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Think break
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The Think break is a drum break that has been widely sampled in popular music. It comes from the 1972 song "Think (About It)" by the American soul singer Lyn Collins, written and produced by James Brown. The drum break was performed by John "Jabo" Starks.[1]
Background and impact
[edit]In 1987, "Think (About It)" was featured on the 16th volume of the drum break compilation Ultimate Breaks & Beats, a highly popular series among hip hop producers.[2][3] That year marked the first known use of the "Woo! Yeah!" break, when the Beatmasters, a British hip hop production trio, sampled the break for Cookie Crew's song "Females (Get On Up)".[4] While "Females" was a minor hit in the UK, the break did not receive major airplay and attention until the following year, when it was used as the backing loop for the 1988 song "It Takes Two" by MC Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.[5] The song, which is almost entirely composed of sampled parts from "Think (About It)", became a platinum-selling hit.[1]
It became almost ubiquitous in dance and hip hop records during the late 1980s and early 1990s and continues to see use.[4]
In addition to the famous "Yeah! Woo!" sample, another part of the drum break has seen prominent use in songs of diverse breakbeat subgenres such as jungle, drum and bass and breakcore.[6][7] The sample contains a short, ad-libbed shout by one of the musicians, and is usually played at a higher speed, giving the shout a very recognizable character.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Read, Chris. "A Brief History of 'The Think Break', the Funk Classic Sampled 2,000 Times". WhoSampled. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Ultimate Breaks and Beats - SBR 516". Innovative Music Corporation. Archived from the original on 21 October 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ Ettelson, Robbie (2 October 2017). "Ultimate Breaks & Beats: An Oral History". Cuepoint. Medium. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Samples of Think (About It) by Lyn Collins". WhoSampled.
- ^ Weingarten, Christopher R. (July 20, 2018). "Best of '88: How Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock's 'It Takes Two' Became an Overnight Smash". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Haven, Simon (August 8, 2022). "Drum Breaks: A Guide To Injecting Character into Your Music". edmprod.
- ^ Keith, James (November 9, 2018). "The Building Blocks Of Jungle: 10 Samples That Sculpted The UK Sound". Trench.
Think break
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The Think break is a highly influential drum break originating from the 1972 funk and soul track "Think (About It)" by American singer Lyn Collins, produced by James Brown and featuring drumming by John "Jabo" Starks of the J.B.'s.[1][2] Recorded at a tempo of approximately 174 beats per minute, the break consists of a concise, isolated drum solo with prominent tambourine accents and vocal ad-libs like "Yeah! Woo!", lasting about six seconds and providing a clean, versatile groove free of other instrumentation.[1][2]
Released as a single on James Brown's People Records label, "Think (About It)" peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart and marked Collins' biggest commercial success, though the track's drum sections gained far greater cultural impact through sampling in subsequent decades.[1][3] The Think break emerged as a cornerstone of breakbeat culture during the 1970s and 1980s, when DJs and producers in New York City's Bronx hip-hop scene began isolating and looping such segments from vinyl records using turntables and early sampling technology.[2] By the 1990s, its adoption extended to electronic genres like jungle, drum and bass, and hardcore, influencing the rhythmic foundations of global dance music.[1]
Ranked as the second most sampled recording in history—behind only the Amen break from The Winstons' "Amen, Brother"—the Think break has been used in over 4,000 documented tracks across hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.[1] Early hip-hop pioneers like Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock incorporated it into their 1987 hit "It Takes Two," accelerating its popularity, while later adaptations appear in works by artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Michael Jackson, 2 Unlimited, and more contemporary producers including Four Tet, Chase & Status, and Beyoncé.[5][1] Its enduring appeal lies in the break's energetic shuffle, tight snare hits, and hi-hat patterns, which lend themselves to manipulation via chopping, pitching, and layering in digital audio workstations.[2] Despite legal challenges over uncleared samples in the sampling era, the Think break continues to symbolize the creative recycling central to hip-hop and breakbeat production.[1]
Origin and Production
The Song "Think (About It)"
