Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Run-D.M.C.'s 1986 album Raising Hell marked a new high point for hip hop in terms of commerical popularity. The group's rock inspired sound crossed over well with mainstream audiences, with standout track "Walk This Way" featuring recording from Aerosmith members and helped relaunch their faltering career. Track "My Adidas" highlight the group's signature fashion which paved the way for hip hop groups to receive large-scale brand deals. This album and its samples are vital to 1980s hip hop and decades to follow that drew inspiration from it. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 3/18/24 

New shows aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Raising Hell

Free Samples 24 | Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C. | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Labcabincalifornia, released in 1995, is the second release from L.A. based hip hop group The Pharcyde. This record stands out for its unique production handled in large part by Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) who was introduced to the group by Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. Jay Dee, alongside the Pharcyde, are in peak form on this record, which is the first instance in which Jay Dee's production was showcased on a large scale to the world.   

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 3/25/24 

New shows aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

The Pharcyde

Free Samples 25 | Labcabincalifornia by The Pharcyde | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, released in 1990, was the debut album from A Tribe Called Quest. Introducing the world to their Afrocentric focus, Tribe would showcase their innovative sampling headed by Q-Tip who began making pause tapes at just 15 years old. The biggest track from this record, "Can I Kick It?" is shrouded in controversy due to its sampling as Lou Reed took 100% of the royalties from the song due to Tribe sampling his track "Walk on the Wild Side." All that and more is explored this week!

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 4/1/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

Free Samples 26 | People's Instinctive Travels... by A Tribe Called Quest | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Released in 1987, Paid in Full was the deubt album from the Long Island duo of Eric B. & Rakim. Paid in Full was massively successful commercially and critically, being a landmark album in the 1980s that would inspire a generation of Golden Age rappers in the 1990s. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 4/8/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Paid In Full

Free Samples 27 | Paid In Full by Eric B. & Rakim | Hip Hop Breakdown

1996-05-16 - Bobbito, Eclipse & Lord Sear @ WKCR 89.9 FM New York - The Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Show

1996-05-16: WKCR 89.9 FM New York, "The Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Show"

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

WKCR is a non-commercial, student-run radio station that relies entirely on listeners donations to sustain itself. This episode was aired during WKCR's annual Spring fund drive and showcases a collection of songs from the preceding episodes in a ""best-of"" format. You can support WKCR by heading to wkcr.org and pressing the big yellow button. All donations are deeply appreciated. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 4/15/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Mix of Albums

Free Samples 28 | Fundraising Week Special | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

On this episode, we explore the debut record from MF DOOM. Operation Doomsday came out in 1999 and displayed the unique flow, masterful lyricism, and complex production of DOOM. Released on Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em Records, this album would help relaunch DOOM's career after his group KMD fell apart following the death of his brother and collaborator. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 5/13/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Operation Doomsday

Free Samples 29 | Operation Doomsday by MF DOOM | Hip Hop Breakdown

On a special episode of Free Samples, we sit down with Madilyn Povey, a 16 year old producer out of New Zealand. She is pushing the envelope of hip hop production by sampling music from different countries around the world, from Vietnam to Italy to Pakistan and more. In a 4-album series titled "around the globe," Povey is creating hip hop beats from music not typically sampled. For information on this, what it's like to be a young producer in the modern age, and more, tune in!

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 5/27/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples 30 | Interview With Madilyn Povey

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

The Shining by J Dilla is a showcase of the legendary Detroit producer's prowess despite his battles with TPP. Like Donuts, The Shining was produced as Dilla was in and out of the hospital and was left uncomplete upon his death. Its completion was entrusted to hip hop producer and jazz drummer Karriem Riggins, who completed the album which released in 2006. Many of J Dilla's iconic techniques are showcased on this project, including his unique "Dilla Time" drum pattern and unique song splicing. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 6/10/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples 31 | The Shining by J Dilla | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Missy Elliott's 2002 critically acclaimed release Under Construction is the subject of today's show, a quintessential 2000s release. Timbaland takes the lead on production for this project with Missy delivering behind the mic. This album features Elliott's most popular song "Work It" which incorporates an audio snippet played in reverse, a must hear for all hip hop fans. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 6/17/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples 32 | Under Construction by Missy Elliott | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

The Beastie Boys second release Paul's Boutique is the subject of today's show and features perhaps more samples than any album we have covered thus far. With production from the Dust Brothers, these tracks feature up to 24 samples of note and see the Beastie Boys move away from their frat rap sound featured in their debut album Licensed to Ill towards a more sampledelia sound. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 6/25/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Paul's Boutique

Free Samples 33 | Paul's Boutique by The Beastie Boys | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

The sophomore record from Nas, "It Was Written" sees the Queens MC take a different, more commercial approach than his iconic debut "Illmatic." This record received mixed reviews upon its release but has since been cherish, especially for its hits like "If I Ruled the World" and "The Message."

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 7/1/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

It Was Written

Free Samples 34 | It Was Written by Nas | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

3rd Bass, consisting of MC Serch, Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Rich, is a hip hop duo from New York that rose through the ranks in the late 80s, eventually releasing their debut record "The Cactus Album" in 1989 from Def Jam. With a more undergound sound, the group challeneged mainstream artists they accused of turning hip hop into pop such as Vanilla Ice (on a later record) and MC Hammer. This record also features a very early appearance from MF DOOM, at that time rapping under the name Zev Love X. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 7/8/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

The Cactus Album

Free Samples 35 | The Cactus Album by 3rd Bass | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Gang Starr, the duo of DJ Premier and Guru, hit New York hard in 1994 with their fourth studio album Hard 2 Earn. This record features top-notch production from Premo and classic bars from Guru as well as stand out hits like Mass Appeal. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 7/22/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Hard 2 Earn

Free Samples 36 | Hard 2 Earn by Gang Starr | Hip Hop Breakdown

As someone who was obsessed with recording NYC Underground Hip Hop Radio shows throughout the 90's and early 2000's, I would periodically compile my tapes and make a pause mix of my favorite tracks. This is one of those tapes.

The Basement Butters - An Underground Hip Hop Pause Mix

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Digable Planets was the Brooklyn-based trio of Butterfly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca which formed in 1987. Their debut release, which dropped in 1993, displayed electic creative sampling and hard-hitting lyrics with a left-wing political edge. 

Episode 37 covered Bone-Thugz-N-Harmony's "E. 1999 Eternal" and was unfortunately not recorded so it could not be uploaded. 

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 8/26/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples 38 | Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space by Digable Planets | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Digable Planets was the Brooklyn-based trio of Butterfly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca which formed in 1987. This record, their sophomore album, was the last original project the group would release before their breakup.

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 9/2/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples 39 | Blowout Comb by Digable Planets | Hip Hop Breakdown

Free Samples takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop by focusing on the samples that make up some of the genre’s most iconic albums. Select songs from each album are dissected in detail. Each original sample is played followed by an explanation of how it fits into the song we are examining. After each sample in the song of focus is broken down, the song is played in full. 

Naughty by Nature was a New Jersey based hip hop trio consisting of Treach, DJ Kay Gee, and Vin Rock, who were able to break into the mainstream of music with a select singles from this record, self-titled ""Naughty by Nature.""

Hosted by Ted Schmiedeler 
Originally aired 9/9/24 

New shows are aired every Monday from 9-10pm EST on WKCR 89.9 FM NY and wkcr.org. All shows are uploaded to Soundcloud afterwards.

Free Samples has been discontinued as a show. All recorded shows can be found in this digital archive. 

Free Samples 40 | Naughty by Nature by Naughty by Nature | Hip Hop Breakdown

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