Kanye West’s “Power,” from his 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, is a perfect example of the use doubles in music. At the heart of this track is a interplay of doubles and doppelgangers—musical elements that both pay homage to the past and reinvent it for the present. One of the most famous features of “Power” is its use of samples. The song prominently features a vocal sample from the song “21st Century Schizoid Man” by the British progressive rock band King Crimson. This track, originally released in 1969, is known for its intense guitar riffs and politically charged lyrics. Kanye West recontextualizes this iconic sound into a modern hip-hop framework, creating a bridge between the rebellious spirit of the late ’60s and the contemporary assertiveness of his own music, This sampling technique is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a form of musical doppelganging. By integrating this classic rock sample into “Power,” Kanye creates a duality where the old and new coexist. The original song’s raw, confrontational energy is mirrored and reinterpreted in Kanye’s track, making it both a tribute and a transformation. Moreover, the song’s use of samples extends beyond just King Crimson. It also incorporates elements from other sources, including a vocal snippet from “Woman to Woman” by Joe Williams, and a choir from “A Heavy Soul” by the soul singer, John R.
“Kanye West – POWER Samples.” Genius, genius.com/Kanye-west-power- sample/samples.