Originals

Originals on vinyl: the sample and the song on one record

In short: On every record the British series Originals puts two tracks side by side: a soul, funk or jazz tune – and usually the hip-hop track that sampled it. That way you hear directly where a famous beat comes from. The records came out in the 2010s. The Vinyl Room currently has 28 records from the series.

From our stock

Soul & funk as the source

Conscious & jazzy hip-hop

From the series

→ Hip-hop on vinyl · Conscious · Soul & funk on vinyl

What makes Originals special?

The idea is simple and irresistible for record fans: Tom Scott’s “Today” sits next to “T.R.O.Y.” by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Aretha Franklin’s “One Step Ahead” next to Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty”, and “Amen Brother” by The Winstons – the source of perhaps the best-known break of all – next to Mantronix’ “King Of The Beats”.

We also have pairs with Gang Starr, Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo, Jurassic 5, Masta Ace, Ultramagnetic MC’s and DJ Jazzy Jeff, with Cymande, The Meters, Maceo & The Macks, James Brown, Syl Johnson, Ray Bryant and Marvin Gaye on the other side. A good way to discover hip-hop and its roots at the same time.

FAQ

What is the Originals series? Records from Britain that pair an original from soul, funk or jazz, usually with the hip-hop track built on it.

What is a sample? A short excerpt of an existing recording that producers build into a new track – a beat or a horn line, for example.

Which pairs are especially well known? Tom Scott and “T.R.O.Y.”, Aretha Franklin and Mos Def, The Winstons and Mantronix.

What do you have from the series? Records from the 2010s – 28 records in all.