DNA: The Pioneers of Hip Hop's Sample-Based Sound

DNA is an American hip hop production duo, best known for their foundational role in the development of sample-based music and their landmark 1981 single "A Little Bit of Jazz." Hailing from New York City, the group achieved a unique form of success by creating a record that became a cornerstone sample, later certified gold for its use in the massive hit "It Takes Two" by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock.

Early career

Formed in the late 1970s, DNA consisted of keyboardist Neal B. and drummer John B. The duo emerged from the vibrant New York City club scene, where they blended live instrumentation with early drum machines and synthesizers. Their initial work was rooted in jazz-funk and disco, laying the groundwork for their later, more influential productions.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 1981 with the release of the instrumental track "A Little Bit of Jazz" on the independent label Sound of New York USA. While not a major chart hit upon its initial release, the song's infectious, horn-driven breakbeat became a legendary staple in hip hop circles. Its true commercial impact was realized years later through its iconic sampling.

Key tracks

A Little Bit of Jazz — This 1981 instrumental provided the definitive horn loop and drum break for Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's 1988 platinum hit "It Takes Two," ensuring DNA's legacy.

Blow Your Mind — Another early track that showcased the duo's knack for crafting crisp, sample-ready funk grooves with a distinct electronic edge.

Theme from S'Express — DNA's production work extended to the UK acid house scene, contributing to this 1988 Top 10 UK hit for S'Express, which also heavily utilized sampling.

Following the rediscovery of their work in the late 1980s, DNA's original recordings gained immense value as source material for producers. The duo's influence is measured less in their own sales and more in the platinum and gold records earned by the artists who sampled them. Their sound became a blueprint for the sample-heavy direction of hip hop and electronic music in that era.

For fans of the raw, sample-based sound of early hip hop, similar artists include Jimmy Castor, whose funk tracks like "It's Just Begun" were similarly mined for breaks. The jazz-funk fusion of Bob James provided countless samples, with his song "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" being another foundational piece. The production style of Marley Marl directly built upon the DNA blueprint, revolutionizing hip hop production with sampled drums and horns. Furthermore, the eclectic sampling of The J.B.'s shares the same foundational importance in providing the raw materials for an entire genre.

DNA's pioneering tracks remain in heavy rotation on dedicated old-school hip hop radio stations, classic breaks shows, and online radio streams specializing in the roots of rap music. Their music is a permanent fixture on channels that explore the foundational elements of hip hop production and dance music history.

You can hear the influential music of DNA on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover this pivotal hip hop duo through the classic beats and breaks played on stations available on onairium.com.