Ultimate Breaks and Beats

Ultimate Breaks and Beats is a legendary compilation series released between 1986 and 1991 that had a massive impact on the development of hip-hop, especially in the realm of sampling.

Here’s a brief history:

• Creators: The series was curated by DJs Lenny Roberts and later joined by Louis “BreakBeat Lou” Flores.
• Content: The compilations featured rare or overlooked funk, soul, and disco tracks from the 1960s and 1970s – specifically those with prominent drum breaks or instrumental sections.
• Purpose: The records were aimed at hip-hop DJs and producers looking for breakbeats – isolated drum parts ideal for looping and sampling.
• Influence: Many tracks from the series became the foundation of countless hip-hop classics. Artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A., Eric B. & Rakim, and DJ Premier heavily sampled from these records.
• Legacy: The series revolutionized sampling and is now considered a cornerstone of hip-hop history. It’s often referred to as the “Bible of Breakbeats.”