| Title, Format | Label | Cat# | Country | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History Of Hip Hop (12") | RPM Records | RPM 101 | Canada | 1986 | |
| History Of Hip Hop (12", W/Lbl) | RPM Records | RPM 101 | Canada | 1986 | |
| History Of Hip Hop (12", Ltd) | RPM Records | RPM 101 | |||
| History Of Hip Hop (12", Ltd) | RPM Records | RP 101 | Canada |
referencing History Of Hip Hop, 12", RPM 101
referencing History Of Hip Hop, 12", RPM 101
"Lesson One" became an urban radio hit within days, but was never commercially released because of its extensive and eclectic samples. Clearing the sound clips -- a diverse collection ranging from Mae West and Humphrey Bogart to Ed McMahon and Herbie Hancock -- would have been a legal nightmare under copyright law.
Made in a cutting-edge studio with Steinski's extensive vinyl collection, these three tracks paved the way for current cut-and-paste turntablist experimentation. Countless basement DJs were influenced by The Lessons, including DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist, who both released unofficial tributes called "Lesson Four." It was way ahead of its time, and deserves to be heard beyond vinyl bootlegs traded by DJs.