Song Clearance Sheet
5 sources citedCut the Cake
See all Average White Band in the catalogue →
Funk1970s109BPM
G majKey
More around 110 BPM → · More in G major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →, Deezer →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters (Average White Band) and a confirmed current administrator (AWB Music/BMI, via Cotillion Music) — a clean case with extensive legitimate sample history (Nas, Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, TLC). Recorded after drummer Robbie McIntosh’s death, to whom the album is dedicated.
Used by independents?
Yes — used by De La Soul (independent Tommy Boy) and EPMD, among many hip-hop acts.
Quick Facts
Released1975
AlbumCut the Cake
GenreFunk, Soul
LabelAtlantic Records
ProducerArif Mardin
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The current administrator — AWB Music (BMI), via Cotillion Music Inc. — directly confirmed
Discogs → · checked Jul 2026
The songwriters — Average White Band (band collective)
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — extensively sampled per the band’s official archives: Nas (“Halftime”), Eric B. & Rakim (“Microphone Fiend”), Public Enemy, TLC, De La Soul, EPMD, Janet Jackson and more. #7 R&B / #10 pop; 1976 Grammy nominee.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found, but a directly confirmed administrator (AWB Music/Cotillion) and a deep record of legitimate sampling.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same band and same producer (Arif Mardin); the #1 hit this cluster centers on
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Average White Band (band collective)
A reported posthumous co-writing creditRobbie McIntosh (posthumous, reported)
The current administratorAWB Music (BMI), administered by Cotillion Music Inc.
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Recorded in the shadow of a bandmate’s death
The album was made in the wake of original drummer Robbie McIntosh’s 1974 death (heroin overdose), reportedly days after their breakthrough album charted and months before “Pick Up the Pieces” hit #1; it is dedicated to “our friend and brother Robbie McIntosh.”
Wikipedia (Cut the Cake album) · read it →
A troubled session, and a barrier broken
Creative differences saw members walk out of the studio on three occasions and Arif Mardin reportedly consider abandoning the project. McIntosh’s replacement, London drummer Steve Ferrone, became the first Black member of the Scottish soul/funk band.
Wikipedia (Cut the Cake album) · read it →
A deep official sample history
Per Average White Band’s own site, “Cut the Cake” has been sampled by Nas, Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, TLC, De La Soul, EPMD, Janet Jackson and many others.
Average White Band (official) · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
Sampled by Nas · Eric B. & Rakim · Public Enemy · TLC · Janet Jackson
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itNas · Eric B. & Rakim · Public Enemy · TLC
Who to Contact
AW
AWB Music (BMI) / Cotillion Music Inc.
The directly-confirmed current administrator
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Don't Want the Hassle?
Sample something pre-cleared insteadCheck Tracklib →
Find a similar sound that's 100% freeBrowse the catalog →
References
Every source cited on this page — 5 in total
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 2)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass