DJ Zimmie – Footnotes Vol. 1 (1979-1981)

Sample-based Hip-Hop, to me, is the essence of Hip-Hop. Taking what’s available to you and adding a creative spark to make it your own is how break records in NYC parks turned into the most influential genre of music on Earth. Footnotes is an encyclopedic mix series of sample-based Hip-Hop by year. Mixes will be released chronologically, multiple editions per year when necessary, to educate listeners on the ingredients of Hip-Hop. Digging for samples is constantly expanding my musical horizons by introducing me to artists and tracks that become new favorites while giving me insight into what producers grew up listening to. Stay in school!

Note: This first edition covers 1979-1981. I won’t cover every single song that used a sample. If I did, I’d never finish. I’ll be highlighting important songs, unique sample flips and influential artists or producers. Some samples were used by multiple artists and I’ll be showcasing what I think was the best or most popular usage.