When the origins of sampling in Hip-hop come up in conversation nowadays, many people tend to look to the more innovative examples. From using bits of movie dialogue to incorporating syncopation from spiritual jazz, the art of sampling has evolved to include just about any sound that can fit into a rhythm or melody. The same technology, though, was not available when Hip-hop was in its youth, leaving the pioneers of the artform with one obvious choice: Funk. The genre is defined by hard-hitting, unmistakable drum breaks that proved to be the perfect canvas for otherworldly rhyme schemes when chopped and looped. When people think of Funk, they think of James Brown, but one of the most recognizable names in all of music didn’t coin the term “funk” on his own, which brings us to this Golden Age Thursday.
Bobby Byrd, close creative associate of Brown and an immense talent in his own right, has found a place in Hip-hop right next to his musical partner as a wealth of sample material. While many songs from the duo’s prolific and impactful career can be heard throughout Hip-hop, this week, we’re focusing on a 1971 hit. “I Know You Got Soul” has slowly become one of the more revered releases of Funk’s golden age, and the likes of Ice Cube and Eric B. & Rakim picked up on that instantly. Hear the original tune below, along with some of Hip-hop’s greats flipping it into something they can call their own.
Original Sample: Bobby Byrd – “I Know You Got Soul”
Produced by James Brown
Ice Cube – “Jackin’ For Beats”
Produced By Chilly Chill, Sir Jinx, & Ice Cube
Eric B. & Rakim – “I Know You Got Soul”
Produced by Eric B. & Rakim
Public Enemy – “Fight The Power”
Produced by The Bomb Squad
