{
  "id": 10963037,
  "title": "Questlove on Sampling, Earth, Wind & Fire and the Evolution of Hip-Hop | Billboard On The Record",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/questlove-on-sampling-earth-wind-fire-and-the-evolution-of-hip-hop",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:41:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/video/questlove-sampling-earth-wind-and-fire-billboard-on-the-record/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Questlove, a musician and music historian, joined Billboard's Kristin Robinson for a conversation about the history of sampling and the evolution of hip-hop. They discussed his Earth, Wind & Fire documentary, which explores two different interpretations of the band's legacy. Sampling has played a significant role in shaping some of the most influential music of the last 50 years, and Questlove has been at its core throughout this evolution.\n\nQuestlove explained that a record is essentially the capture of a compelling performance, an audio snapshot or moment in time. He emphasized that the reason sampling works is due to the idea of a community creating something together. In June 1988, Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back released, marking a turning point in music history.\n\nQuestlove shared his experience of discovering his father's record collection, which reignited his interest in music. This sentiment echoed Robinson's point that a lot of older music is changing hands, leading to a surge of catalog sales. Record companies are reaching out to artists like Questlove to utilize their work. For Questlove, this offers an appealing sense of outlaw-ness, similar to the legalization of weed. Additionally, individuals with a rebellious spirit may feel compelled to use copyrighted material.",
  "summary": "Sampling has shaped some of the most influential music of the last 50 years — and Questlove has been there for much of its evolution. The musician and music historian joins Billboard’s Kristin Robinson for Billboard On The Record for a conversation about his Earth, Wind & Fire documentary — Earth, Wind & Fire (To […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Questlove discusses the history of sampling and hip-hop evolution with Billboard's Kristin Robinson.",
    "Record companies are reaching out to artists like Questlove for catalog sales and outlaw-ness."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}