Melvin Bliss, a relatively unknown 1970s crooner, died Monday (July 26), according to various hip-hop blogs.
The Chicago native is widely recognized for his 1973 B-side throwaway “Synthetic Substitution,” which became the most-sampled song in hip-hop history. The list of rappers who “borrowed” the breakbeat to create classic rap hits is long and varied. Along with Bliss’ soulful vocals, “The World’s Most Recorded Drummer” Bernard “Pretty” Purdie played the iconic drum patterns on the song, which was produced by Herb Rooney.
At the time of his death, a documentary on Melvin Bliss’ life was in production by filmmaker Earl Holder.
Every “golden-era” rapper and producer owes a debt to this man and maybe even some back royalties (quiet as it’s kept).
Check out a selection of artists who utilized the classic breakbeat in their songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1B_o1knMdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAlsaFKtHuU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6BJ3CvPLhs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXaH8Ln4TG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJgFU3U4X_Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D02C5PKWRXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqHUMHRtOa8
