Before autotune. Before hooks were crafted by committees. There was sound—raw, undiluted, and electric. The 1970s birthed a golden age where instrumentation wasn’t just the backdrop—it was the story. And for this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets spins deeper than the grooves on the record. He’s pulling the needle back to a time when rhythm and melody didn’t need lyrics to speak straight to the soul.

These 15 instrumental masterpieces weren’t just tracks—they were movements. They carried the weight of culture, the swagger of the streets, the elegance of orchestras, and the pulse of protest, party, and personal reflection. Whether you were stepping out, rolling slow, or simply vibing in your living room, these records told your story without saying a word.

And who better to guide this journey than PL Sweets himself? A crate digger and cultural translator, he’s sharing his Top 15 picks—tracks that shaped his ears, his outlook, and his love for music that breathes on its own.

From the hypnotic “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock—a track that broke jazz free from its purist chains and introduced the world to funk’s experimental edge—to the forever-floaty “Brazilian Rhyme” by Earth, Wind & Fire, which proves you don’t need three minutes to change a mood—just the right 45 seconds. You’ll drift in the hazy heat of “Summer Madness”, and ride the cinematic grandeur of “Theme from Shaft”, where Isaac Hayes made every strut down the block feel like a scene from your own Blaxploitation film. From the sultry sax work of Grover Washington Jr., to the orchestral elegance of Love Unlimited Orchestra, every track in this setlist is a reminder that the most powerful messages sometimes have no words at all.

These aren’t just songs—they're sonic monuments. They’re what the '70s felt like, sounded like, and moved like. And they’re the blueprint for every producer, beatmaker, and DJ who’s sampled them since. These grooves are the godparents of hip-hop, the cousins of soul, and the unsung heroes of jazz radio. So, tune in. Drop the needle. And let PL Sweets take you back to the art of letting the music speak for itself.

PL Sweets’ Top 15 Instrumental Picks: Playlist Link

1. Brazilian Rhyme – Earth, Wind & Fire
2. Chameleon – Herbie Hancock (1973)
3. Summer Madness – Kool & The Gang (1974)
4. Theme from Shaft – Isaac Hayes
5. Mr. Magic – Grover Washington Jr. (1975)
6. Love is the Message – MFSB
7. Rock Creek Park – The Blackbyrds (1975)
8. Breezin’ – George Benson
9. Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orchestra (1974)
10. Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band
11. Jungle Boogie – Kool & The Gang
12. Cissy Strut – The Meters
13. Funky Stuff – Kool & The Gang
14. Runnin’ – Earth, Wind & Fire
15. Red Clay – Freddie Hubbard

This list isn’t just music—it’s a time capsule of sound.

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Some of the most iconic sounds in hip-hop history came from unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the legendary breakbeat from Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras"—one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip-hop—and its deep connection to the culture, especially through Run-D.M.C.’s classic "Peter Piper."

But the story doesn’t start with Bob James. Its origins trace back to a lesser-known name in this musical journey—Paul Simon, the original composer of "Take Me to the Mardi Gras." This episode uncovers how a jazz-fusion reinterpretation of a folk-inspired song became a cornerstone of hip-hop’s golden era, proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

From the streets of New Orleans to the turntables of the Bronx, this is a deep dive into how music transcends genres, generations, and expectations. The same rhythms that once filled jazz clubs now form the backbone of hip-hop classics, showing that innovation is often born from reimagining the past.

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🎧 Catch the Vibe:
BOB JAMES | TAKE ME TO THE MARDI GRAS
RUN-DMC | PETER PIPER

PL Sweets "Love Love Love" featuring Leroy Burgess & Dungeon Jones

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Sometimes, the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores how embracing unusual partnerships can lead to legendary success, using Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s iconic track "Nuthin’ But a G Thang" and its sampled foundation, Leon Haywood’s "I Want to Do Something Freaky to You."

When Dr. Dre was crafting the sound of The Chronic (1992), he pulled from an era that many wouldn’t expect—smooth ‘70s soul. Leon Haywood’s 1975 hit, known for its sultry groove, became the perfect backbone for the West Coast anthem that redefined hip-hop. The blend of G-funk’s laid-back yet hard-hitting style with Haywood’s silky, seductive rhythm created a sound that resonated across generations.

PL breaks down how this unexpected fusion mirrors real-life collaboration and growth—how sometimes, working with someone outside your usual circle, industry, or comfort zone can unlock new levels of success. Just like Dre saw the potential in Snoop’s raw talent and Haywood’s vintage groove, we, too, can find opportunity in unexpected connections.

Are you open to partnering with people who challenge your perspective? The greatest creative and professional breakthroughs often come from blending the old with the new, the familiar with the unfamiliar. Let the music inspire you to look beyond the obvious and embrace the unexpected. 🎶✨

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🎧 Catch the Vibe:
DR DRE | NUTHIN BY A "G" THANG

LEON HAYWOOD | I WANNA DO SOMETHING FREAKY TO YOU

PL Sweets "Love Love Love" featuring Leroy Burgess & Dungeon Jones

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