The aim of this paper is to take a look at the technique of sampling regarding the purpose, a definition and the origin of this method. Furthermore, emphasis will be put on the controversy of sampling, followed by a short explanation of the fundamental principles of the copyright law. Finally, a conclusion will summarize the core results and add some closing remarks to this topic.
It only took two turntables and a microphone to turn a ghetto dominated by violence, into a united neighborhood and community filled with enough positive energy to create a music genre and culture that took over the whole world rapidly. Ever since the Hip Hop culture emerged in the 1970s in the dirty corners and hopeless streets of the South Bronx in New York, the vinyl record has played a huge role in the development and growth of this movement towards main stream culture. A simple vinyl record has been able to give poor people a way to transform their anger and desperation into art. Even in the age of digital technology, the so called black gold is still relevant, building the foundation for artistic disciplines like scratching and sampling.
Since the early days, the technique of sampling has been the core element in making Hip Hop, be it adopting Bruce Lee moves and gymnastic elements to create a new dancing style, taking synthesizer- or vocal sounds for scratching, or the adoption and reconstruction of melodies and drum loops from dusty vinyl records to come up with a whole new way of music production. But can we really see this method as a creative and unique way of self-expression or is it rather a lack of creativity and even artistic laziness?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition and the Purpose of Sampling
- The Origin of Sampling
- Controversy of Sampling
- Copyright Law
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the technique of sampling in Hip Hop, examining its purpose, definition, origin, and controversy. The paper will also touch upon the fundamental principles of copyright law.
- The development and role of sampling in Hip Hop culture
- The creative potential and artistic significance of sampling
- The controversy surrounding sampling, including legal and ethical considerations
- The impact of sampling on the evolution of music production
- The cultural and social influence of sampling in music
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of Hip Hop's emergence and the significance of vinyl records in its development. It highlights the role of sampling in transforming the genre into a global phenomenon, and explores the artistic merit and controversy surrounding this technique.
- Definition and the Purpose of Sampling: This chapter defines sampling as the process of taking a segment of sound from an existing recording and manipulating it for one's own creation. It compares the concept of layering sounds to a photo collage, emphasizing the goal of transforming an existing piece of music into something new and unique.
- The Origin of Sampling: This chapter explores the roots of sampling in the South Bronx, where residents used limited resources to create their own culture. It highlights the emergence of DJ techniques like Merry-Go-Round and the development of early sampling devices like the E-Mu Emulator. The chapter also traces the evolution of samplers, from the Akai S900 to the MPC Series, and acknowledges the enduring influence of vinyl records in Hip Hop.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sampling, Hip Hop culture, music production, copyright law, artistic expression, creativity, controversy, vinyl records, DJing, digital technology, cultural influence.
- Quote paper
- Alexander Zerfas (Author), 2014, The Technique of Sampling and its Controversy in Hip Hop Music Production, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/372229
