3 Jazz & Soul Inspired Chord Progressions for Hip-Hop Producers

Vintage vinyl record with distressed edges

As hip-hop continues to evolve, one thing remains timeless: the influence of jazz and soul music on its production. Many of the genre’s most iconic tracks are built on the lush, emotive chord progressions found in these genres. If you’re a hip-hop producer looking to infuse your beats with that classic soulful vibe, this post will break down three must-know chord progressions inspired by jazz and soul legends, and show how they’ve been used to create some of the most memorable hip-hop tracks.

Let’s dive into the theory behind each progression and why they’re perfect for your next beat.

Ahmad Jamal Trio – “I Love Music” (Sampled in Nas’s “The World Is Yours”)

Key: C Minor

Progression: Cₘ⁷ – Fₘ⁷ – Eₘ⁷ – Dₘ⁷

One of the smoothest progressions you’ll ever hear, this descending line of minor seventh chords immediately sets a reflective, introspective mood. It’s no wonder that Nas and producer Pete Rock chose this sample for the iconic track “The World Is Yours.”

Why It Works:

Minor sevenths are synonymous with soulfulness. They carry a sense of melancholy and smoothness that’s ideal for hip-hop. This descending progression creates a feeling of emotional depth and movement—perfect for tracks where you want to inspire reflection or nostalgia.

Producer Hack:

If you’re creating a beat with this progression, try slowing the tempo and layering it with a soft piano or Rhodes keyboard. Minor seventh chords like these add complexity without being overwhelming, allowing room for vocals or other melodic elements to shine.

Piano keyboard showing two octaves with labeled notes.

Herbie Hancock – “Jessica” (Sampled in Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II”)

Key: G Minor

Progression: Gₘ – D⁷ – Dₘ⁷ – Cₘ⁷

Few progressions can capture the sense of tension and grit like this one. Herbie Hancock’s “Jessica” offers a darker, more brooding take on jazz, which Havoc of Mobb Deep brilliantly flipped for “Shook Ones Part II.” The mix of minor and dominant chords creates a perfect backdrop for the track’s raw, haunting vibe.

Why It Works:

The transition from Gₘ to D⁷ builds tension with its strong dominant-to-tonic relationship, adding emotional weight to the progression. The use of both minor and dominant sevenths gives this progression a dynamic quality—dark and gritty, yet smooth enough to loop effortlessly.

Producer Hack:

Experiment with this chord progression to craft a beat that feels both tense and emotive. Layer subtle strings or synth pads over it, and emphasize the tension by using syncopated drum patterns to heighten the drama.

Piano keys with note labels

The Jackson 5 – “All I Do Is Think of You” (Sampled in J Dilla’s “Time: The Donut of the Heart”)

Key: B Major

Progression: Eᵐᵃʲ⁷ – D♯ₘ⁷ – G♯ₘ⁷ – C♯ₘ⁷

If you’re looking for something more dreamy and ethereal, this progression is the gold standard. J Dilla uses this lush set of seventh chords from The Jackson 5 to create the swirling, nostalgic feel of “Time: The Donut of the Heart.” It’s a textbook example of how to use major and minor sevenths to create a laid-back, soulful vibe.

Why It Works:

Major seventh chords are famous for their smooth, rich quality. They immediately add an element of sophistication and warmth to any beat. The blend of major and minor sevenths creates an emotional push and pull, making the progression feel both uplifting and mellow at the same time.

Producer Hack:

Use this chord progression when you want to create a nostalgic or introspective vibe. Layering in some light percussion and subtle vocal chops will allow you to highlight the emotional depth of the chords without cluttering the mix.

Piano keyboard diagram with labeled notes.

Final Thoughts

These three progressions are essential tools for any hip-hop producer aiming to capture the emotional depth of jazz and soul. Whether you’re looking to create a laid-back, reflective beat, or something more dramatic and tense, these chord progressions will help you achieve that timeless, soulful sound.

Incorporating seventh chords and understanding how to use minor-to-dominant transitions can significantly improve your production, giving your tracks more character and emotional resonance. Try integrating these chord progressions into your workflow. You’ll find that they can bring out the raw emotion in any track, making your beats stand out and leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Ready to start crafting your next soulful beat? Download our Soulful Seventies Chord Progressions Expansion Pack to get started today! Whether you’re sampling or playing original progressions, these chord progressions are designed to inspire your creativity.