"Think (About It)" is a funk song by American soul singer Lyn Collins, released as a single in June 1972 on People Records, a label imprint established by James Brown.[3][6] The track marked Collins' breakthrough as a solo artist and served as the title song for her debut album Think (About It), issued in August 1972.[7] Produced by James Brown, the song exemplifies the raw, energetic funk style prevalent in early 1970s soul music.[8] Commercially, "Think (About It)" achieved significant success on the R&B charts, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart in 1972, while reaching number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3][9] This performance highlighted Collins' rising profile within the soul genre, bolstered by her association with Brown.[10] Collins, known as a protégé of James Brown, had joined his revue in 1970 after he discovered her vocal talent during a performance, leading to her role as a backing vocalist and eventual signing to his People Records label.[10] Her powerful, gospel-inflected delivery earned her the nickname "The Female Preacher" from Brown, reflecting her commanding stage presence in his ensemble.[11] Thematically, the song delivers messages of female empowerment and relationship advice, with Collins directly addressing men about their irresponsible behaviors, urging self-reflection through the iconic refrain "Think about it."[12] Lyrics such as "Those of you who go out and stay out all night" critique infidelity and neglect, positioning the track as an assertive call for accountability in romantic partnerships.[13] The Think (About It) album, Collins' first full-length release, has seen multiple reissues over the decades, including expanded editions with bonus tracks and remixes, such as the 2006 Verve remastered version, 2019 and 2024 vinyl pressings by Get On Down.[14][15] These re-releases have helped introduce the material to new generations of listeners.[16]Recording Details and Personnel
"Think (About It)" was produced by James Brown and recorded in 1972 during his prolific early-1970s phase of funk production, where he emphasized tight ensemble playing to drive vocal performances. The sessions focused on groove-oriented arrangements, leveraging Brown's backing band, the J.B.'s, to create propulsive tracks with an emphasis on live energy over extensive post-production.[1] Key personnel included drummer John "Jabo" Starks, whose performance on the central drum break became legendary for its crisp, shuffling rhythm. Bassist Fred Thomas provided the foundational groove, while guitarists Jimmy Nolen, Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, and Robert Coleman delivered the signature "chicken scratch" funk riffs characteristic of Brown's sound. The horn section, drawn from the James Brown band, featured saxophonists Jimmy Parker and St. Clair Pinckney, trombonist Fred Wesley, and trumpeters Russell Crimes and Waymond Reed, adding punchy accents to the arrangement. Lyn Collins handled lead vocals, with additional backing from band members including Vicki Anderson, Bobby Byrd, and James Brown.[17][13][18] Technical aspects highlighted the track's raw vitality: the drum break was recorded live with the full band, without overdubs, capturing an unpolished, high-energy interaction at a tempo of 113 BPM. This approach aligned with Brown's preference for spontaneous, minimal-take sessions to preserve the funk's immediacy.[17] The song debuted as a 7-inch single on Brown's People Records label (catalog number 45-PE 1003), backed by a cover of "Ain't No Sunshine," and was subsequently featured as the title track on Collins' debut album, Think (About It), released later that year on the same imprint.[19]Musical Elements
Drum Break Structure
The Think break is a concise drum pattern spanning approximately one bar in 4/4 time, lasting roughly 2 seconds at the song's tempo of 113 BPM.[1][20] It opens with a double-barrel snare hit—two consecutive 16th notes on the snare—creating an immediate punchy accent, followed by hi-hat and ride cymbal accents that drive the groove forward.[21] Performed by drummer John "Jabo" Starks, this structure exemplifies tight funk drumming with layered dynamics for texture.[21] Rhythmically, the pattern emphasizes a sharp snare crack on beats 2 and 4, typical of backbeat-driven funk, while incorporating ghost notes on the snare during the "and-ah" subdivisions of those beats for subtle propulsion.[21] Open hi-hats punctuate beat 1 of the measure, often with a shuffled feel that adds looseness to the otherwise controlled flow, and control strokes—accented hits followed by softer ghosted notes—enhance the syncopation inherent to James Brown-associated production styles.[21][1] The overall notation remains straightforward in 4/4, prioritizing off-beat emphasis and rhythmic displacement to generate high energy without complexity.[21] Sonically, the break delivers a raw, high-energy funk vibe through punchy, tonally rich snares and resonant hi-hat accents. Certain variations of the break include a distinctive "eh"-like squeak from the vocal ad-lib "Yeah! Woo!", which contributes to its recognizability in samples when pitched up.[1][22] Prominent shaker and tambourine elements underscore the groove, providing constant rhythmic drive and a lively percussive layer.[1] In the original recording, the pattern includes slight variations, such as brief fills by Starks featuring a tom-tom roll that transitions into the main groove, adding subtle flair across the track's multiple break instances. These variations often incorporate vocal ad-libs like "Yeah! Woo!" for added energy.[21] These elements collectively form a versatile, danceable foundation that highlights Starks' precise yet expressive technique.[21]Overall Instrumentation and Style
