The DJ Shadow Endtroducing album revolutionized hip hop production by relying solely on samples and innovative techniques. On Endtroducing, Shadow used an Akai MPC60 sampler, a Technics SL-1200 turntable, and an Alesis ADAT tape recorder to create complex and layered compositions. He sourced his samples from a wide range of genres, including jazz, funk, soul, rock, and world music, often sampling obscure and overlooked records.
Shadow’s signature technique on Endtroducing was the use of “micro-chops,” which involved chopping up samples into tiny fragments and then reassembling them in new and unexpected ways. This technique allowed him to create intricate and textured soundscapes that were unlike anything else being produced at the time.
Another key aspect of Shadow’s production style on Endtroducing was his use of storytelling. Many of the tracks on the album feature samples from films and television shows, which Shadow used to create a sense of narrative and atmosphere.
DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing album was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented his status as one of the most innovative and influential producers in hip hop. The album’s unique and eclectic sound has inspired countless other artists, and it remains a classic of the genre to this day.
Best Foot Forward
- Stanley Clarke – “Concerto For Jazz/Rock Orchestra Part II”: DJ Shadow introduces the Endtroducing album with a subtle nod to Stanley Clarke’s fusion masterpiece.
- Russel Rush & Jazzy Jay – “Cold Chillin’ In The Spot”: This sample quietly prepares the listener for the sonic journey ahead.
- Sparky Dee – “He’s My DJ”: A gentle nod to the DJ culture that is central to hip-hop’s identity.
As you delve into DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing album, you’ll notice the meticulous use of samples, which adds a unique flavor to each track.
Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt
- Jeremy Storch – “I Feel A New Shadow”: Here, DJ Shadow subtly incorporates the word “shadow” into the track, establishing his presence.
- H.P. Riot – “I Need You”: This poignant sample quietly enhances the emotional resonance of the track.
- Lexia – “I Worship You”: A discreet addition that adds an emotional layer to the introspective mood.
Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt offers a glimpse into DJ Shadow’s understated mastery in crafting an immersive atmosphere through sampling.
The Number Song
- Metallica – “Orion”: Metallica’s iconic riff quietly underpins this track’s foundation.
- Tony Alvon & The Belairs – “Sexy Coffee Pot”: A subtle yet funky groove that subtly contributes to the song’s rhythm.
- Pearly Queen – “Quit Jivin”: DJ Shadow playfully incorporates this sample, maintaining the listener’s engagement.
The Number Song is a prime example of how DJ Shadow weaves a delicate tapestry of samples into a harmonious whole.
Changeling
- Tangerine Dream – “Invisible Limits”: An ethereal and understated sample choice.
- The Meters – “Here Comes the Metermen”: A quiet and groovy addition that infuses a danceable element.
- Kay Gardner – “Touching Souls”: A subtle sample that adds depth to the track’s ambiance.
Changeling exemplifies DJ Shadow’s knack for juxtaposing diverse yet unobtrusive samples, creating a rich tapestry of sound that defies easy categorization.
Transmission 1
- “This is not a dream…”, from John Carpenter’s film, “Prince of Darkness”: An understated cinematic sample that adds a mysterious undertone to this interlude.
Transmission 1 serves as a brief, contemplative pause in the Endtroducing album’s narrative, a moment to quietly reflect before resuming the sonic journey.
What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4)
- Flying Island – “The Vision and the Voice Part 1 – The Vision”: An esoteric and understated sample that adds an air of intrigue.
- From the movie “Deep Calm”: DJ Shadow employs dialogue from the movie, creating a subtly surreal auditory landscape.
What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4) is a testament to DJ Shadow’s ability to convey intricate emotions and images through understated sample choices.
Untitled (Track 6)
- Human Race – “Grey Boy”: DJ Shadow selects an understated sample that infuses a touch of melancholy into this track.
Untitled (Track 6) quietly demonstrates DJ Shadow’s skill in choosing samples that evoke specific moods and emotions.
Stem
- Nirvana – “Love Suite”: A haunting yet understated sample that adds an eerie quality to the track.
