10 UK classics that Drake could sample next

This week, a video surfaced online that featured Marmite musician Drake as he went for a late-night jog.

Riveting right?

Alas, it was not the artist’s aerobic activities that got the internet talking, but rather an unexpected tune teaser playing alongside the clip. Said to be a taste of upcoming material, the track in question featured a sample from Bristol producer Peverelist, as Drake took on the renowned ‘Roll With The Punches’.

In the past, Drake’s never shied away from embracing his love for the sounds of the UK. He’s been integrating influences from a whole host of genres into his ever-growing repertoire over the years, be it through mixtapes, playlists, or even his Boy Better Know tribute tattoo. Today, the rapper continues to divide fans and foes alike as he displays his fondness for funky, gives grime a go, and debuts dubstep Drizzy to the world.

Now, I'm not out here suggesting Drake’s going to be crate-digging for FWD>> friendly favourites any time soon, but it's clear his affinity for Great British bangers is more than just a phase - with plenty more surprise selections to come. So read on as Mixmag turns Mystic Meg and poses the question: what could Drake do next?

Jasmine Kent-Smith is Mixmag's Digital Intern. Follow her on Twitter

Now, whilst his heartfelt croons may not match up to the dulcet tones of the London lyricist, a Drake/Blake production is perhaps more viable than some of the other suggestions in this list. In fact, Drake’s 2014 tune '0 to 100/The Catch Up' sneakily sampled a beat Blake had sent as a collaborative idea years prior to the tracks. However, if the pair ever rekindled, (for real this time), a tune like ‘Digital Lion’ has all the makings of an emotional Drizzy epic. Tough, textured and tight, the track documented Blake’s step outside of more outlandish, skittish productions and into smoother, r’n’b influenced sounds. It would be an apt move for the artist, who would follow up from his contemporaries Vince Staples and Chance The Rapper in working with the talented, 'Timeless' producer.

This mellow masterpiece from Skream’s seminal debut album would be a headsy move for Drake, quenching what appears to be a new-found thirst for devastatingly-good dubplates. A ‘Summer Dreams’ sample would fuse slick, soulful house motifs with elements of jazz, dubstep and Drizzy's infamous dialogue. The link-up would also be a nod to Drake’s ongoing relationship with Boy Better Know, as both Skepta and JME have links to the cult classic album, with a track remix and a feature respectively.

A slice of pure 90s nostalgia, Goldie’s ‘Inner City Life’ is a luxurious, feel-good anthem. With references to “inner city pressure taking over me”, chances are the late, great Diane Charlemagne was not musing over Drake’s Toronto hometown. However, it could be said that this powerful production seems fit for an artist as infatuated with his city as Drake is. I mean, it only takes one glance through Drake’s discography to understand his fondness for his birthplace. In fact, his 2015 mixtape ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’, has three tunes with his much-beloved ‘The 6’ in their title, yes that’s right, three.

Ah, Mike Skinner. His familiar street poetics aligned the explosion of UK garage with the comical realities of a "day in the life of a geezer”, as he brought The Streets to life way back when. As a track, ‘Blinded by the Lights’ is said to follow up from another beloved belter, ‘Weak Become Heroes’, and follows Skinner as he experiences the euphoric highs and lows of clubbing. Now, I can’t speak for how many small-time clubs Drake’s frequented over the years, all sticky floors, sneaky substances and pilled-up paranoia, but in his quest for the true British experience, what better tune to start with than this.

As a producer, Jacques Greene creates woozy dancefloor numbers that venture into twinkling, emotional territory. He’s collaborated with the likes of Tinashe, The xx and more in the past, so a crossover between the Montreal-based producer and the Toronto rapper would be more than just a Canadian connection. Think about it. Drake's penchant for love-lorn lyrics and brooding bars paired with a melodic track like Jacques' ‘Another Girl’ could be a natural move towards moody new material.

A track featuring this UK funky anthem could be the next step for Drake as he continues riding the club wave. Last year, his smash hit ‘One Dance’ was unavoidable as it dominated airwaves across the globe. The anthem sampled an old school Crazy Cousinz funky house remix titled, ‘Do You Mind’, and hit the headlines when it leaked, leading to many a funky-pegged think piece. In the future, a move to London label Night Slugs may be a step too far leftfield for the rapper, but with gritty sonics and r‘n’b inflections, a production like ‘Seasons’ could just give Drake his next song of the summer.

As one of the biggest names in dance music, Groove Armada’s blissed-out beats and cross-genre cuts have been delighting dancers for over 20 years. Back in 2001 they released their comeback single ‘Superstylin’ and it offered up a delectable dancehall alternative to their previously chilled cuts. The very same year, Drake would get his first slice of fame as he cut his teeth on TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation – so who made the biggest impact at the turn of the millennium you ask? Your guess is as good as ours...

Nothing says "UK and proud" quite like the tunes of homegrown hero Dizzee Rascal. To see Drake pay his respects one of grime’s forefathers would be a colossal feat, as he combined the culture with the commercial and, like a kid in a candy shop, holds his shiny new obsession up for all to see. For him to take on a track this huge would be tough, but Drizzy’s nothing but bold when it comes to putting his stamp on selections. Drizzy vs Dizzee, yes please.

As I’ve said before, Mala’s ‘Alicia’ may just be one of the smoothest productions ever made. Equally beautiful and banging, the tune remains a white label exclusive, due to assumed copyright issues regarding its spell-binding sample of Alicia Keys’ ‘Feeling U, Feeling Me (Interlude)’. It’s an undeniable shame, however Drake might just be the answer to get this dubplate out onto the world stage where it belongs. In the past, Drake and Alicia have worked together on a number of projects. He once described a studio session with the soulful singer as "one of the best studio experiences in my life”, so a collaboration between the pair – via Croydon of course, could be on the cards as Drake takes on one of Mala's most recognisable releases.

A wild card yes, but hear me out on this one. I mean, perhaps I could have suggested ‘Insomnia’ by Faitheless, ‘Firestarter’ by The Prodigy, or even ‘Ready Steady Go’ by Paul Oakenfold if my wish was to hear Drake take on the big boys of the dancefloor anthem. However, it just had to be Underworld’s mesmerizing ‘Born Slippy’. The thought alone of Drake immersing himself in this humungous hit, be it through old-school rave compilations or numerous attempt to watch Trainspotting (sans subtitles), is enough to fill even the most cynical heart full of devious joy.