The phrase "I'll Take Care of You" carries immense weight in music history, serving not just as a poignant lyrical promise but as a foundational text for some of the most influential samples in modern R&B and Hip-Hop. When listeners search for the "I'll Take Care of You sample," they are typically uncovering a complex lineage that stretches from the smoke-filled blues clubs of 1959 to the cutting-edge production studios of 2025.

Currently, the most prominent associations with this sample involve two distinct musical paths: the melancholy, soul-stirring evolution used by Drake and Rihanna, and the aggressive, high-energy interpolation recently unveiled by Tyler, The Creator. Understanding these samples requires a deep dive into the original recordings and the creative "flipping" techniques used by legendary producers.

The Genesis of a Classic: Bobby "Blue" Bland and Brook Benton (1959)

To understand the DNA of the sample, one must start at the root. The song "I'll Take Care of You" was written by the prolific songwriter Brook Benton. It was first recorded in 1959 by Bobby "Blue" Bland, a pivotal figure in the development of the soul-blues sound.

The Sonic Signature of the Original

The 1959 recording, released on Duke Records, is characterized by its 12/8 time signature—a rhythmic hallmark of late 50s blues and early soul. Bobby Bland’s vocal performance is a masterclass in controlled emotion, blending a gritty "squalling" technique with a smooth, comforting delivery. This juxtaposition is exactly what makes the recording so attractive to future samplers: it feels both vulnerable and protective.

From a production standpoint, the original features a prominent piano melody and a weeping horn section. These elements provided the emotional skeleton that later artists would strip down and reassemble.

Initial Covers and the Song’s Longevity

Before it became a staple for hip-hop producers, "I'll Take Care of You" was a "singer’s song." It was covered by legendary voices including Ray Charles, Etta James, and Van Morrison. Each version reinforced the song's status as a standard, ensuring that the melody remained in the collective musical subconscious for decades.

The Bridge to Modernity: Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx

The most famous "sample chain" involving this song began in 2010. Gil Scott-Heron, the "Godfather of Rap," returned after a long hiatus to record his final studio album, I'm New Here. Produced by Richard Russell, the album featured a stark, haunted cover of "I'll Take Care of You."

The 2010 Reinterpretation

Scott-Heron’s version stripped away the lush orchestrations of the 1950s. His voice, aged and weathered by years of life experience, added a layer of gravitas that the original lacked. This version wasn't just about a romantic promise; it sounded like a survivor offering shelter.

The Jamie xx Remix (2011)

In 2011, Jamie xx (of The xx) undertook a project to remix Scott-Heron’s entire album, titled We're New Here. His remix of "I'll Take Care of You" is the specific version that changed the course of pop music. Jamie xx took the weathered vocals of Scott-Heron and placed them over a fast-paced, house-influenced beat.

Key technical changes in this remix included:

  • Tempo Shifting: Moving the slow blues tempo to a danceable 120+ BPM.
  • The Piano Loop: Isolating a brief, melancholic piano chord progression that repeats, creating a hypnotic effect.
  • Percussive Snap: Adding a sharp, electronic percussion that contrasted with the "analog" feel of the vocals.

The Global Phenomenon: Drake’s "Take Care" (feat. Rihanna)

When Drake heard Jamie xx’s remix, he saw the potential for a massive crossover hit. The resulting track, "Take Care," released in 2011 as the title track of his sophomore album, became a defining moment for 2010s R&B.

How the Sample Was Used

"Take Care" is not a traditional sample where a small snippet is hidden in the background. Instead, it is an extensive interpolation and direct sample of the Jamie xx remix.

  1. The Hook: Rihanna sings the central "I'll take care of you" refrain, mirroring the melody originally penned by Brook Benton but styled after the Jamie xx atmosphere.
  2. The Beat: The production, handled by Noah "40" Shebib alongside Jamie xx, retains the fast-paced electronic drums and the looping piano from the remix.
  3. The Contrast: Drake uses the upbeat tempo to deliver introspective, almost conversational verses, creating a "sad-dance" dynamic that became his signature style.

Impact on Sampling Culture

The success of "Take Care" showed that a 1950s blues song could be filtered through a 2010 electronic remix and still resonate with a global pop audience. It proved that the emotional core of a song—the "spirit" of the sample—is more important than the genre of the original.

The 2025 Evolution: Tyler, The Creator’s New Direction

In 2025, the conversation around the "I'll Take Care of You sample" took a sharp turn with the release of Tyler, The Creator's project. While the title suggests a return to the Bobby Bland soul roots, Tyler took a completely different approach, showcasing his reputation as a subversive producer.

The "Knuck If You Buck" Connection

Tyler’s track "I'll Take Care of You" utilizes a vocal sample from the 2004 crunk classic "Knuck If You Buck" by Crime Mob. Specifically, it leans into the remix featuring Daz Dillinger and Lil Scrappy.

