if the sample wasnt originally copywritten then its open game for anyone and you can copywrite a beat using that sample but if its copywritten u cant
any instrumental made is copyrighted...but for proof of ownership you need to REGISTER your instrumental/copyright with the Library of Congress
how about if your crate digging though...a lot of the really old and rare music was never copywritten
I don't know where you are getting your information from, but you are absolutely wrong.
Works published from 1923 - 1963 - Copyright has an initial term of 28 years; if it was renewed by the copyright owner during the 28th year, the copyright protection extended another 67 years. If it was not renewed, copyright protection ended at the end of the initial 28 years.
Works published in the U.S. prior to 1923 - Public Domain.
all works have a copyright period soon as they are made
when ppl say you need to copyright your music
what they mean is you need to register your copyright with library of congress