Sample Information Sheet: Strawberry Letter 23

Sample Permission Request for using Shuggie Otis “Strawberry Letter 23” for the song “Shut the Fuck Up Ho,” written and produced by Shock G (Gregory Jacobs). "Strawberry Letter 23" is a 1971 song written and composed by Shuggie Otis from his 1971 album Freedom Flight. It is best known by the 1977 cover version recorded by The Brothers Johnson and produced by Quincy Jones.

When using short sections or “samples” of other artists’ music in other compositions, there must be written permission to avoid allegations of copyright infringement, if the intent is to release the music commercially and profit from the sales. Sampling is commonly accomplished with a piece of hardware called a sampler, or by specialized computer software. The process of obtaining permission from the owners of the sampled music is referred to as a sample clearance. Failure to obtain the proper permission could lead to consequences, including lawsuits for monetary damages or the inability to distribute the music to the public. The sample clearance process can be straightforward, depending on the music and artists involved.

Digital Underground is a ’90s Hip-Hop group from Oakland, California. Digital Underground’s Hip-Hop sound was unique compared to other artists and groups as their signature sound incorporated P-Funk from Funk bands of the 1970s, which helped shape their Oakland-based Hip-Hop sound. Digital Underground was known for their fun, nutty lyrics and eccentric style. Their founder was Shock-G (Gregory Jacobs, 1963-2021) who created the group in 1987 with Chopmaster (Jimi C. Dright, Jr, b. unknown) and Kenny K (Kenneth Waters, b. unknown d. 1994). Money-B (Ronald Brooks, b. 1969), DJ Fuse (David Elliot, b. 1970), Pee-Wee (Ramon Gooden, b. 1970), and Bigg Money Odis (Odis Brackens III, b.1969) were also members, along with a rotating list of others throughout the group’s discography, notably 2Pac (Tupac Amaru Shakur, 1971 - 1996).