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Exclusive analysis of and insight to music sampling, copyright law, and more from The Art of Sampling.
Sample Flips: Kool G Rap – “On the Run” (Prod. by Sir Jinx & Kool G Rap)
Kool G Rap's ability to tell intricate stories has always been impressive to me. Ever since I heard him on "The Symphony," and especially on "Road to the Riches," Kool G Rap has been a staple in my understanding of what it means to be an…
Source Material: Syreeta – “Just A Little Piece Of You”
Syreeta was a singer-songwriter whose career spanned three decades at Motown. In 1965, Syreeta started at the label as a receptionist. One year later, she became the secretary for William "Mickey" Stevenson (the head of Motown's A&R…
Sample Flips: Lil Kim – “Queen Bitch” (Prod. By Carlos Broady & Nashiem Myrick)
Lil Kim’s debut album, Hard Core has held up over time. Her debut was as strong in ’96 as it is today. While “Big Momma Thang” and “Crush On You” are often (and deservedly) referred to as album standouts, I think “Queen Bitch” is the real…
Source Material: George Benson – “Turn Your Love Around”
George Benson is one of the most well-known guitarist and vocalist of all-time. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benson's musical prowess began at the age of seven. He played the ukulele at a neighboring drug store, and one…
Sample Flips: A$AP Twelvyy – “Strapped” (Prod. by P On The Boards)
Since the inception of ASAP Mob, A$AP Twelvyy has always held his own. The first time I heard Twelvyy was on A$AP Rocky's song, "Trilla" (2011), which also featured A$AP Nast. From there, Twelvyy's impact within and outside of ASAP Mob…
Source Material: Little Beaver – “Let The Good Times Roll”
Little Beaver, a blues and funk guitarist from Forest City, Arkansas, enjoyed a limited run in the mid '70s. He released five albums between 1972 and 1976. His third album, Party Down (1973), featured "Party Down," "I Can Dig It Baby,"…
Source Material: Pablo Gad – “What Makes A Natty Dread Cry”
A gem from late 1970s/early 1908s reggae. Also, why dub proves to be useful for coming up with new drum sound techniques.
Overlooked by most, save for die-hard reggae and dub fans, Pablo Gad is pure gold. His vocal styling is distinct,…
Source Material: Cymande – “The Message”
Cymande is a British funk band that rose to prominence in the early '70s. The group was originally comprised of nine self-taught, Caribbean born, London based musicians and singers. In 1972, Cymande released their debut album, Cymande. …
Sample Flips: G-Unit – “Smile” (Prod. by No I.D.)
2003 was a big year for 50 Cent and G-Unit. In February, 50 Cent's debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', was released and the album was a hit. Following the success of his debut album, 50 was given an opportunity (through Interscope) to…
Source Material: Stevie Wonder – “Black Man”
Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life is one of the most important albums in the canon of American popular music. Featuring songs like, "Isn't She Lovely," "As," and "I Wish," his album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in…