Hip Hop hits like Jay-Z’s “What More Can I Say?” LL Cool J’s “Def Jam In The Motherland” and “Boobie Miles” by Big K.R.I.T. have all sampled source music from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Soul/R&B collective MFSB. The 30-plus piece band was a staple at the city’s Sigma Sound Studios, and helped coin “The Sound Of Philadelphia” with production/songwriting duo Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records.
One of MFSB’s core members, Vince Montana, Jr., passed away on April 13, this past weekend. He was a songwriter, producer and percussionist. He also founded the Salsoul Orchestra, and collaborated later in his career with Masters At Work and the Pet Shop Boys.
Tragically, Montana was scheduled to be honored at Philly’s Walk Of Fame, on South Broad Street later this year, near to the longtime label base. “In the midst of planning his October induction into the Walk of Fame, it is with deep sympathy that Philadelphia Music Alliance sends the Vincent Montana family its sincere regrets on the news of his passing,” said Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Chairman Joseph Tarsia. Montana will still be honored on the landmark sidewalk.
HipHopDX extends condolences to Vince Montana, Jr.’s family, friends and fans. MFSB’s “Something For Nothing,” which was sampled for Jay-Z’s Blueprint hit, is posted below:
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