Rockit - Definition and Overview

Rockit was a single from Herbie Hancock's 1983 album Future Shock.

The single was written by Hancock, bass guitarist Bill Laswell and synthesizer /drum machine programmer Michael Beinhorn.

Recorded live in the studio, Rockit was perhaps the first popular single to feature scratching and other turntablist techniques—courtesy of DXT—as a musical instrument outside of a hip hop or rap music context. Many later turntablists have cited Rockit as relevatory, inspiring their interest in the craft.

The single was a major radio hit in the United Kingdom, and the humorous music video (directed by duo Godley & Creme) was among the earliest videos by an African American on MTV.