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February 25, 2026
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Archive/Rigor Mortis
FUNK
1977
118 BPM
Am

Rigor Mortis

Cameo's early funk period produced this break that became a favorite among hip-hop producers for its stark, minimalist groove

Cameo
"Rigor Mortis"
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Cameo - Rigor Mortis
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Original Track

Cameo - "Rigor Mortis" (1977)

The original track containing the legendary 6.0-second drum break

Break occurs at 0:00 - 0:06

The History

Cameo's early funk period produced this break that became a favorite among hip-hop producers for its stark, minimalist groove.

Recorded before Cameo's more commercial period, this track showcased their raw funk roots.

The track's stark, minimalist approach contrasted with the elaborate funk arrangements of the era

Public Enemy's usage in 'Rebel Without a Pause' elevated it to hardcore hip-hop anthem status

EPMD's 'Strictly Business' proved its versatility across different East Coast hip-hop styles

Gang Starr's DJ Premier turned it into a signature element of his production aesthetic

The break's 6-second duration made it perfect for tight, aggressive hip-hop production

Black Moon's usage showed its continued relevance in the underground hip-hop revival

Nas's 'Halftime' demonstrated its ability to anchor sophisticated lyrical performances

The track's minimalist funk approach influenced the development of stripped-down hip-hop production

Larry Blackmon's leadership made Cameo one of funk's most innovative and sampling-friendly groups

Who Sampled It

Public Enemy

"Rebel Without a Pause"

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

1987

EPMD

"Strictly Business"

Strictly Business

1988

Gang Starr

"DJ Premier in Deep Concentration"

No More Mr. Nice Guy

1989

Black Moon

"Who Got da Props?"

Enta da Stage

1993

Nas

"Halftime"

Illmatic

1992

💡 This breakbeat has been sampled 5 times in our database

Tags

funk
cameo
minimalist
stark

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