This Akai S950 sampler was originally owned by Large Professor, a foundational figure in hip-hop production and a key architect of the genre’s golden era sound. Acquired directly from Large Professor, the unit retains strong provenance, including its original UPS shipping box bearing his name (W. P. Mitchell), expanded memory upgrade, original components, and manual.

The sampler is signed by Large Professor, further reinforcing its direct connection to the artist.

The item entered the care of producer Dawhud (David Evans Smythe), who acquired the unit via an online sale that was subsequently verified through its shipping provenance and word-of-mouth within the hip-hop community. Years later, he brought the sampler to a live show, where Large Professor signed it.

Preserved largely as a studio artefact, the S950 has seen minimal use since its time with Large Professor, reinforcing its significance as both a functional instrument and a piece of hip-hop history.

Under Dawhud’s ownership, the sampler was used in the production of the track “Candyman,” created using a Bobby Hutcherson LP sourced from the J Dilla estate (accompanied by a letter and numbered certificate).

This process is documented through included cassette releases, with “Candyman” appearing on Dethroned and Rise, Reign, Ruin, as well as an earlier remix version on the Homecoming 97 tape - linking the sampler, source material, and final recordings.

Key Details

• Signed Akai S950 sampler originally owned by Large Professor (W. P. Mitchell), with original UPS shipping box confirming sender provenance
• Bobby Hutcherson LP from the J Dilla estate, including letter, mailer, and numbered certificate (No. 550)
• Cassette releases featuring “Candyman,” produced using the S950 and Dilla record
• Expanded memory upgrade installed, with original memory included (boxed separately)
• Original rack mount ears and professionally bound manual
• Additional Homecoming 97 cassette featuring an earlier remix version

Collectibility

• Provenance: Direct from Large Professor, later signed by the artist, with verified material from the J Dilla estate
• Rarity: One-of-a-kind pairing of artist-owned production equipment and Dilla estate vinyl
• Historic Context: Represents a complete creative chain - from source sample to finished track - spanning two foundational figures in hip-hop production