Myths About Sampling & Sample Clearance Debunked

When it comes to sampling, it tends to be hard to differentiate truths from misconceptions, so we've debunked the biggest myths.

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By Tracklib

The Ultimate List of Sample Breakdowns by Tracklib: The Best Chops & Flips Of All Time

Tracklib's Sample Breakdown celebrates the art of sampling. The series visualizes the sampling techniques behind the songs. From iconic golden-era hip-hop samples to today's biggest hits.

By Tracklib

Sample Cutting-Edge Sounds & Textures by Six Jazz Mavericks on We Jazz Records

The forward-thinking music on We Jazz Records offers unlimited creativity. We have selected six artists from the vast We Jazz catalog, preceded by a short interview with label founder Matti Nives. In part inspired by hip-hop and sampling, the following sounds from the Helsinki-based record label are ready to be flipped—from a 'soul jazz scorcher' to drum breaks to spacious textures.

By Tracklib

Watch How Hip-Hop Sampling Evolved Over 50 Years

You can't celebrate hip-hop turning 50, without celebrating hip-hop sampling turning 50. In this first-of-its-kind video, Tracklib paints a full picture of how each year crate-digging for old records led to groundbreaking new sounds.

music publishing guide for beginners - header

By Tracklib

Music Publishing Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Let’s start with a key takeaway: if you don’t have your music publishing in order, you’re leaving money on the table. This easily comprehensible guide shows you how. Including best practices and examples of the different revenue streams for your music.

By Danny Veekens

The 'Godfather of Acid Jazz' joins Tracklib: Sample 40+ Jazz Fusion Records, Multitracks & Rarities

Brian Auger a.k.a. the Godfather of Acid Jazz, a Hammond B3 innovator, and he's a pivotal figure in the rise of jazz-rock fusion. The likes of Boards of Canada, Mos Def, Nujabes, and Madlib sampling from his vast catalog, is a testament to his influence.

By Tracklib

Edition Records: Sample European Jazz, Electronic Music & Cinematic Textures

"I believe there's an undiscovered treasure trove for sampling here," says Dave Stapleton, the founder of Edition Records. That's also what Swizz Beatz knew when he sampled a modern jazz gem from their vaults for "Cold Blooded" featuring Pusha T.

By Tracklib

Dig into Downtempo, Lo-Fi House, Indie Folk & More on Brooklyn's Youngbloods

Digging into the catalog of Youngbloods unlocks new sampling potential. Because with a focus on celebrating leftfield downtempo music, the Brooklyn-based record label offers a wide range of sounds to explore. It's as label co-founder John Moses puts it: "Sampling is universe-building"—and Youngbloods is here to provide the otherworldly sounds for that.

By Tracklib

Sample Jazz, Rich Textures & Solo Piano by Matthew Tavares (formerly of BADBADNOTGOOD)

Having worked with Ghostface Killah, MF DOOM, Kaytranada, and Kendrick Lamar, it’s safe to say former BADBADNOTGOOD keyboardist Matthew Tavares knows what makes a good beat.

By Tracklib

A 70s Psychedelic Jazz Trip by Italian Singer & Film Composer Nora Orlandi

Nora Orlandi's Italian film music inspired Quentin Tarantino in 'Kill Bill' and was later flipped by The Neptunes on The Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury.' In 1970, she released 'Sfere Luminose' together with jazz drummer Franco Tonani.

By Danny Veekens

African Rhythms: Mid-70s Jazz, Funk, and Spiritual Sounds from the iconic Black Fire label

The spirit of Black Fire is still burning. Up to this day, producers including J Dilla, Diamond D, Madlib, and J. Cole all sampled Black Fire's music, which is a testament to the longevity of their spiritual jazz, funk, and Afrocentric grooves. That timelessness is also evident through the contagious enthusiasm James "Plunky" Branch evokes in this interview with Tracklib.

By Tracklib

Sample 700+ Vintage Latin Records & Afro-Caribbean Rhythms by Ansonia Records

Back in the 1940s, when the streets of New York were bursting with Latin music, Puerto Rican Rafael Pérez started a label called Ansonia Records to champion sounds ranging from bolero to Latin Jazz. Today, with a catalog of thousands of records deep—sampled by DJ Khaled, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, and more—Ansonia Records now opens its vault doors to Tracklib users…

By Tracklib

The Voice of Pliers: Reggae/Dancehall Meets 70s Soul Influences

With hits like "Murder She Wrote," "Tease Me," and "Bam Bam," Jamaican singer Pliers is one of the most celebrated reggae/dancehall singers of the mid-80s to early 90s. His smooth, high voice was sampled for music by Kanye West, Beyoncé, and 50 Cent, who all loved his infectious dancehall.

By Danny Veekens

Fake Features: Is There a Way to Legally Use AI Generated Vocals in Music? (+ FAQ)

"Savages" by AllttA—produced with a Tracklib sample—opened up a conversation about the ethics of using generative AI in music. Producers including Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Lord Finesse, and Young Guru all weighed in. But what do these rapid-paced, groundbreaking developments hold for the future? And can you actually legally use or sample AI-generated voices?

By Tracklib

Myths & Misconceptions About Sampling Music Debunked

Myths about sampling are as old as the art of sampling itself. Especially in today's ever-changing music industry, it tends to be hard to differentiate facts from fiction, and truth from misconceptions. Let's debunk the biggest, oldest, and silliest myths and misinterpretations about sampling commercially released music once and for all.

By Tracklib

Sample Jazz Keyboardist Don Grusin's Early Records, Latin Influences & an Iconic Bassline

Spanning four-plus decades, the catalog of keyboardist and composer Don Grusin is nothing short of iconic. He has worked with Gilberto Gil, Joe Pass, Zoot Sims, Leon Ware, Patti Austin, Sergio Mendes, and his brother Dave Grusin, among countless others. He’s also a founding member of jazz fusion outfit Friendship—the band behind a bassline etched in our collective memory…

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