The verdict
Documented Sampling History
A confirmed writer of record (Raymond Calhoun) and a confirmed administrator (Universal Music Group), reportedly open to sampling, with 150+ documented samples across hip-hop and R&B (Ashanti’s “Happy” among them).
Sampled 150+ times · reportedly open to sampling
Used by independents?
No — no independent use documented so far; only major-label artists.
Listen while you read
Official upload · Universal Music Group · ℗ 1982 UMG Recordings, Inc.
Verified source
Get the Audio
Streaming isn't enough to sample from — you need an actual file
Discogs
Original vinyl / CD — for a proper needle-drop rip
Apple Music
Purchasable track (search)
Amazon Music
MP3 download (search)
Collector's Copies
Original pressings, rare editions, and audiophile reissues
Discogs Marketplace
All pressings and editions of Gap Band IV
eBay
Active auctions and Buy It Now listings
Quick Facts
Released1982
AlbumGap Band IV
GenreFunk, Soul, Disco
LabelTotal Experience Records
ProducerLonnie Simmons
Recorded atTotal Experience Studios, Los Angeles
Writer(s)Raymond Calhoun
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The label — Universal Music Group controls the Total Experience recording
Discogs → · checked Jul 2026
The songwriter — Raymond Calhoun
MusicBrainz → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been cleared before?
Yes — 150+ times. It's one of the most-sampled funk records ever made
Do they allow sampling?
Reportedly, yes — the owners are on record welcoming sampling requests — not a guarantee for any specific request
What does it cost?
Nobody's shared numbers yet — songs like this usually take a cut of your song's earnings instead of an upfront fee
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The recording (the actual audio)Universal Music Group
The song itself (the writing)Not confirmed yet
Who handles the song todayNot confirmed yet
The writerRaymond Calhoun
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Described as open to sampling
Legal site Nolo points to the owners of Gap Band / Average White Band records as go-to examples of rights holders who actively want people to sample their music.
Nolo · read it →
Cleared many times
One of the most-sampled funk records in history — documented on 150+ tracks across four decades of hip-hop and R&B. A catalog that sampled this heavily is a catalog that says yes.
WhoSampled · read it →
Sample History
150+
Times sampled
—
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itAshanti ("Happy") · and 150+ more across hip-hop and R&B
Who to Contact
UMG
Universal Music Group
They control the Total Experience recording — who to ask for a master license
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 →
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created
Jul 2026Current recording owner upgraded from Reported to Confirmed (official UMG upload caption)