Step Off

Step Off is a song recorded by American rapper-producer MC Zappa and Canadian rapper Nova. The song takes its title from a line in Eric B. & Rakim's "Microphone Fiend", which is sampled in the chorus.

Background
After Canadian rapper and frequent collaborator N0va listened to MC Zappa's "Hardcore" in early February, he suggested that the duo collaborate over a hardcore instrumental such as the one MC Zappa produced for "Hardcore". Ironically, a line from "Hardcore" is sampled during the chorus.

MC Zappa immediately started work on the instrumental, although it was delayed because of protracted sessions for "Shit Like That (Black Otaku)". Exactly nine days after his and N0va's correspondence, he finished the instrumental.

Content
The track features many of MC Zappa's standard production techniques, such as a drum break with a staggering hi-hat rhythm, copious reversed elements, dynamic stereo panning, and dramatic transitions.

Samples

 * MC Zappa - Hardcore
 * Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady
 * Eric B & Rakim - Microphone Fiend
 * Mountain - Long Red
 * Grandmaster Melle Mel - White Lines (Don't Do It)
 * Cane & Able - Gemma Morett
 * Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run

Trivia

 * Despite MC Zappa's previously stated strong distaste for utilizing "overused" drum breaks, he samples "Long Red" by Mountain on this track. As of February 17th, 2018, the track has been sampled 661 times.
 * As a general rule, MC Zappa rarely uses reverberation on his tracks, preferring to let them run "raw". However, this track features light reverberation on not only the scratches (both vocals and drums), but his and N0va's vocals as well. It is unclear why, but it is presumably an artistic choice.