Soul, funk, and the psychedelic break
1960s Sample Sources
The 1960s produced many of the most beloved break records in hip-hop. James Brown's mid-60s output, the Stax/Volt soul roster, and the emergence of raw funk and psychedelic rock gave producers a near-infinite well of percussion breaks, organ riffs, and horn stabs. Early R&B vocal groups and the British Invasion also contributed key interpolation sources.
The 60s are when the breakbeat was born. Producers from Rick Rubin to DJ Premier built careers on 60s percussion. The decade is also where the wah-pedal guitar sound that defined early hip-hop flavor came from.
Top sample sources from the 1960s
James Brown -- Cold Sweat
1967 -- Funk
What was sampled
Clyde Stubblefield drum pattern and horn stab
Sampled in
- 1988Public Enemy -- Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos
- 1991EPMD -- Rampage
- 1986Beastie Boys -- The New Style
Key producers
Otis Redding -- Hard to Handle
1968 -- Soul
What was sampled
Horns and drum break
Sampled in
- 1989De La Soul -- Transmitting Live from Mars
- 1992Arrested Development -- Tennessee
- 1991Black Sheep -- The Choice Is Yours
Key producers
Sly and the Family Stone -- Sing a Simple Song
1968 -- Funk
What was sampled
Full drum break and bass
Sampled in
- 1987Eric B. & Rakim -- I Know You Got Soul
- 1993Ice Cube -- It Was a Good Day
- 1990MC Hammer -- U Can't Touch This
Key producers
Skull Snaps -- It's a New Day
1973 -- Soul
What was sampled
Drum break
Sampled in
- 2003Jay-Z -- 99 Problems
- 1992Pete Rock & CL Smooth -- They Reminisce Over You
- 1996DJ Shadow -- Building Steam with a Grain of Salt
Key producers
Joe Tex -- Papa Was Too
1966 -- Soul
What was sampled
Guitar riff and drum break
Sampled in
- 1987Eric B. & Rakim -- My Melody
- 1987Run DMC -- Together Forever
Key producers
Marvin Gaye -- Can I Get a Witness
1963 -- Soul / Motown
What was sampled
Gospel organ and drum pattern
Sampled in
- 1989De La Soul -- Say No Go
- 1992Jungle Brothers -- What U Waitin 4
Key producers
James Brown -- I Got You (I Feel Good)
1965 -- Funk / Soul
What was sampled
Horn stab and shout vocal
Sampled in
- 1989Public Enemy -- Fight the Power
- 1986Beastie Boys -- Hold It Now, Hit It
Key producers
Incredible Bongo Band -- Apache
1973 -- Boogaloo
What was sampled
Bongo percussion break
Sampled in
- 1981Sugarhill Gang -- Apache (Jump On It)
- 2002Nas -- Made You Look
Key producers
Explore other decades
See the sample relationships in action
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