Following our ex-sample

Soul II Soul's eclectic mix of soul, reggae, funk and European music in the late '80s, is largely credited for putting black British music on the international map.

So it's no surprise that 21-years after they started out, the Grammy-winning act is still having its tracks sampled on a regular basis.

R&B singer Estelle's new single Freak is the latest in a long line of songs which samples Soul II Soul, and Jazzie B told Soccer AM how things have come full circle.

"It's strange because obviously when we started out that's what we were doing," he said. "So we were calling up people and in some cases not even calling them up!

"So it's really weird now, and there was recently a request from Fat Joe who's also using it, so I guess it's come full circle."

In 2008 he was featured in the New Year Honours list and received an OBE for his services to music, while later that year he was awarded the first Inspiration award at the Ivor Novello Awards, for being "a pioneer" and "the man who gave black British music a soul of its own".

Keys

If that wasn't enough he and the group have been awarded the keys to seven different cities in America, although as he explained there wasn't a key in sight at any of the ceremonies.

"Actually you get this little scroll," he said. "The interesting thing was we were in LA when we were awarded the keys to the city, and we went to this place like Gotham City! It was full on.

"I was expecting a set of keys, but you get this scroll and they have a day for you, but it's not just me or Soul II Soul, there's a whole gang of people. It was incredible to honoured, and in America of all places."

As well as his music, the 47-year-old is hugely respected for his production talents working as a producer and remixing artists such as, James Brown, Public Enemy and Sinéad O'Connor.

Day

However, there is no doubt that his work with Soul II Soul touched the most people, so much so that the band even has its own day in the States!

The Arsenal fan admitted he was extremely proud, but revealed it wasn't straightforward getting out to LA every year.

"I've got to sort out my passport first!" he explained. "Fortunately it happens without me and as well as that, Soul II Soul is a collective, so it's a day for all of us.

"But someone will go and it's usually Karen because she lives in America."

So what does Soul II Soul day involve exactly?

"I believe the sun shines; it's a perfect day in America and a couple of your dreams come true!"