Sample Beatz Records

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE : JUNE 22,2026
Sound of Soul Records Celebrates the Enduring Legacy of “Seven Minutes of Funk”
The Classic Funk Anthem by The Whole Darn Family Continues to Shape Hip-Hop Across Generations

 Sound of Soul Records proudly recognizes the continuing cultural impact of “Seven Minutes of Funk,” the legendary 1976 recording by The Whole Darn Family, produced by August Moon and Tyrone Thomas.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential funk recordings ever created, "Seven Minutes of Funk" has been sampled in more than 50 commercially released recordings spanning nearly five decades of hip-hop, rap, R&B, and dance music. The track has become a foundational building block for generations of artists and producers.

Originally released on the album Has Arrived in 1976, the song's unmistakable bass line, groove, and rhythm have been incorporated into recordings by some of the most recognized names in music, including:

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five — "Superappin'" (1979)
EPMD — "It's My Thing" (1987)
Jay-Z featuring Foxy Brown — "Ain't No Nigga" (1996)
Kurtis Blow — "Street Rock"
Brandy — "Baby (All Star Party Mix)"
YG featuring Drake — "Why You Always Hatin?"
Busta Rhymes featuring Coi Leray — "Luxury Life" (2023)

Music historians and sampling researchers consistently rank "Seven Minutes of Funk" among the most sampled funk recordings of the modern era. Its influence stretches from the earliest days of hip-hop to contemporary chart releases, demonstrating the timeless appeal of the original recording.

A Richmond Legacy

Produced in Richmond, Virginia, "Seven Minutes of Funk" stands as one of the Commonwealth's most significant contributions to popular music. The record helped establish a blueprint for sample-based hip-hop production and continues to inspire DJs, producers, collectors, and music enthusiasts around the world.

Upcoming Anniversary Project

Sample Beatz Records is currently developing a special anniversary collection celebrating the history and legacy of "Seven Minutes of Funk." The project will explore the song's remarkable journey from a regional funk recording to a globally recognized sample source that helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop.

The planned collection will highlight the original recording, notable sample uses, producer insights, historical documentation, and the ongoing influence of Seven Minutes of Funk legacy.

About Sound of Soul Records

Sound of Soul Records is dedicated to preserving and promoting the musical legacy of the historic Sound of Soul catalog. Through archival preservation, reissues, educational projects, and licensing initiatives, the label continues to celebrate the recordings that helped define generations of soul, funk, and hip-hop music.

Media Contact
A. Max Smith
CEO / Publisher
Sound of Soul Records Music Trust
ceopublisher@soundofsoulrecords.com

Selected Sample Milestones
Year    Recording
1979    "Superappin'" – Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
1987    "It's My Thing" – EPMD
1994    "Mack of the Year" – Dru Down
1996    "Ain't No Nigga" – Jay-Z ft. Foxy Brown
2016    "Why You Always Hatin?" – YG ft. Drake & Kamaiyah
2023    "Luxury Life" – Busta Rhymes ft. Coi Leray

According to WhoSampled, "Seven Minutes of Funk" has been identified in more than 50 recordings and remains one of hip-hop's most enduring sample sources.

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