” line in both 2Pac’s intro and chorus: “‘Cause I hate to spend my life/ My life, my life, my life duckin’ one-time.” This powerful line highlights the authentic storytelling that Ayers’ influence has inspired.
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Scarface’s “Sunshine” Features Classic Hooks
Scarface’s “Sunshine,” featuring Lisa Crawford, from the 1997 album The Untouchable, prominently incorporates the hook from “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in the chorus: “Sunshine/ Everybody needs/ Sunshine/ My life, my life, my life/ Sunshine/ Everybody needs/ Sunshine/ My life, my life, my life.” This track showcases the lasting impact of Ayers’ music on the hip-hop genre.
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Naughty by Nature’s “Sunshine” Celebrates Classic Vibes
Naughty by Nature’s “Sunshine,” from their 1995 Grammy-winning album Poverty’s Paradise, incorporates the word “sunshine” throughout the track, creating an infectious rhythm that pays homage to the classic vibes inspired by Ayers’ music. This lively tribute highlights how his influence has permeated across generations.
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Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” Sets the Standard
Mary J. Blige’s “My Life,” from her 1994 album of the same name, samples the warm, uplifting instrumental of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” The iconic “My life, my life, my life, my life/ In the sunshine” hook resonates throughout the poignant track, solidifying its place in music history.
