In my former years of music production I usually steered clear of using samples (except for kicks and percussion). But now ive realized that using samples for atmosphere and sound effects can be almost the same as using a synth for me. In the sense that I am altering an original sample to fit my song. For example, in reason i use Scream 4 for a rhode sample...makes it amazingly different. I think using samples can only broaden the production capabilities if used properly.

Another example is for beats...I do tremendous overlapping of sounds, eqing, Scream 4, and anything else to make it different. I think changing samples from their original state is in a sense, making it ur original sample. One thing i think people should stay away from is using samples exactly how they got em, with maybe some reverb.

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"...I searched on the mountains and in the valleys but neither in the heights nor in the depths was I able to find Him. I went to the Caaba in Mecca, but He was not there either.
I questioned the scholars and philosophers but He was beyond thair understanding.
I then looked into my heart and it was there where He dwelled that i saw him;he was no where else to be found."

--Jelaluddin Rumi