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…
All City
This Deep Purple guitar riff was pretty well known by hip-hop heads, having been used by Boogie Down Productions a couple years before. Derek B combines it with some nice drum programing, a couple sample snippets, vinyl scratches, and good old fashioned ‘shout rap.’
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Derek B – “All City”
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Deep Purple – “Smoke on the Water”
Bad Young Brother
In my opinion, any record that opens with a transformer scratch is off to a great start. Again, there’s a lot of turntable work on this joint; the foundation being that Led Zepplin breakbeat the Beasties made famous. For additional flavor, Prince’s Sign of The Times is sliced up in the break.
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Derek B – “Bad Young Brother”
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Led Zeppelin – “When the Levee Breaks”
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Prince – Sign of the Times
Get Down
This track was one of the singles off the album, built around a Jackson 5 sample and some nice use of the Funky Drummer break. The rhymes aren’t the greatest, but the breakdowns and scratches made it dope, and it did get some radio play as a result.
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Derek B – “Get Down”
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James Brown – “Funky Drummer”
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The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
We’ve Got the Juice
In 1988, it was pretty much required to use the ‘Think’ break. Rob Base may have immortalized it, but Derek took a decent crack at it too – taking smaller loops and adding an ill horn sample and live saxophone.
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Derek B – “We’ve Got the Juice”
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Lyn Collins – “Think (About It)”
Rest in peace, Derek Boland. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones.
This is a great peace. I am so glad some other guys are getting noticed for their skills and accomplishments.
The depth of your knowledge is incredible…This type of info is what is needed to help producers like myself make some actual progress with this craft. Once again thank you and keep it coming!!!