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 […]

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.

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.

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.

Discover the legacy of The Holy Bible by the Manic Street Preachers—an album born from the personal anguish of Richey Edwards and a reflection of societal decay. From its harrowing lyrics to its bold political statements, the album remains a raw, unfiltered expression of art.

Alex Grey’s art transcends the boundaries of conventional visual mediums, blending sacred geometry, spirituality, and human consciousness. From collaborations with Tool to his immersive works at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, Grey continues to inspire a new generation of creators and visionaries, pushing the limits of creativity and expanding the understanding of human existence.

MC Escher revolutionized the boundaries between art and science, creating iconic works of optical illusions, tessellations, and geometric explorations. His legacy continues to influence modern architecture, filmmaking, and digital art, making him a timeless visionary.

Tool's "Ænema" is more than just a music video—it's a visceral and surreal journey into the human psyche. Directed by Adam Jones, the video broke boundaries with its stop-motion animation, dark themes, and visual mastery.