Some tracks shaped the world as we know it. Others are hidden in the dust of forgotten vinyl. Together, they hold the keys to music’s past—and future. Sampling came from necessity. In New York City’s South Bronx of the 1970s, where money was tight and instruments were few, DJs and artists turned to the records they had. They found gold in the grooves—drum breaks, basslines, melodies that spoke louder than their surroundings. A culture was born not from stealing but from survival. And with it, a new art form: hip-hop. One of the earliest pioneers, DJ Grandmaster Flash, would mark his records with crayons to identify the perfect “breaks”—those magical seconds of rhythm that could keep a crowd moving. This technique gave birth to breakbeat DJing, a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rise. Around the same time, producers like Rick Rubin championed the drumbeat as the heartbeat of rap. He often referenced foundational tracks like Run-D.M.C.’s “Sucker M.C.’s”—a minimalist masterpiece that stripped music to its raw essentials and made the beat the star of the show. At its core, sampling is rebellion. It’s a way of taking what exists and flipping it into something fresh. A bassline from CHIC, a drum break […]

The Bouncer is an ad campaign concept originally created by RIOT for GetContact, blending 90s rave culture with a cinematic portrayal of spam-blocking. Featuring a British bouncer filtering out unwanted ‘spam’ characters, this concept is now open for competitors like Truecaller, Hiya, RoboKiller, and Nomorobo to bring to life.

RIOT Studios shares insights on creating a high-quality small studio lighting setup. From custom softbox designs to low-profile grids, see how we tackled compact space challenges.

Explore how David Bowie redefined art, music, and identity with his fearless creativity. From his collaborations with legends to his personas like Ziggy Stardust, Bowie’s influence spans generations.

In this exclusive revisit to Jared Leto’s 2009 interview, we explore the making of "This Is War," the deep connection between 30 Seconds to Mars and their fans, and how the band’s journey has evolved through bold artistic choices, including their 2024 world tour announcement from atop the Empire State Building.

Jean Schlumberger’s fantastical creations at Tiffany & Co. redefined luxury jewelry, blending nature with surrealism. From the artist's early years in Paris to his timeless impact on modern jewelry, explore his enduring legacy through iconic designs, auctions, and collaborations.

New York City hums in the background, a pulsing heartbeat as timeless as the art within the MET’s storied walls. On a quiet afternoon, I wander through the halls, eyes drifting over centuries of masterpieces, not yet realizing I’m about to stumble upon something that will shift my creative universe. I’m here to soak in inspiration, to get lost in the kind of art that breathes life back into you. I roam freely, letting my curiosity guide me. I find myself standing before an exhibition I hadn’t expected: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. The name, bold and unapologetic, sends a shiver through me and the hairs on my arms stand up. I step inside, not quite sure what to expect but am feeling drawn in by an indescribable pull. As I move slowly from piece to piece, the darkness and individuality of McQueen’s art grips me instantly. It’s like walking through a fever dream—a world where beauty and brutality hold hands, where the fabric seems to whisper secrets from another world. I can’t help but feel a pang of regret, realizing that I’m discovering this after McQueen is gone. I wonder how I hadn’t known about him until now, and I […]

The Bones Brigade redefined skateboarding, pushing boundaries with DIY videos, rebellious tricks, and a punk and hip-hop soundtrack. Follow their legacy as they influenced art, music, and culture, inspiring creative freedom worldwide.

Join Rou Reynolds in this archival Enter Shikari Interview as he reflects on the band’s DIY roots, their rise to prominence, and the evolution of their unique sound. This piece dives into Enter Shikari's journey, showcasing the raw energy and passion behind their music.

The ZX Spectrum 48K wasn’t just a home computer; it was a digital canvas that sparked a revolution. From pioneering game developers to bedroom coders, this humble machine inspired a generation of creatives, transforming technical limitations into boundless opportunities for innovation and imagination. Dive into the story of how the Spectrum 48K became a cultural icon and a gateway to digital dreams.