"Think (About It)" exemplifies proto-funk and soul music, bearing a heavy James Brown influence through its call-and-response vocals and tight rhythmic interplay among instruments.[3][23] The arrangement features a prominent horn section, including trumpets and saxophones delivering sharp stabs, alongside electric guitar riffs in Jimmy Nolen's signature "chicken scratch" style—characterized by muted, percussive strums—and bass lines that propel the groove forward.[24][1][25] Vocally, Lyn Collins provides a powerful, shouted delivery, supported by backing from the James Brown Revue, with energetic ad-libs like "Yeah, woo!" enhancing the dynamic interplay.[3] The song employs a verse-chorus form punctuated by extended breaks for improvisation, culminating in an album version length of 3:21 that allows the ensemble's rhythmic foundation to shine.[14] James Brown's production opts for a dry, live-room sound devoid of heavy reverb, prioritizing the immediate presence and punch of the performance to capture the raw energy of the session.[23]Sampling and Usage
Introduction to Hip-Hop Sampling
The Think break gained prominence in hip-hop during the late 1980s, as producers began incorporating funk drum patterns to create rhythmic backbones for rap tracks. Its entry into the genre was marked by early loops in songs like Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two" (1988), where the break is layered with basslines and scratches to form the core groove of the hit single.[26] Early sampling techniques focused on isolating and looping the break's concise 2-second drum pattern using hardware like the E-mu SP-1200 sampler, which captured audio directly from vinyl sources with 12-bit resolution. Producers frequently adjusted the loop's pitch to align with hip-hop tempos around 110-120 BPM.[27][28] This adoption occurred amid the golden age of hip-hop (roughly 1986-1993), a period defined by innovative sampling that drew from funk records, with the Think break emerging alongside classics like the Amen break for its versatile, high-energy percussion.[29] Pioneering figures such as DJ and producer Marley Marl advanced these methods by experimenting with drum isolation and layering, influencing a generation of hip-hop creators who championed funk breaks through labels like Def Jam Recordings. By 2017, databases recorded over 2,000 samples of the break, underscoring its enduring influence. As of November 2025, this number has grown to over 4,000 documented samples.[30][29][31] Before widespread digital tools, hip-hop relied on vinyl rips of clean breaks, a practice boosted by the Ultimate Breaks and Beats compilation series launched in 1986, which featured "Think (About It)" on Volume 16 and provided DJs with essential source material.[32]Applications in Electronic and Other Genres
In the 1990s, the Think break became integral to the UK jungle and drum and bass scenes, where producers accelerated its original tempo to 160-170 BPM, chopped it into fragmented hits, and applied reverb and EQ adjustments to create layered, atmospheric rhythms that defined the genre's energetic and improvisational feel.[1] This adaptation transformed the break's raw funk groove into a foundational element for high-speed electronic tracks, often blending it with reggae influences and deep basslines to evoke a sense of urgency and warmth.[1] Beyond drum and bass, the Think break influenced breakbeat hardcore by being sped up and sliced for frenetic, rave-oriented energy in early 1990s productions, while in house music, it appeared at slower tempos around 120-130 BPM with subtler processing to underpin groovy, dancefloor builds.[1] Its versatility extended to pop and EDM remixes, where pitched-up vocal stabs and tambourine accents added catchy, rhythmic hooks, bridging underground electronic roots with mainstream appeal.[29] Technical adaptations in modern production often involve software like Ableton Live, where the break is sliced into individual drum hits for reprogramming, with EQ used to reduce high-end resonance and enhance low-frequency punch for cleaner mixes in electronic tracks.[33] These methods allow producers to layer the break with synthetic elements, reversing sections or halving speeds for experimental textures in ambient or IDM subgenres.[1] The break's global adoption proliferated through European electronic scenes, particularly in the UK, and influenced derivatives in Asian hip-hop and electronic music via international sample distribution.[1] Platforms like Splice and Loopmasters have included processed Think break variations in royalty-free packs, facilitating its use worldwide in diverse productions from the 2000s onward.[17] Over time, it evolved from straightforward loops in early electronic tracks to heavily manipulated forms, including time-stretched and granulated versions that preserve its iconic "woo" and shaker elements while fitting contemporary digital workflows.[1]Notable Examples