- The Mystic Number National Bank – “Blues So Bad”: A subtle bluesy sample that provides a striking contrast, enriching the song’s dynamics.
Stem is a testament to DJ Shadow’s ability to seamlessly transition between different samples, crafting a subtly narrative within the music.
Long Stem
- Giorgio – “Tears”: An understated sample that adds a touch of drama to the track.
- Murray Roman – “Freedom”: A discreet sample that enhances the emotional depth of the song.
Long Stem showcases DJ Shadow’s capacity to weave a quietly compelling narrative through his sample choices, guiding the listener on a subtle sonic journey.
Transmission 2
- Pekka Pohjola – “The Madness Subsides”: An understated sample that contributes to the track’s surreal atmosphere.
- David Axelrod – “The Human Abstract”: DJ Shadow subtly draws from Axelrod’s work to add a layer of complexity to the song.
- From the movie “Silent Running”: An understated cinematic sample that heightens the track’s ambiance.
Transmission 2 maintains the album’s thematic consistency, drawing the listener deeper into DJ Shadow’s quietly immersive sonic world.
Mutual Slump
- Bjork – “Possibly Maybe”: An understated and poignant sample that adds a touch of vulnerability.
- Motherlode – “Soft Shell”: A quietly soulful sample that adds depth to the track.
- Roger Waters and Ron Geesin – “Seven Dwarves In Penis Land”: An unexpected yet subtly whimsical choice.
Mutual Slump quietly demonstrates DJ Shadow’s ability to captivate the listener with his understated sample selection.
Organ Donor
- Samson And Delilah – “There’s A D.J. In Your Town”: A sample that reinforces the DJ theme of the track.
- Giorgio – “Tears”: DJ Shadow revisits this retro sample, imbuing it with new life within the context of this song.
- Bill & Tim – “PM Or Later”: A subtly obscure sample that adds intrigue to the track.
Organ Donor exemplifies DJ Shadow’s quiet ability to reimagine samples, showcasing his understated creativity and innovation.
Midnight In A Perfect World
- Organized Konfusion – “Releasing Hypnotic Gases”: A discreet sample that adds a sense of urgency.
- Rotary Connection – “Life Could”: A soulful sample that contributes to the track’s emotional depth.
- Meredith Monk – “Dolmen Music”: DJ Shadow subtly revisits this sample, using it to create a sense of ethereality.
Midnight In A Perfect World is a quietly mesmerizing example of DJ Shadow’s ability to layer samples to create a multifaceted listening experience.
Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain
- From the movie “The Aurora Encounter”: DJ Shadow quietly incorporates dialogue from the movie, adding a cinematic quality to the track.
- Joann Garrett – “Walk On By”: A quietly soulful sample that adds depth to the song.
- Fantastic Epics – “Fun & Funk Part 2”: An understatedly funky sample that infuses energy into the track.
Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain is a prime example of DJ Shadow’s understated ability to surprise and engage the listener with his sample choices.
What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 1 – Blue Sky Revisit)
- Alan Parsons Project – “Nucleus”: A sample that adds a touch of grandeur to the track.
- Heath Bros. – “The Voice Of The Saxophone”: A quietly jazzy sample that enriches the song.
- David Young – “Joe Spilivigates”: An unobtrusive drum sample that provides a rhythmic foundation.
What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 1 – Blue Sky Revisit) quietly showcases DJ Shadow’s talent for reinventing his own work through sampling.
Transmission 3
- From John Carpenter’s film, “Prince of Darkness”: DJ Shadow reintroduces this cinematic sample to create a sense of quiet closure.
- Episode 15 of “Twin Peaks”: A mysterious sample that adds an air of intrigue.
Transmission 3 serves as an unassuming conclusion, wrapping up the album’s sonic journey with a quiet sense of finality.
Midnight In A Perfect World (Extended Version)
- Funkadelic – “Wars of Armageddon”: Aadds a psychedelic dimension to the track.
- “What happened.. what happened that night?”, from the movie “Jacob’s Ladder”: DJ Shadow quietly incorporates dialogue from the movie, providing a fitting conclusion to the album.
