But it doesn't have to be this way. Customize, combine, and be creative with audio samples. This not only increases their efficacy but also allows you to use and abuse the same samples many times over without sounding redundant. There are programs that let you customize loops in terms of tempo and pitch more efficiently than by simply playing samples within your sequencer. You can't take effects out of a sample, but you can certainly add them, such as reverb, delay, and drastic equalization curves.
Delays are particularly appropriate for drum grooves because they themselves can generate rhythm.
You probably wouldn't want to slap a multitap delay over the loop of an entire drum kit. But delay on a single snare hit, mixed in with a loop, can be a real groove infuser. The same trick works with other percussion instruments such as claves, triangle, and tambourine. Another trick is to run the sample through a stompbox, such as a distortion pedal or envelope filter. Even if you have the effect bypassed, you will probably notice an interesting change in the sound.