For many music lovers, the Menahan Street Band might be a name that lingers in the background, a credit subtly tucked away in the liner notes of their favorite hip-hop tracks. But for those in the know, and increasingly for those just discovering their sound, this Brooklyn-based instrumental collective is a powerhouse of soul and funk, a veritable goldmine of sample-ready grooves that have quietly shaped the soundscape of modern hip-hop. Their music evokes a vintage vibe, yet pulses with a contemporary energy, making them both timeless and utterly relevant. This is the story of how the Menahan Street Band became the unsung heroes behind some of hip-hop’s most iconic moments, and why it’s time to recognize them for their standalone brilliance.
The journey for many listeners into the world of Menahan Street Band often begins with a moment of sonic déjà vu. Imagine hearing a horn section so majestic, so undeniably regal, that it stops you in your tracks. This was the experience for many when they first encountered JAY-Z’s anthemic “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)…”. The track, a cornerstone of his American Gangster album, is built upon the instantly recognizable horns of “Make the Road by Walking,” the debut single from Menahan Street Band. This sample wasn’t just a clever loop; it was an introduction to a whole new universe of sound.
American Gangster, released in 2007, was Jay-Z’s concept album steeped in the sonic textures of the 1970s, the era of Frank Lucas’s reign. Heavily reliant on samples from soul legends like Marvin Gaye, Barry White, and Little Beaver, the album aimed to capture a specific mood and atmosphere. Amidst these classic samples, “Make the Road by Walking” stood out. Released just a year prior to American Gangster, it was a 21st-century creation that perfectly embodied the vintage soul aesthetic Jay-Z was pursuing. The track, with its punchy drum breaks and soulful instrumentation, sounded both familiar and fresh, seamlessly fitting into the album’s narrative while hinting at a vibrant contemporary musical force.
The Menahan Street Band’s origins are as organic as their sound. Emerging from the thriving soul scene of Brooklyn, the band began as a studio project, uniting musicians from renowned groups like Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, and the Budos Band. Guitarist Thomas Brenneck, drummer Homer Steinweiss, bassist Nick Movshon, trumpeter Dave Guy, and saxophonist Leon Michels were the core members, drawn together by a shared passion for raw, authentic soul and funk. Brenneck, the band’s founder, christened the group after Menahan Street, the location of his apartment and their initial recording space. It was in this unassuming Brooklyn apartment that they crafted their debut album, Make the Road by Walking, released in 2008 on Dunham Records.
The story of how a relatively unknown instrumental band from Brooklyn landed a sample on a JAY-Z album is a testament to the undeniable power of their music. Thomas Brenneck recounted meeting Jay-Z himself to clear the sample in a 2013 interview. He described a surprisingly gentlemanly and respectful process, a far cry from the often-contentious world of sample clearances. This anecdote underscores not only Jay-Z’s ear for exceptional sound but also the inherent quality of Menahan Street Band’s music that resonated even with a hip-hop icon.
Beyond JAY-Z, the Menahan Street Band’s influence extends to other major figures in hip-hop. For Kendrick Lamar fans, the soulful strains of “Tired of Fighting” might trigger a different kind of recognition. This track, another gem from Make the Road by Walking, is the foundation for “Faith” from the Kendrick Lamar EP. While Kendrick only samples a portion of the original, the full arrangement of “Tired of Fighting” reveals a depth and richness that elevates the sampled piece. Similarly, Curren$y, known for his smooth, jazzy hip-hop, freestyled over “Tired of Fighting” in his track “Flying Iron,” further showcasing the track’s versatility and appeal within the hip-hop community.
However, the story doesn’t end there. “The Traitor,” another standout track from Make the Road by Walking, has become a particularly sought-after sample source. Kid Cudi’s “Solo Dolo,” a melancholic yet iconic track from Man on the Moon: The End of Day, utilizes the haunting keys of “The Traitor,” transforming them into the emotional bedrock of the song. Producer Emile Haynie masterfully reworked the sample, adding layers of strings and effects to amplify its eerie atmosphere, perfectly complementing Cudi’s introspective lyrics. Intriguingly, when Cudi revisited the “Solo Dolo” concept for a sequel, “Solo Dolo Part II,” he once again turned to Menahan Street Band, this time sampling “Going the Distance.”
Frank Dukes, a renowned producer known for his sample-based mastery, also recognized the potential of “The Traitor,” sampling it for 50 Cent’s “Talking In Codes.” Many consider this sample to be a superior interpretation compared to Cudi’s, highlighting the subjective nature of sample usage and the diverse ways in which producers can reimagine source material. More recently, Snoop Dogg joined the ranks of artists sampling “The Traitor” with his track “Big Mouth,” demonstrating the enduring appeal of Menahan Street Band’s catalog across generations of hip-hop artists.
Menahan Street Band – Make The Road by Walking
The widespread sampling of Menahan Street Band’s music speaks volumes about its inherent quality and timeless appeal. Their sound is a melting pot of influences, drawing from the golden eras of soul, funk, jazz, and even Afrobeat, reminiscent of Fela Kuti. They create intricate sonic landscapes that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern. While sample recognition has undoubtedly brought them some level of exposure, it’s crucial to appreciate Menahan Street Band for their own artistic merit. Their albums are rich tapestries of instrumental brilliance, designed to be experienced in their entirety.
So, whether you’re a hip-hop head tracing the origins of your favorite samples, or simply a lover of expertly crafted instrumental music, delve into the world of Menahan Street Band. Go beyond the snippets and loops, and immerse yourself in their albums. You’ll discover a band that’s not just sample-worthy, but profoundly magical in their own right, no hallucinogens required. Explore their discography and let the Menahan Street Band soundtrack your own journey.
