The Break Down #2: Love – Doggone – by Frost Gamble

Some drumbreaks, like Impeach*  or Amen** , have been used on hundreds of records to the point where even the casual fan can recognize the original track.   Others, like Love’s Doggone, may have been used by far fewer producers – but still be every bit as sick.

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Love was an influential psych rock band active in the late 60s / early 70s.   They experienced a small degree of commercial success, but inspired a number of successful bands yet to come.   By the time their 1969 album Out Here was released, their line up had changed completely, and their sound had evolved to a more experimental, wide-ranging sound.

This break seems to have gone mostly unnoticed for the 80s (collectors were mostly buying funk records?) and had a couple uses in the 90s – but when Kanye West picked it up and dusted it off, people took notice again.   Clocking in at 12 minutes long, Doggone features a 9 minute drum solo by George Suranovich that provides lots of sample opportunities:

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Scorpio61’s Sample mix #55!

Here is is… chapter #55 of the legendary Scorpio61 Sample Mixes… Enjoy, be careful not to overdose on Hip Hop samples.

Scorpio61’s Sample mix #55!

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Having Hip Hop Sample Withdrawl? Scorpio61 is back to cure your ills!

Scorpio61 is back with another great mix of music from around the world for your listening pleasure…  We present to you Scorpio’s 54th mix!  #55 to follow very shortly!

Scorpio61 Sample Mixes

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Only the Good Die Young / R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass by Frost Gamble

Editorial Note:  Sorry for the lateness on this, I thought I had published it already (jim)

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Only the Good Die Young / R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass by Frost Gamble

The past year or so looks something like this…

Issac Hayes – dead at 65
Mr. Magic – dead at 53
Bernie Mac – dead at 51
Michael Jackson – dead at 50
Derek B – dead at 44
Baatin of Slum Village – dead at 35
Teddy Pendergrass – dead at 59

And – Pat Robertson’s retarded fire-and brimstone ass is alive and well at the age of 79.

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Teddy Pendergrass accomplished so much as a singer and songwriter, and as a lead (and one-time drummer) for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, plus as a successful solo artist over a dozen albums deep.

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Deep Vinyl #2: The JB’s – Food For Thought By Frost Gamble

James Brown’s importance to hip-hop is well documented, and his catalogue consists of endless loops and snippets that have been used by producers from day one. Naturally, the albums that were recorded by his backing band, The JB’s, are bringing the exact same funk. The lineup of this team changed over the years, but with members like Bootsy Collins, Bobby Byrd, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker in and out the mix; you can’t go wrong. Hell, as these cats went on to have solo albums full of samples too!

The JBs released their full-length debut. Food For Thought, in 1972. This wax has been absolutely pillaged by hip-hop producers, the quality of the grooves on this joint are tough to match. If you need to sample funky horns, this is a must-own.

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Derek B – R.I.P. by Frost Gamble

I am definitely tired of hip-hop legends passing away too young.

Derek B (aka EZ-Q) was the first British rapper to make noise in the U.S., first with his single “Rock the Beat” and later with the LP Bullet From a Gun. A multi-talented artist, he rapped, produced and DJ’d; covering all the duties on his Profile debut (in the late 80’s, I wisely bought anything that came out on Profile). He made a little noise with this release and then seemed to play the background, continuing to work as a producer and remixer. Derek B’s not going to be on many top 10 lists, but he definitely had skills and dropped a solid album. I mean, dude was featured on Mr. Magic’s (umm, also RIP… case in point) Rap Attack Volume 1 – it can’t get more official than that! I hope his passing will receive more reflection in the UK than it will probably get in the States. In honor of the man and his music; let’s break down the samples he used on a few of his tracks…

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The Break Down #1: Detroit Emeralds – “You’re Getting a Little Too Smart” By Frost Gamble

“The Break Down” analyzes classic breaks and how they were used in Hip Hop over the years.  We also

During hip-hop’s golden years, a producer wasn’t judged by how many plug-ins, rack modules or keyboards he had – it was all about having a deep record collection to sample from. Drum breaks were of particular importance as the foundation for countless classics. In this series, I’ll look back at important drum breaks and how they were used by producers and artists over the last 20 years.

The Detroit Emeralds began as a vocal group, consisting of four brothers from Little Rock, AR – but by the time their 1973 Album I’m In Love With You dropped – they were down to two brothers, Ivory and Abrim Tilmon, plus band mate James Mitchell. The album’s cover makes it easily recognizable – emerald green border, emerald green suits – it looks something like a funky box of Lucky Charms. And Side A, Track 3 gives us one of the most recognizable drum breaks of all time. You’re Getting… hasn’t been used as much as say, Impeach the President or Amen, but the crisp snare, clean kick and open hi hat featured in the first four bars have been the basis for several great hip-hop songs.

The Detroit Emeralds – You’re Getting A Little Too Smart

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Deep Vinyl #1: B.T. Express – Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied By Frost Gamble

The “Deep Vinyl” series showcases classic albums of the past that are strong from the first to last track”

Deep Vinyl #1: B.T. Express – Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied  By Frost Gamble

Early in my diggin’ career, I came across this gem in  a used record spot – and I couldn’t believe how many samples had been used off it!  Every time I dropped the needle, I heard a different track that one my favorite MCs had rhymed over.  Normally, I was looking for a loop that nobody had touched yet – but this album just amazed me, so I shelled out the $7 to cop it. (Trust that $7 was no joke to me back then – I was checking for 25-cent records at the Salvation Army on the regular!)

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The Return Of Scorpio… Scorpio61s Sample Mix Vol 53!

Scorpio61 is back with another one of his world class Hip Hop sample mixes…

Scorpio61s Sample Mix Vol 53

And if you haven’t checked out the rest of them yet… CHECK THEM OUT HERE

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E-Digging 101… Soulseek Tips & Tricks

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