This choice is significant for several reasons:

  • Energy Shift: Unlike the Drake/Jamie xx version, which is melancholic, Tyler’s use of the Crime Mob sample injects a raw, aggressive energy into the song.
  • Regional Homage: "Knuck If You Buck" is an anthem of Atlanta hip-hop. By sampling it, Tyler bridges the gap between his alternative "Odd Future" roots and Southern rap history.
  • Vocal Texture: The distorted, shouting vocals of the Crime Mob sample act as a rhythmic instrument rather than just a melodic hook.

Internal Sampling: The "Cherry Bomb" Drums

In addition to the Crime Mob sample, Tyler also sampled his own history. The drum patterns in the 2025 track are reworked from his 2015 album Cherry Bomb. This "self-sampling" creates a sense of continuity in his discography, rewarding long-term fans who recognize the specific, distorted percussion style he developed a decade prior.

Comparing the Two Sampling Philosophies

The two major "I'll Take Care of You" samples offer a fascinating look at how different artists approach the same concept.

Feature Drake / Jamie xx Tyler, The Creator (2025)
Original Source Bobby Bland / Gil Scott-Heron Crime Mob
Vibe Melancholic, Danceable, Reflective Aggressive, Chaotic, High-Energy
Genre Blend R&B / UK House Alternative Hip-Hop / Crunk
Sample Method Direct loop and melodic interpolation Vocal chopping and drum layering

Drake’s version focuses on the melodic promise of the title—the idea of emotional care. Tyler’s version focuses on the physicality of the phrase, perhaps suggesting a more protective or even confrontational stance ("taking care" of business).

Why Producers Keep Coming Back to "I'll Take Care of You"

The enduring popularity of this sample boils down to "The Three Pillars of Sampling":

1. Emotional Universality

The sentiment "I'll take care of you" is one of the most fundamental human promises. Whether it is whispered in a blues song or shouted in a rap track, it creates an immediate emotional connection with the listener.

2. Melodic Versatility

Brook Benton’s original melody is incredibly flexible. It can be slowed down for a soulful ballad (as seen with Mark Lanegan) or sped up for a club anthem (as seen with Jamie xx). It works across various scales and harmonic structures.

3. The "Crate Digging" Heritage

For hip-hop producers, sampling Bobby Bland or Gil Scott-Heron is a way of showing respect to the elders of Black music. It places the modern artist within a historical continuum, giving the new track a sense of "prestige" and "soul" that purely synthesized music sometimes lacks.

What is a sample in music?

In music production, a sample is the act of taking a portion of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound recording in a different song or piece. Samples can consist of rhythm, melody, speech, sounds, or entire bars of music, and they are typically layered, looped, or manipulated through pitch-shifting and time-stretching.

How do artists clear the "I'll Take Care of You" sample?

Sampling a song like "I'll Take Care of You" requires clearing two sets of rights:

  1. Publishing Rights: Permission from the songwriter (Brook Benton’s estate) or the publisher.
  2. Master Recording Rights: Permission from the record label that owns the specific performance (e.g., Duke Records for Bobby Bland or XL Recordings for Gil Scott-Heron). In the case of Drake's "Take Care," because he sampled Jamie xx's remix of a cover, the clearance process was likely extensive, involving multiple parties to ensure everyone was credited and compensated.

Summary of the "I'll Take Care of You" Sampling Tree

  • The Root: Bobby "Blue" Bland (1959) - The original blues recording.
  • The Rebirth: Gil Scott-Heron (2010) - The moody, minimalist cover.
  • The Catalyst: Jamie xx (2011) - The electronic remix that created the "Drake beat."
  • The Peak: Drake & Rihanna (2011) - The global hit "Take Care."
  • The Modern Twist: Tyler, The Creator (2025) - A new song using the same title but sampling "Knuck If You Buck" and Cherry Bomb drums.

Conclusion

The "I'll Take Care of You" sample is a perfect example of the circular nature of music. It shows how a song can be born in the blues era, find new life in the twilight of a poet’s career, fuel a global R&B revolution, and eventually be completely reinvented through the lens of crunk and alternative hip-hop. Whether you prefer the melancholic loops of Drake or the high-octane energy of Tyler, The Creator, the legacy of the original 1959 recording continues to thrive in the digital age, proving that a great melody—and a powerful promise—never truly goes out of style.

FAQ

Who sang the original "I'll Take Care of You"?

The original song was written by Brook Benton and first recorded by Bobby "Blue" Bland in 1959.

What song does Drake’s "Take Care" sample?

Drake’s "Take Care" samples Jamie xx’s remix of Gil Scott-Heron’s cover of "I'll Take Care of You."

What is the sample in Tyler, The Creator’s "I'll Take Care of You"?

Tyler, The Creator’s 2025 track samples the song "Knuck If You Buck" by Crime Mob and uses drum samples from his own 2015 album Cherry Bomb.

Did Rihanna sample the original Bobby Bland version?

No, Rihanna’s vocals in "Take Care" are a new recording that interpolates the melody of the original, while the backing track samples the Jamie xx remix of Gil Scott-Heron.

Why is the "Take Care" sample so famous?

It is famous for its unique blend of 1950s soul, 2010s electronic music, and modern R&B, creating a sound that was ahead of its time and influenced many producers.