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#theincrediblebongoband #vinyl #vinylrecords
2023 marks a momentous milestone in the history of music as it will be 50 years since the birth of hip hop, and 50 years since the release of the groundbreaking album by The Incredible Bongo Band. The group was formed in 1972 by MGM A&R Michael Viner for the purpose of recording the soundtrack to a low-budget film called ‘The Thing with Two Heads.’ Their sound was unique, a percussive interpretation of classic pop covers featuring a multi-talented lineup that included Jerry Scheff, Perry Botkin Jr., Jim Gordon, and King Errisson. Their legacy was cemented by their cult-classic records, with their hit song ‘Apache’ reaching legendary status in the dance music and hip hop communities. It has been continuously sampled by numerous artists, including Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Nas, Kanye West, and more.
‘Bongo Rock’ is one of the most significant albums that laid the foundation for rap music. It is also the most sampled album of all time, according to music historians. Almost every history-minded hip-hop DJ has a copy, and the first few bars of “Apache,” can send crowds into overdrive. As Kool Herc, the father of hip-hop music, expressed, “the Bongo’s ‘Apache’ is the national anthem of hip-hop.” The album has been continually sampled by artists such as the Beastie Boys, Moby, Mick Jagger, Sugarhill Gang, Jay-Z, Aphex Twin, DJ Shadow, Massive Attack, and many others. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the release of this seminal album, we can reflect on its immeasurable impact on the world of music and its significant role in the birth and evolution of hip-hop culture.