Key Hip-Hop Tracks
One of the most iconic applications of the Think break in hip-hop is found in "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, released in 1988. The track prominently loops the break as its main beat, delivering a high-energy foundation that underscores the duo's party rap style and call-and-response hooks. This production choice amplified the break's funky snare and tambourine accents, making the song a staple of late-1980s club and radio play; it peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[34][1] Heavy D & the Boyz's "Somebody for Me" from 1987 incorporates the Think break to create an upbeat, danceable rhythm that complements the group's smooth new jack swing influences. The break's energetic groove supports the track's catchy chorus and helped establish Heavy D as a prominent figure in late-1980s hip-hop.[35] DJ Mark the 45 King's production on Kid 'N Play's "Do This My Way" (1990) layers the Think break with additional percussion for a bouncy, party-oriented beat that drives the duo's fun, lighthearted lyrics. This use highlighted the break's adaptability in house-party anthems of the era.[36] Michie Mee and L.A. Luv's "On Da Mic" (1988) employs the Think break in a raw, energetic loop that underscores the track's boastful rhymes and pioneering female-led flow, contributing to its status as an underground hip-hop classic.[37] Overall, the Think break has been documented in numerous hip-hop tracks, cementing its status as a "holy grail" sample due to its tonal clarity, rhythmic drive, and adaptability in production.[1]Influential Uses in Drum and Bass and Beyond
One of the most seminal applications of the Think break in drum and bass occurred in Origin Unknown's 1993 track "Valley of the Shadows," where producers Mark Caro and Andy C chopped the break into complex, layered patterns by looping three segments from a sample CD compilation, creating a dark, atmospheric foundation that defined early intelligent drum and bass.[38][39] This track, released on RAM Records, has amassed over 11 million streams on Spotify, underscoring its enduring influence as a cornerstone of the genre.[40] In the broader drum and bass landscape, the Think break's versatility allowed for innovative chopping and processing techniques, particularly in the 1990s when it underpinned numerous jungle and drum and bass anthems, with over 100 documented samples in 1994 alone contributing to the genre's rapid evolution from hardcore roots.[29] Modern producers continue this tradition through tributes like the 2024 Think Break Tribute Pack, a free collection of 31 re-engineered loops enhanced for contemporary digital audio workstations, emphasizing high-fidelity restorations and processing adjustments such as EQ softening to integrate seamlessly into current mixes.[41] Beyond drum and bass, the Think break has been repurposed in various electronic genres, often manipulated for half-time grooves in trip-hop to evoke moody, downtempo atmospheres, as seen in broader influences on Bristol sound pioneers who layered it with vinyl crackle and ambient elements.[27] In hardcore and early techno, sped-up versions added frenetic energy to 1990s rave tracks, while its presence in house music provided a funky backbone for sample-based productions, appearing ubiquitously in the genre's foundational years.[42] These adaptations highlight the break's adaptability, from subtle percussion layers in breakbeat styles to experimental reconstructions in fusion subgenres. Recent explorations in 2024 and 2025 reflect the Think break's ongoing relevance, with production tutorials and mega-instruments dissecting its components for jungle revivals, and industry analyses predicting a 2025 resurgence in breakbeat across drum and bass, UK garage, and EDM through updated sample bundles that blend vintage swing with modern synthesis.[43][44] By August 2025, discussions in production communities marked over 50 years of its sampling legacy since 1972, inspiring new fortified versions that preserve its iconic shaker and vocal hits while accommodating high-resolution workflows.[29]Cultural and Historical Impact
Role in Breakbeat Culture
