Very insightful response. "Fly" by Substance, that is indeed the one I'm thinking of. Thanks mate! Probably not what you're thinking of, but what you describe brings to mind this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cevn7xI7tSQ
Been searching for this tune forever. Heard on a jumpup mixtape from the late 90s (which I no longer have). Has a nice chill intro with strings, violins and stuff. Has a number of easily identifiable quotes/samples... "I love it when a plan comes together" "I've got my own sense of identity" "Who are you" My kingdom for this tune!!