Publisher - The art of sampling.

Diamond D is a producer and a rapper from The Bronx, New York who came up in the '90s.  He is one of the original members of the hip hop collective D.I.T.C.  The collective featured Lord Finesse, O.C., Big L, Fat Joe, Buckwild, Showbiz and A.G.  Diamond D was known for his beats, but he also rhymed.   In 1992, he released his debut solo album,…

With regards to fair use and the music industry, particularly as it pertains to sampling, there has been a huge disconnect between what fair use is — i.e. its fundamental purpose and what it was intended to protect— and what most music professionals falsely claim that it is. Since 1998, when the RIAA had its kerfuffle with the sample-based music…

"Soulsville," from the movie Shaft. This is my favorite Isaac Hayes joint. The scene in Shaft where this song plays is so appropriate. The images — which are certainly no Hollywood props, but instead real glimpses of early 1970s impoverished Harlem — are heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time. And what makes this montage rise and resonate…

Formed in 1967 in New Orleans, The Meters are among the founding architects of funk music. One listen of "Soul Machine" by The Meters, and you will recognize the roots of the hip hop/rap music.  Drums and rhythm galore.  What also stands out is the arrangement and the way The Meters keep the groove.  Around the 0:16 mark, pay careful attention to…