The Think break, originating from Lyn Collins' 1972 track "Think (About It)" produced by James Brown, holds a foundational position in breakbeat culture as one of the most sampled drum breaks alongside the Amen break and Funky Drummer break. It exemplifies the "big breaks" that defined early hip-hop production, providing a shuffling, energetic groove that producers looped and manipulated to create rhythmic foundations for tracks. This break was prominently featured on the 1986 compilation Ultimate Breaks and Beats Volume 2, a pivotal resource for DJs and producers seeking rare funk drum sections, which helped popularize it within sampling communities.[45] Within breakbeat communities, the Think break has fostered active discussions and practices centered on its usage, particularly in online forums where enthusiasts share techniques for integration into genres like drum and bass. For instance, a 2006 thread on Dogs on Acid explored creative applications of the break in production, highlighting its distinctive "eh" vocal snippet and tambourine resonance. Similarly, 2023 Reddit discussions in production subreddits offered beginner tips on chopping and EQing the break to mitigate its high-end harshness, underscoring its ongoing relevance for newcomers. These exchanges reflect the break's role in crate-digging culture, where collectors hunt original vinyl pressings of 1970s funk records to source pristine samples, preserving the analog warmth essential to authentic breakbeat sound.[46][47][48] Educationally, the Think break serves as a key teaching tool in breakbeat tutorials, with YouTube videos demystifying its unique elements for aspiring producers. A 2017 video detailed the origins of the squeaky "eh" noise—a vocal ad-lib by Lyn Collins—and the resonant shaker patterns, explaining how these contribute to its lively feel when sped up. A 2023 tutorial further demonstrated sampling, processing, and chopping techniques, emphasizing pitch adjustments to fit modern tempos while retaining the break's funky swing. Such resources have democratized access to breakbeat knowledge, enabling global communities to experiment with the break's structure. In subcultural contexts, the Think break symbolizes the 1970s funk revival that permeated 1980s and 1990s hip-hop battles and DJ sets, where its raw energy powered b-boy routines and turntable showcases in Bronx block parties and beyond. Its adoption in early hip-hop tracks influenced production styles for battle rap, providing a propulsive backdrop that mirrored the era's competitive spirit and rhythmic innovation. Archival efforts have ensured its longevity, with preservation in specialized sample libraries like the 2024 Think Break Tribute Pack, which offers high-fidelity extractions from original vinyl, and documentaries on James Brown-associated drummers, such as Give the Drummer Some (2023), that contextualize breaks like this within funk's sampled legacy through interviews with drummer John "Jabo" Starks.[2][41][49]Legacy and Modern Relevance
In the digital era, the Think break has been seamlessly integrated into digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as FL Studio, where producers use tools like Slicex to chop and rearrange its patterns for contemporary beats.[22] This adaptation allows for precise manipulation, enabling the break's funky groove to underpin modern hip-hop, drum and bass, and electronic tracks without relying on vinyl sources.[50] By 2024, AI-assisted remixing tools like Lalal.ai and other stem splitters have emerged, facilitating the isolation and analysis of the break's drum patterns from original recordings for high-fidelity recreations and variations.[51][52] The 50th anniversary of the release of Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)" in 2022 underscored the break's enduring influence, with renewed discussions in music publications highlighting its role as a foundational element in sampling culture.[1] Ongoing recognition continues into 2025, as evidenced by social media tributes and production tutorials that celebrate its rhythmic legacy. The break has also contributed to broader debates on sampling rights, with notable uncleared uses like in Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two" (1988) highlighting early controversies, alongside landmark cases such as the 1991 Biz Markie "Alone Again" ruling and Bridgeport Music v. Dimension Films (2005), which established de minimis thresholds and ownership precedents affecting funk breaks.[53][54] Following Collins' death in 2005, her estate has benefited from royalties generated by licensed samples, reflecting the financial impact of the break's persistent popularity in cleared productions.[55] The Think break's broader legacy extends to scholarly works exploring breakbeat history, such as Joseph Ewoodzie's Break Beats in the Bronx (2017), which examines its pivotal role in the origins of hip-hop culture.[56] Its influence reaches video game soundtracks, where the full track "Think (About It)" is featured on the Master Sounds 98.3 radio station in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004), adding authentic funk flair to the game's audio.[57] Looking ahead, the break holds potential in emerging technologies, including NFT-based sample packs that tokenize classic breaks for blockchain-secured ownership and virtual reality DJing platforms like Tribe XR, where producers can mix its patterns in immersive environments.[58] As of November 2025, WhoSampled documents over 4,000 instances of the Think break's use across genres, affirming its status as one of the most sampled drum patterns in music history.[31][1]References
- https://www.[whosampled](/page/WhoSampled).com/Lyn-Collins/Think-(About-It)/