The-Breaks.com
I came across this site a few years back and was glad to see that it was still up and running. The site used to be located at www.members.accessus.net/~xombi/intro.html, but now has a new home at the-breaks.com.
So what’s so great about the site? Well, it is pretty much the largest collection of sampled music that I’ve ever come across. And by “sampled”, I’m referring to the process by which artists create beats and backdrops to their songs using other songs and music. For example, Vanilla Ice’s one hit wonder “Ice Ice Baby” used Queen’s “Under Pressure” as the opening beat. Or how about Warren G’s “Regulate” which used Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” as the backdrop to the entire song.
On the one hand I think it’s a shame because I’m pretty sure that there are people out there that have no idea who Queen or Michael McDonald is and might believe that Vanilla Ice and Warren G where the original innovators of these tracks. I also think it’s a shame how these new artists are just recycling and reusing classic beats. On the other hand, inquiring minds might make an effort to actually research the beats used in these songs and discover some great music that might have fallen from the public’s ear.
The database is probably 90% Rap and Hip-Hop, but there are also other music genre’s represented along with Movie phrases that have been used in songs. It is a great reference for music lovers, especially those looking to rediscover some original hits and classics, so check it out.