The Edge

Recorded in 1967 for the album Music... A Part of Me, the instrumental was arranged and conducted by David McCallum with production by Capitol Records staff producer David Axelrod. The session featured leading Los Angeles studio musicians performing a dramatic blend of orchestral pop, jazz and funk-influenced rhythms. Although not a chart hit on release, the track stood out for its distinctive bassline, cinematic arrangement and innovative fusion of orchestral and contemporary sounds. It became one of the most memorable recordings from McCallum's brief recording career outside his acting work. The recording achieved lasting fame through extensive sampling in hip-hop, most notably providing the foundation for Dr. Dre's The Next Episode. Its instantly recognizable melody and groove have made it one of the most celebrated source recordings in sample-based music.