Sampling Without Stealing (VIDEO)

For all you producers out there, the question is, “How do you sample 70’s soul records without completely stealing the artist’s recording?” Well, here are a couple of lessons from Kev Brown to help start you off. Kev Brown has produced tracks for Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn, Busta Rhymes, Marley Marl, and Pete Rock, just to name a few. Here are some of what he suggest:

Step 1: Find a DOPE piece of a record (key term is “piece” )

Step 2: Chop the piece into small phrases or samples

Step 3: Time-stretch your sample

Step 4: Arrange a unique loop (this is where you can get really creative)

Step 5: Add drums to give your production a nice swing

(swing = feeling of the track)

Viola! You have now arranged the anatomy of a classic hip-hop soul record! Give yourself some props, not everyone is capable of creating a DOPE joint. Now check out the video below for more Kev Brown.

Post by Joel Grant

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