The passing of Roy Ayers at 84 is a huge loss for the music world. Known for his genius as a vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader, Ayers crafted some of the most iconic tracks in jazz and funk history — tracks that have been sampled by the biggest names in hip-hop, from J. Dilla and Madlib to Q-Tip and DJ Premier. Take “Everybody Loves The Sunshine,” for example, one of hip-hop’s most sampled songs. Despite being just four minutes long, Ayers’ signature sounds has been reworked hundreds of times. The track’s subtle shifts and soothing vibe have made it an essential sample in the hip-hop world, inspiring everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to Mary J. Blige. Roy Ayers’ impact goes far beyond that track. His catalog is a treasure trove for producers, with over 900 samples, 85 covers, and 54 remixes to his name. And as we remember his legacy, let’s celebrate the depth of his influence — from collaborations with Tyler, The Creator, The Roots, and Erykah Badu, to his partnership with Adri...