It should be understood that the MPC is actually a Japanese clone of an American invention, the LinnDrum MidiStudio.

Roger Linn kicked off the innovation around the sampling/sequencing revolution - Akai just made it affordable.

Disclaimer: have worked in the digital musical instrument market for decades, including for Yamaha and other (German) major players in this space. This industry is incestuous in many ways - but it follows the 'musicians rule', which is 'its okay to copy each others riffs as long as it improves the groove' ..