Watch Sample This

Sample This is a documentary film from 2012 that explores the roots of hip-hop music and its connection to a little-known 1973 instrumental track called "Apache". Directed by Dan Forrer and narrated by Gene Simmons, the movie takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of music production and how it has influenced modern music.

The film introduces viewers to Michael Viner, a former MGM Records executive who discovered a group of session musicians called The Incredible Bongo Band. The group was formed by Viner to produce instrumental songs for use in films and television shows. While The Incredible Bongo Band never achieved mainstream success, one of their tracks, "Apache," found new life when it became a popular song for DJs and breakdancers in the 1970s. This song became a cornerstone of hip-hop and has been sampled by over 700 artists in music genres ranging from rock to rap.

Through interviews with artists ranging from Questlove of The Roots to Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, Sample This shows how "Apache" created a new type of music that took the world by storm. The movie also explores the cultural significance of hip-hop and how it reflects the struggles and triumphs of the African-American community.

The film delves into the struggles and controversies that arose from the sampling of "Apache." Some musicians and record companies felt that the use of samples was tantamount to stealing intellectual property, while others believed that it was the creative expression of new art. The film includes interviews with musicians such as Barry White and Bambaataa, as well as lawyers and music industry executives, each offering their own unique perspective on the issue of sampling.

The movie also explores the complex and fascinating life of Michael Viner, a man who was equal parts eccentric, visionary, and hustler. Through archival footage and interviews with people who knew him best, viewers gain insight into Viner's unique style of business and how he was able to create a new type of music that helped define a generation.

In addition to the interviews, Sample This also includes live performances, both old and new. We see footage of The Incredible Bongo Band performing "Apache," alongside modern musicians paying homage to the song that started it all. This juxtaposition of old and new shows the longevity and cultural impact of a single track.

Throughout the film, viewers get a sense of the historical and cultural context that led to the creation of hip-hop and the sampling of "Apache." From the civil rights movement to the rise of disco, the movie shows how cultural movements and trends intersected to create a new type of music that changed the world.

With excellent storytelling, great interviews, and a fantastic soundtrack, Sample This is a must-watch for music lovers and anyone interested in the history of hip-hop. The film serves not only as a tribute to the inspirations behind the songs we love, but also as a reminder of the struggles faced by the people who created them. Overall, Sample This is a fascinating and entertaining exploration of the origins of modern music.

Sample This is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 64.