By: TR Phillips
Audio Two, the legendary hip-hop duo comprised of Milk Dee and Gizmo, left a lasting impression on
the genre with their hit single “Top Billin’” released in 1987. The beat for “Top Billin’” was a collaborative
effort between Audio Two and Stetsasonic’s Daddy-O, and its creation was a result of a happy accident.
Daddy-O was playing around with the sampler and hit the wrong keys, leading to the formation of the
now famous stuttering style beat.
The construction of the beat for “Top Billin’” is highly influential, as it samples the break beat from The
Honey Dripper’s “Impeach the President”, another widely sampled track in the hip-hop world. The beat
has been used in numerous hip-hop tracks over the years, making it a staple in the genre. Its impact can
be compared to that of “Funky Drummer”, another highly influential sample in hip-hop.
When analyzing the beat for “Top Billin’”, its use of stuttering style production and the incorporation of
a sample from “Impeach the President” set it apart from other beats in hip-hop. This combination of
elements gives the beat its unique energy, making it stand out from other tracks.
Audio Two’s “Top Billin’” beat is a standout in the hip-hop world, with its stuttering style production and
incorporation of a sample from “Impeach the President”. It has become a staple in the genre and its
influence can be heard in many popular tracks over the years. To honor the impact of the beat, here is a
playlist of songs that sample “Top Billin’”:
Audio Two – Top Billin’
MC Lyte – “10% Dis”
Jay-Z and Kanye West – “Otis”
LL Cool J – “Doin’ It”
50 Cent – “I Get Money”
Mary J. Blige – “Real Love”
