Aretha Franklin - Respect

Year Released: 1967
Genre: Soul / R&B / Funk

Description:

Released on Atlantic Records in 1967, “Respect” is Aretha Franklin’s defining anthem — a commanding reinterpretation of Otis Redding’s song that turned a plea into a declaration of empowerment. Driven by sharp horns, syncopated rhythm guitar, and Franklin’s powerhouse vocal delivery, it became an instant classic and a cultural milestone.

In hip-hop, the song’s opening horn stabs and vocal shouts have been sampled numerous times, most notably by 2Pac on “Holler If Ya Hear Me” (1993), where producer Stretch used snippets of Aretha’s refrain to underscore themes of strength and rebellion.