Volume 3 Newsletter
5TH SEAL • BOOM BAP LIBRARY
Newsletter Vol. 3
The Sample — Melody & Vibe
If you've been following my 3 Step Formula, then you already know the keys to making authentic '90s Boom Bap:
1) Breakbeat (Foundation)
2) Sample (Melody & Vibe)
3) Layering (Life & Energy)
In Vol. 2, we broke down Step 1: The Breakbeat — The Foundation of '90s Boom Bap.
Now it's time for Step 2: The Sample — The Melody & Vibe.
Step 2: The Sample
The Melody & Vibe of '90s Boom Bap
If the breakbeat is your foundation, the sample is your soul.
It's what gives your beat that recognizable emotion and storytelling feel that defined the '90s.
What's a Sample?
A sample is a short piece of an existing song that you flip, chop, or loop to create something new.
In the '90s, producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and RZA mastered the art of finding dusty soul, jazz, and funk records — then flipping them into timeless hip-hop.
Why Samples Matter
Sampling connects your beat to the past while creating something brand new.
It's the bridge between eras — that's why '90s Boom Bap still hits today.
🎧 Think:
DJ Premier chopping jazz horns from Donald Byrd.
Pete Rock looping Roy Ayers.
RZA flipping soul records into gritty cinematic soundscapes.
Every sample carries mood — that's what makes your beat stick.
How to Use Samples in Your Boom Bap Beats
1. Find the Vibe
Go dig for jazz, soul, or funk from the '70s–'90s. Look for parts with emotion — horns, Rhodes, vocal phrases, or lush chords.
Try: YouTube, Tracklib, Splice, or your local record store.
2. Chop It Up
Use your MPC, SP-1200, or DAW to slice the sample into smaller sections.
Move the pieces around to create your own groove — don't be afraid to experiment.
3. Layer It Over Your Break
Once you've got your sample looped, drop it on top of your breakbeat.
Now your beat has both bounce and soul.
💡 Pro Tip
Pitch your samples up or down a few semitones to change the energy — higher for bright & hype, lower for dark & gritty.
Resource for You
This month's free sample pack includes some fire samples inspired by the golden era.
Loop them, chop them, flip them — and start building your own '90s Boom Bap vibe.
Download Free Sample Pack Vol. 3
👉 Next time, we'll wrap it up with Step 3: Layering — Bringing Life & Energy to Your Beats.
✌️ — 5th Seal
Watch the 3 Step Formula
Want to see these techniques in action? Check out my full video on making authentic '90s Boom Bap.
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On these calls, I break down my full process, show you exactly how to apply it to your beats, and give you a clear path forward.
If you're serious about your craft, this is where the biggest breakthroughs happen.
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