Song Clearance Sheet
3 sources citedBlind Alley
Soul1970s105BPM
D minKey
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Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
A confirmed songwriter of record (David Porter), no dispute found, and confirmed sampling across generations of hip-hop (Big L, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, and others per SecondHandSongs).
Used by independents?
No — no independent use documented so far; only major-label artists.
Quick Facts
Released1972
AlbumUntouched
GenreSoul, Funk
LabelVolt Records
ProducerIsaac Hayes
Recorded atMuscle Shoals / Stax studios
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — David Porter
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — originally Stax/Volt; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — an essential soul breakbeat sampled across generations of hip-hop.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; a confirmed songwriter of record and a deep, documented sampling record — no dispute found.
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)David Porter (credited alongside The Emotions per SecondHandSongs)
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
An Isaac Hayes-produced soul cornerstone
“Untouched” was produced by Isaac Hayes (with Ronnie Williams and David Porter) across Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Universal Recording, and Stax’s own studios — featuring additional musicians including members of the Bar-Kays.
Wikipedia (Untouched) · read it →
Sampled across generations of hip-hop
Confirmed samples include Big L (“Audition”), Pete Rock featuring C.L. Smooth (“Da Two”), and Mazzi and Soul Purpose (“Step Up”), among others additionally credited by SecondHandSongs including Mariah Carey, Ice Cube and A Tribe Called Quest.
SecondHandSongs · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
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Times sampled
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Covers
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First flip
Big names who used itBig L · Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth · A Tribe Called Quest
Who to Contact
DP
David Porter (Stax/Volt)
The confirmed songwriter of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Unique Angles Batch)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending a separate manual keyfinder pass