Squeezing the Juice: Tracks That Sample, Interpolate, or Echo Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade”
Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade,” produced by Bangladesh, hit the streets in 2009 and quickly became a hip-hop staple. Fresh off producing Lil Wayne’s smash “A Milli,” Bangladesh delivered the “crazy beat” Gucci had requested—one that other artists had passed on, feeling it was too offbeat. Gucci, running out of Sprite for his lean that night, grabbed lemonade instead, and the yellow-colored theme for the track was born.
In his autobiography, the 1017 rapper recalled being “high as hell” in Las Vegas during the recording, so much so that he forgot he’d even made the song. But Bangladesh didn’t forget. He worked on the track obsessively, crafting the hook with the help of his nieces and daughter. The result? It is a hit featuring a sped-up sample of Flo & Eddie’s “Keep It Warm” and an unforgettable hook.
RELATED: How Gucci Mane Became Trap’s Mixtape King
“Lemonade” peaked at #8 on the US Hot Rap Songs chart and #53 on the Hot 100 chart (Billboard), and its distinctive beat continues to inspire countless artists across genres.
From direct samples to subtle interpolations, “Lemonade”’s impact is undeniable. Here’s a breakdown of some tracks that have creatively tapped into the legacy of this iconic anthem.
Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti – “I Luv It”
Sample: Cabello’s pop/trap crossover takes a bite of “Lemonade” by sampling its chorus, wrapping Gucci’s hook in her catchy melody alongside Carti’s signature flow.
Album: Romance (Deluxe Edition)
Release Date: December 6, 2019
Notable Mention: The deluxe version of Romance saw Cabello experimenting with a trap-infused sound, blending pop appeal with Playboi Carti’s raw edge.
RELATED: Best Playboi Carti Songs
Odd Future feat. Earl Sweatshirt & Tyler, the Creator – “Orange Juice”
Beat Usage: Odd Future straight-up rapped over the entire “Lemonade” beat, adding their eccentric energy and wordplay to Gucci Mane’s instrumental without altering a note.
Album: Radical (Mixtape)
Release Date: May 7, 2010
Impact: This track marked Odd Future’s ability to transform mainstream beats with their signature rebellious flair, helping the collective gain a cult following.
Fabolous feat. Nicki Minaj – “For the Money”
Sample: The instrumental and melody of Lemonade are woven into this track, as Fabolous and Nicki Minaj flex their lyrical prowess over the distinctive beat.
Album: There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music Mixtape
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Achievements: With Minaj’s rising star power, this track garnered significant attention, further solidifying Fabolous’ reputation as a mixtape king.
Logic feat. T Man the Wizard – “Mission Control”
Sample: “Lemonade”’s elements are used as a foundation for Logic’s space-themed track, giving the beat a cosmic twist while keeping its roots intact.
Album: Bobby Tarantino II
Release Date: March 9, 2018
Achievements: A standout on Logic’s No. 1 mixtape, Mission Control maintained his knack for sampling iconic beats while adding his own flavor.
Big Sean – “Supa Dupa Lemonade”
Beat Usage: In this punchline-packed freestyle, Big Sean delivers over the “Lemonade” beat, using his playful wordplay to ride the now-legendary instrumental.
Album: Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG (Mixtape)
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Milestone: This mixtape marked an important step in Big Sean’s career, setting the stage for his future mainstream success.
Migos – “Forrest Whitaker”
Interpolation: While not a direct sample, Forrest Whitaker pulls from the bass line of “Lemonade”, infusing Migos’ track with a familiar groove that fans immediately recognized.
Album: No Label 2 (Mixtape)
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Achievements: No Label 2 became a breakout moment for Migos, solidifying their place as major players in the trap scene.
BabyTron – “King of the Galaxy”
Sample: BabyTron adds his futuristic twist to “Lemonade”, prominently sampling its elements and turning them into something out of this world.
Album: Megatron
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Recognition: BabyTron’s clever use of the sample helped cement his reputation for pushing creative boundaries in modern hip-hop.
PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Lemonade”
Beat Usage: The entire “Lemonade” beat gets an R&B makeover as PARTYNEXTDOOR layers his smooth vocals over Gucci Mane’s track.
Album: COLOURS
Release Date: December 3, 2014
Highlights: PARTYNEXTDOOR’s rendition stood out on COLOURS, adding an unexpected R&B twist to the iconic trap beat.
Action Bronson – “Bronson Hard Lemonade”
Beat Usage: Action Bronson injects his quirky, charismatic rhymes over the “Lemonade” beat, giving it a flavor all his own.
Album: Dr. Lecter
Release Date: March 15, 2011
Cult Status: Dr. Lecter earned Bronson a devoted fan base, with his take on “Lemonade” being a key moment of creativity on the album.
Curren$y feat. Trademark Da Skydiver & Young Roddy – “Lemon Kush”
Beat Usage: Curren$y returns to the “Lemonade” beat for this chilled-out track, making it a go-to vibe for laid-back listening.
Album: Smokee Robinson (Mixtape)
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Fan Favorite: Lemon Kush became a standout on this beloved mixtape, showing Curren$y’s consistent ability to flip popular beats with ease.
A Lasting Flavor
From mixtapes to mainstream pop, Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade” has seeped into hip-hop culture, its infectious beat continuing to inspire a new generation of artists. Whether sampled directly or referenced subtly, the track’s legacy is undeniable—still as fresh as when it first hit the streets.
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