Wax Poetics and Tracklib found each other in a mutual celebration of record digging culture. With that said, Tracklib cares about the full chain of music: original artists, musicians, producers, and labels alike—everyone benefits. Royalty-fair, not royalty-free.
A large part of Tracklib’s catalog can’t be found on any streaming services—or even Discogs, for that matter. With rare material such as previously unreleased studio sessions by Isaac Hayes, multitracks from the Philly Groove Records archives, a wide range of (UK and Italian) library music and Bollywood recordings, and a whole lot more ranging from kwaito to bossa nova, Tracklib strives to let producers dig as deep as it gets.
Their growing catalog includes releases from over 400 record labels and publishers from all over the world – from an independent Hawaiian reissue label like Aloha Got Soul to the world’s oldest catalog of music from China, to large legacy catalogs.
Made with Tracklib
Fast-forward from old gems to the present day: hear how producers and artists like J. Cole, Mary J. Blige, Phantogram, and BROCKHAMPTON have used Tracklib samples to elevate their sound.
J. Cole "Middle Child" -
BROCKHAMPTON "Dearly Departed" -
Lil' Wayne "Harden" -
Jasiah "Break Shit" -
Phantogram - "Ceremony" -
Mary J. Blige "Know" -
Young MA "Off The Yak" -
Vic Mensa "Let U Know"
Testimonials
“Yo, this is incredible. They're trying to put creativity back into music again. By having samples you can actually pay for and afford.”
Erick Sermon
Rapper, producer, and one-half of EPMD. Production for Jay-Z, Redman, Beyonce, D’Angelo, George Clinton, Xzibit, 50 Cent, among others.
“I think Tracklib will definitely change the way people create music.”
Prince Paul
Stetsasonic & De La Soul producer, sampling pioneer & skit originator. Has worked with Chuck D, George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Ice-T, Pharrell Williams, David Byrne, RZA, Dan The Automator, among others.
“This is a producer's dream and most of all it’s affordable to the indie artist.”
Inspectah Deck
Rapper, producer, and “the hell-raiser who raises hell with the flavor” of the Wu-Tang Clan. Has worked with Gang Starr, Pete Rock, Mobb Deep, Mos Def, 7L & Esoteric, among others.
9th Wonder & Bob James
Numerous tracks from Bob James’ run of classic CTI albums have recently been made available on Tracklib. Including hip-hop building block “Nautilus” and other songs by the prolific jazz keyboardist such as “The Golden Apple” and Three’s “Westchester Lady.”
“I’m flattered to be a part of hip-hop’s history,” Bob James told Wax Poetics’ David Ma back in 2015. Which seems to come full circle with these additions to Tracklib for all-cleared sampling. In this one-on-one conversation, Bob James and hip-hop producer 9th Wonder discuss sampling from both sides of the spectrum.
The Wax Poetics Collection
Wax Poetics Editor and renowned DJ Andrew 'Monk-One' Mason picks a selection of tracks inspired by a recent Brooklyn block party. Check it out here.
Tracklib Re:Discoveries
Each month we will be releasing a Re:Discovery based on Tracklib's catalog. You can read and listen to the first of these here.