Final Thoughts
DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing album is a landmark work in hip hop history. It is a testament to Shadow’s creativity and ingenuity that he was able to create such a groundbreaking and influential album using such a minimal setup. Endtroducing is an album that continues to be enjoyed by fans of hip hop and electronic music alike, and it remains a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of these genres.
Go check out DJ Shadow Endtroducing in full here:
We’ve put together a table featuring the samples in the DJ Shadow Endtroducing album. Happy spotting!
| Track | Samples |
| Best Foot Forward | – Stanley Clarke – “Concerto For Jazz/Rock Orchestra Part II” |
| – Russel Rush & Jazzy Jay – “Cold Chillin’ In The Spot” | |
| – Sparky Dee – “He’s My DJ” | |
| – Jeru The Damaja – “You Can’t Stop The Prophet” | |
| – JVC Force – “?” | |
| – Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – “Poison” | |
| – Masters of Ceremony – “Dynamite” | |
| – Stezo – “It’s My Turn” | |
| – Lifer’s Group – “Real Deal” | |
| – Divine Sounds – “Do Or Die Bed-Stuy” | |
| – Beastie Boys – “The Party’s Getting Rough” | |
| Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt | – Jeremy Storch – “I Feel A New Shadow” |
| – H.P. Riot – “I Need You” | |
| – Lexia – “I Worship You” | |
| – “from listening to records I just knew what to do..” from “Music Makers – Percussion” | |
| – Signs Of The Zodiac: Cancer – “Planetary Motivations” | |
| The Number Song | – Metallica – “Orion” |
| – Tony Alvon & The Belairs – “Sexy Coffee Pot” | |
| – Pearly Queen – “Quit Jivin” | |
| – Pink Floyd – “On The Run” (movie version from at Pompeii) | |
| – Jimmy Smith – “8 Counts For Rita” (drums) | |
| – New Fast Automatic Daffodils – “?” | |
| – T La Rock – “Breakdown” | |
| – A Tribe Called Quest – “Can I Kick It? (Spirit Mix)” | |
| – Grandmaster Flash – “Flash It To The Beat” | |
| – Pigmeat Markham/B.Y. and the Turnettes – “Who Got The Number” | |
| – Grandmaster Flash – “Freelance” | |
| – Countdown from the movie “Wild Style” – Fantastic Freaks @ The Dixie | |
| – The Troubleneck Brothers – “Back To The Hip Hop” | |
| Changeling | – Tangerine Dream – “Invisible Limits” |
| – The Meters – “Here Comes the Metermen” | |
| – Kay Gardner – “Touching Souls” | |
| – Kay Gardner – “Inner Mood I” | |
| – Motherlode – “Hard Life” | |
| – Embryo – “Klondyke Netti” (bassline) | |
| – Loudon Wainwright III – “The Man Who Couldn’t Cry” | |
| Transmission 1 | – “This is not a dream…”, from John Carpenter’s film, “Prince of Darkness” |
| What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4) | – Flying Island – “The Vision and the Voice Part 1 – The Vision” |
| – “Talk to me.. c’mon old boy.. lose that!..”, from the movie “Deep Calm” | |
| Untitled (Track 6) | – Human Race – “Grey Boy” |
| Stem | – Nirvana – “Love Suite” |
| – “..I tell ya children I could lay right down..”, The Mystic Number National Bank – “Blues So Bad” | |
| Long Stem | – Giorgio – “Tears” |
| – Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Co. – “Oleo Strut” | |
| – “Parking tickets, you’re crazy.. so they take me in on a chain to long beach.. I am scared”, Murray Roman – “Freedom” | |
| Transmission 2 | – Pekka Pohjola – “The Madness Subsides” |
| – David Axelrod – “The Human Abstract” | |
| – “..latitude..”, from the movie “Silent Running” | |
| – “This is not a dream…”, from John Carpenter’s film, “Prince of Darkness” | |
| Mutual Slump | – Bjork – “Possibly Maybe” |
| – Motherlode – “Soft Shell” | |
| – Pugh – “Love, Love, Love” | |
| – Roger Waters and Ron Geesin – “Seven Dwarves In Penis Land” | |
| Organ Donor | – “..playing a funky solo”, Samson And Delilah – “There’s A D.J. In Your Town” |
| – Giorgio – “Tears” | |
| – Bill & Tim – “PM Or Later” | |
| Midnight In A Perfect World | – “Insight, forsight, more sight…”, Organized Konfusion – “Releasing Hypnotic Gases” |
| – Rotary Connection – “Life Could” | |
