"The Champ" is a song by The Mohawks, a group of session musicians assembled by Alan Hawkshaw. It was originally released in 1968 but failed to chart. However, a re-release made #58 on the UK Singles Chart in 1987 after being sampled many times. The song is based on "Tramp", a 1967 Lowell Fulson record that was covered extensively after its release. Specifically, it is built on Otis Redding and Carla Thomas' cover. The song chants the word "Tramp" rather than "Champ".
The song is perhaps better known for its usage as a sample in over 800+ songs; It has been widely sampled and emulated (but not exclusively) in hip hop music. Most people who sample it either sample the chant at the beginning or the organ riff of the choruses. Songs to have sampled or interpolated it include: