Run-DMC, Paul Simon and Bob James

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Apr 6, 2025

The host shares personal memories tied to Run DMC's 'Peter Piper' and its impact on hip-hop. A deep dive into the art of sampling reveals Bob James' track that inspired countless songs. The discussion highlights DJ techniques that revolutionized music in the '80s. Ethical considerations surrounding sampling are also explored, shedding light on the balance between creativity and legality. Throughout, the host weaves in musical elements to enhance the listening experience, making it both informative and engaging.

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ANECDOTE

Ethan's Childhood Music Love

Ethan Hein loved the album Raising Hell by Run DMC since he was 11 years old.
He was unaware until later that Run DMC's song samples Paul Simon's music, which he also loved as a child.

INSIGHT

Bob James' Jazz Impact on Hip-Hop

Bob James' 1973 jazz cover of Paul Simon's "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" is the cornerstone sample in Run DMC's "Peter Piper".
This track has been sampled over 500 times, showing its vast influence in hip-hop and other genres.

INSIGHT

Turntables as Instruments

In 1986, hip-hop samples were created using vinyl turntables, not digital samplers.
Jam Master Jay masterfully manipulated two copies of the same record live, showcasing the artistry of turntablism.

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I have been thinking about doing a podcast for a long time, but I couldn’t think of the right format. I didn’t want to just freestyle into the mic, but I also couldn’t think of a more structured way to approach it. But I’ve been listening to the great 500 Songs podcast lately, and it inspired me. To get started, I decided to talk about a song that I have loved since I was eleven years old, and one that I have talked about any time I have taught a class on music technology, popular music theory or copyright. The idea of manipulating an existing piece of music on a turntable as a form of musical expression is such a futuristic and crazy idea. You’re playing a song as a musical instrument to create a new song! What a concept.

I like weaving in the music that I’m talking about as much as possible to make the podcast a musical experience unto itself. This is a labor-intensive process, so we’ll see how sustainable it is, but I enjoy doing it and I hope people enjoy listening to it. The music you hear at the beginning and end is an original track of mine called “Voice Leading.” Other pieces of music discussed, in order of appearance:

“Peter Piper” by Run-DMC (1986)

“Take Me To The Mardi Gras” by Paul Simon (1973)

“Take Me To The Mardi Gras” by Bob James (1973)

“Rise and Shine” by Tommy Cash (1970)

"I Can't Stop" by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra (1976)

"Work It" by Missy Elliott (2002)

"King of the Beats" by Mantronix (1988)

"The Power" by Snap (1990)

A note to copyright holders: I use short clips of the above recordings for educational purposes. In every instance, I believe this to be protected as fair use in the USA, fair dealing in the UK and EEA, and similar exceptions in other nations’ copyright laws. I do not use any recordings in their entirety, and the excerpts that I do use are edited into analytical commentary, making this usage transformative in nature. This podcast is an educational resource, one which has no negative effect on the market for the works excerpted. Any DMCA notices (or equivalent in other jurisdictions) will be contested.

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