Song Clearance Sheet
2 sources citedThe Champ
Funk1960s111BPM
C majKey
More around 110 BPM → · More in C major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (Alan Hawkshaw, as “Harry Palmer”), no dispute found, and 1,000+ documented uses across five decades — a library-music instrumental that found its real life through hip-hop.
Sampled 1,000+ times
Quick Facts
Released1968
GenreFunk, Mod, Library Music
LabelPama Records
ProducerThe Palmer Brothers
Recorded atLansdowne Studios, London
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — Alan Hawkshaw (as “Harry Palmer”)
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — originally Pama Records; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — 1,000+ documented uses (only the 10th song ever to cross that threshold on WhoSampled): Eric B. & Rakim, Mantronix, Afrika Bambaataa, Onyx, Nas, DJ Shadow, Method Man, Ice Cube, Migos’ “Stir Fry.”
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record, no dispute found, extensive real precedent.
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Alan Hawkshaw (credited under the pseudonym “Harry Palmer”)
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
The band that never was
Hawkshaw described the group as “the band that never was” — the whole track was cut in a single take, in one session, after which the musicians simply parted ways before the day was over.
WhoSampled · read it →
A library instrumental that failed, then found its life in hip-hop
Released as pure library/production music for licensed TV/film use, it failed to chart in 1968 — only finding recognition decades later through hip-hop sampling, with a 1987 reissue reaching #58 UK as a direct result.
Wikipedia · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
1,000+
Times sampled
Reworks the “Tramp” groove (Fulson → Redding & Thomas)
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itEric B. & Rakim · DJ Shadow · Migos
Who to Contact
CH
Alan Hawkshaw (“Harry Palmer”)
The confirmed songwriter of record
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 — full research (Research Queue Batch 7)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass