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The Viral Truth: 5 Shocking Facts About The 'Either On Or Off The Drugs' Sample That Broke The Internet

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The phrase "either on or off the drugs" has exploded across music forums and social media, not as a random soundbite, but as the title of one of the most talked-about songs of 2024. As of December 17, 2025, the track—by experimental rapper and producer JPEGMAFIA—stands as a monumental case study in the rapidly evolving, and often controversial, world of music sampling and artificial intelligence.

The entire conversation surrounding this specific sample is a masterclass in modern music production, blending soulful R&B with avant-garde hip-hop. It's an issue that goes far beyond a simple vocal clip; it’s a deep dive into the ethics of generative AI, the future of sampling, and the creative boundaries of one of the industry's most polarizing artists, JPEGMAFIA.

JPEGMAFIA: A Profile of the Experimental Hip-Hop Architect

The artist behind the song, JPEGMAFIA, is a figure synonymous with abrasive, genre-bending, and politically charged music. His use of the "either on or off the drugs" sample is perfectly in line with his history of challenging conventions and sparking debate.

  • Full Name: Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks
  • Stage Name: JPEGMAFIA (often stylized as JPEGMafia or simply 'Peggy')
  • Born: October 22, 1989
  • Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland (formerly based in Los Angeles, California)
  • Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Record Producer
  • Military Service: Served in the United States Air Force
  • Notable Albums: Veteran (2018), All My Heroes Are Cornballs (2019), Scaring the Hoes (with Danny Brown) (2023), I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (2024)
  • Production Style: Known for chaotic, glitchy, and heavily sampled beats that pull from diverse genres including noise music, industrial, and R&B.

The AI Twist: Decoding the 'Either On Or Off The Drugs' Sample

The most fascinating element of JPEGMAFIA's 2024 track, "either on or off the drugs," is the source of its core musical loop. Unlike traditional sampling, which pulls from pre-existing, human-created music, this sample represents a significant leap into the digital unknown.

1. It's a Sample of an AI-Generated Cover, Not the Original Song

The soulful, melancholic vocal and instrumental loop that dominates the track is not a direct sample of a classic soul or R&B song. Instead, it is a sample of an AI-generated cover of the 2012 hit "Turn On the Lights" by rapper Future. The original Future track is a staple of trap and R&B, but the version sampled by JPEGMAFIA transforms it into a smooth, vintage-sounding soul record.

2. The AI Artist is 'AI For The Culture'

The specific source of the AI cover is an entity or project known as "AI For The Culture." This cover, sometimes titled "Turn On The Lights (1973)," was created to mimic the sound of a classic 1970s soul record. The use of the "1973" date is a deliberate stylistic choice to give the AI output an authentic, retro feel, further blurring the lines between new technology and classic artistry.

3. The Song is a Highlight of the 2024 Album 'I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU'

The song "either on or off the drugs" was released on August 1, 2024, as part of JPEGMAFIA’s fifth studio album, I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU. The track is a standout moment on the project, lauded for its production that manages to be both "vibey, soulful bliss" and characteristic of Peggy’s experimental, sample-heavy style.

The Controversial Ethics: Why Sampling AI is a Game-Changer

JPEGMAFIA's decision to sample a generative AI track ignited a significant debate within the music community, particularly among producers, artists, and ethical critics. The controversy centers on the fundamental definition of art, ownership, and intellectual property in the digital age.

4. The Debate Over 'Sampling a Sample'

Traditional sampling already involves complex legal and ethical hurdles, requiring clearance for the original recording and often the underlying composition. JPEGMAFIA’s move adds another layer of complexity: he is sampling a work that is itself a cover, *created by an algorithm* based on another artist's work (Future). The discussion quickly turned to whether sampling an AI creation is ethically equivalent to sampling a human-created track.

  • The Pro-Peggy Argument: Many fans and producers argued that the act of sampling is about transforming a sound source, regardless of its origin. To them, JPEGMAFIA is simply treating the AI cover as a new, available sound texture, no different from an obscure vinyl record.
  • The Ethical Concern: Critics worry that legitimizing the sampling of AI-generated music opens the floodgates for artists to bypass traditional clearance processes, potentially devaluing the work of human musicians and songwriters.

5. A New Frontier in Experimental Hip-Hop Production

Regardless of the ethical debates, the "either on or off the drugs sample" marks a groundbreaking moment for experimental hip-hop and music production. JPEGMAFIA, a producer known for his avant-garde techniques and glitchy soundscapes, has effectively pioneered a new form of "meta-sampling." By using "AI For The Culture," he is not just sampling music; he is sampling the *idea* of music, and the *imitation* of a past era, using the latest technology. This audacious choice solidifies his reputation as an artist who constantly pushes the boundaries of his craft.

The song's success and the ensuing discussion prove that AI is no longer a theoretical threat to the music industry—it is now a tangible tool being used by major artists to create compelling, chart-worthy, and deeply controversial art. The legacy of "either on or off the drugs" will be defined not just by its sound, but by its pivotal role in the ongoing conversation about creativity, technology, and the future of the sample-based music genre.

The Viral Truth: 5 Shocking Facts About the 'Either On Or Off The Drugs' Sample That Broke the Internet
either on or off the drugs sample
either on or off the drugs sample

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