writers connection

It’s
no secret that I’m slightly opinionated when it comes to Hip-Hip, but
luckily I think the right has finally been earned. After dedicating
years to developing my flare scratch, memorizing production credits,
and hunting down obsolete vinyl discs, I feel sucker punched when
famous producers jack an obvious sample or dig for records by scanning
the 1973 top ten pop charts.

Obviously,
the primary reason for making music is to make heads nod; however, an
often ignored motive for sampling is to show off your style, taste,
digging skills, and record collection while baffling listeners and
causing fellow producers to scratch their heads in amazement. A
sampling producer’s task is to simultaneously open up ears and pay
homage to an earlier sound while performing a sonic sleight of hand
intended to confuse listeners about a track’s origins. Although that
was, and still is, my view of Hip-Hop
production, not too many seem to share that same philosophy anymore.
Unfortunately, it’s become commonplace to rework classic and
untouchable Hip-Hop beats
two, three, or four times before a violation is declared. We’ll steer
clear of the whole ethical argument about clearing samples for now, but
let me just say that looping up 8 bars from a Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit”
simply won’t be taken lying down (shame on producer Missy Elliot).

With
that said, it’s official… the following have been outlawed as of
today! In no particular order, here’s a partial list of artists (feel
free to add yours) that have been used, abused, or otherwise
over-pillaged and are now considered off limits for sampling. Sort of
like crack rock… oversampling will give you a quick production high,
but in the end leave you with a crippled heart, withering soul, and
bankrupt morals that only the Bush family could rival.

1. James Brown
2. Zapp & Roger (Troutman)
3. Miles Davis
4. John Coltrane
5. Michael Jackson (Jackson 5 is still fair game when done well. Ex. producers J Dilla, Kanye West, and Wayne-O)
6. Marvin Gaye
7. Stevie Wonder
8. The Doors
9. Parliament Funkadelic
10. Ohio Players
11. Roy Ayers
12. The Beatles (Including all solo projects)
13. Jimi Hendrix
14. Barry White
15. The Crusaders
16. Al Green (especially his drums)
17. Earth, Wind, & Fire

Related posts:

1. Crate Digging and Sampling Ethics… Who Heard of Such A Thing???
2. Hip Hop Breaks and Sample Website Roundup 2-9-06
3. Is Crate and Record Digging Dead?
4. Crate Kings Online Store
5. Grammy Producer of The Year: Mark Ronson