The World Is Yours

The sixth episode of Soundbreaking looks at a musical revolution that was not only inspired by recording but born from its history: the art of sampling--a kind of musical equivalent of Adam's rib. Beginning with the pioneers of hip hop (Afrika Bambaataa, Chuck D, Rick Rubin), the episode tracks the way in which the practice of borrowing fragments from existing records created a new genre--a potent musical form that emerged from the margins, up-ended the establishment, and set in motion a controversy over copyright that has yet to be resolved. As we survey the development of sampling and its multiple, varied incarnations over the years since, Episode Six explores the complex sonic landscapes which, by their very existence, pay tribute to the art of recording itself, and examines the eternally blurred line between theft and homage.

Guest Stars (24)

Todd Boyd as Self

Questlove as Self

Jimmy Jam as Self

Rick Rubin as Self

Arthur Baker as Self

Q-Tip as Self

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels as Self

Fredara Hadley as Self

Hank Shocklee as Self

RZA as Self

Adam Horovitz as Self

Mark Ronson as Self

Debbie Harry as Self

Nile Rodgers as Self

Eddie Kramer as Self

Dan Auerbach as Self

Vivien Goldman as Self

Chuck D as Self

Moby as Self

Esperanza Spalding as Self

Michael Simpson as Self

Afrika Bambaataa as Self

DJ Spooky as Self

Neneh Cherry as Self