| – Meredith Monk – “Dolmen Music” | |
| – David Axelrod – “The Human Abstract” | |
| – Pekka Pohjola – “The Madness Subsides” | |
| – Baraka – “Sower Of Seads” (bass line) | |
| – “The midnight rush”, Akinyele – “Outta State” | |
| Napalm Brain/Scatter Brain | – “Well hello there little buddy. come on in. what ya got there with ya? is that your dog?” from the movie “The Aurora Encounter” |
| – Joann Garrett – “Walk On By” | |
| – Fantastic Epics – “Fun & Funk Part 2” | |
| – Charles Bernstein – “Moment of Truth” | |
| – Tyrannosaurus Rex – “Pon A Hill” | |
| – Daly-Wilson Bigband – “My Goodness” (guitar) | |
| – Billy Cobham – “Funky Kind Of Thing” (drum roll) | |
| – “Testify”, The Original Soul Senders – “Soul Brothers Testify” | |
| – “Napalm, when the bombs activated…”, BQ In Full Effect – “Let the Homicides Begin” | |
| What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 1 – Blue Sky Revisit) | – Alan Parsons Project – “Nucleus” |
| – Heath Bros. – “The Voice Of The Saxophone” | |
| – Shawn Philips – “All Our Love” | |
| – David Young – “Joe Spilivigates” (drums) | |
| Transmission 3 | – “This is not a dream…”, from John Carpenter’s film, “Prince of Darkness” |
| – “It is happening again…”, episode 15 of “Twin Peaks” | |
| Midnight In A Perfect World (Extended Version) | – Meredith Monk – “Dolmen Music (Overture)” |
| – Rotary Connection – “Life Could” | |
| – Meredith Monk – “Dolmen Music” | |
| – David Axelrod – “The Human Abstract” | |
| – Pekka Pohjola – “The Madness Subsides” | |
| – Funkadelic – “Wars of Armageddon” | |
| – Baraka – “Sower Of Seads” (bass line) | |
| – “The midnight rush”, Akinyele – “Outta State” | |
| – “What happened.. what happened that night?”, from the movie “Jacob’s Ladder” |
If you liked our post on the DJ Shadow Endtroducing album, check out or classic albums review on The Avalanches Since I Left You Here:
FAQ’s
What is DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing album known for?
DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing album is renowned for being composed entirely of sampled music, making it one of the pioneering works in the art of sample-based music production. The album consists of meticulously crafted tracks created by blending and manipulating various samples from a wide range of sources.
How many samples are used in the Endtroducing album?
The Endtroducing album by DJ Shadow incorporates a vast number of samples, with each track featuring a unique combination of samples sourced from diverse musical genres, films, spoken word recordings, and more. In total, the album contains hundreds of individual samples.
What equipment does DJ Shadow use for sampling?
DJ Shadow employs a variety of vintage and modern equipment for his sampling and production work. Some of the iconic devices he uses include the Akai MPC and the E-MU SP-1200 samplers, which allow him to manipulate and arrange samples with precision. He also utilizes turntables, mixers, and other DJ equipment to shape his distinctive sound.
Where does DJ Shadow source his samples?
DJ Shadow is known for his extensive vinyl record collection, and he often sources samples from rare and obscure vinyl records. He meticulously digs through crates of records, seeking out unique and forgotten gems to incorporate into his music. Additionally, he may use samples from films, spoken word recordings, and other audio sources.
What makes DJ Shadow’s sampling technique unique?
DJ Shadow’s sampling technique is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and the seamless fusion of diverse samples to create cohesive and immersive musical compositions. His ability to blend samples from different genres and eras, while maintaining a distinct and cohesive sound, sets him apart as a sampling maestro in the world of electronic music.
If you’re interested in learning how to put a DJ mix together in Albleton then check out our Youtube video here: