One Song Herbie Hancock's "Rockit"
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Oct 2, 2025 Dive into the electrifying world of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking hit "Rockit"! The hosts explore its revolutionary impact on jazz and hip-hop, shining a light on the innovative use of turntablism and funky rhythms. You'll hear about the eclectic influence of the 'Rockit' video on MTV and how it broke barriers for Black artists. Discover the creative process behind its iconic sounds, including DXT's legendary scratch intro and Herbie's emotive synth melodies, all while celebrating the song's lasting legacy in music history.
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DXT's One-Take Scratch Solo
- GrandMixer DXT recorded his iconic scratch solo in one take and matched his turns to the programmed Oberheim rhythm.
- His scratching became a central, melodic element rather than mere ornamentation.
The 'Fresh' Snippet Is The Secret Source
- The signature scratch sound derives from a tiny vocoder phrase on the record 'Change the Beat.'
- That short vocoder line ('this stuff is really fresh') became one of hip-hop's most sampled sounds.
Turntable As Instrument
- GrandMixer DXT framed the turntable as a musical instrument and the 'Change the Beat' sample as his bow.
- The record transformed the DJ into a frontline instrumentalist.
