The needle drop is a technique used in hip hop deejaying, probably originated by Grand Wizard Theodore. The DJ sets a record spinning, then drops the stylus on the turntable at the point where he or she wants playback to begin. According to AMG: "Instead of cueing up the record silently, the DJ simply drops the needle onto the exact start of the passage to be played."

The Sticker Method of locating the sample or Break:

A DJ often uses colored labels "dot" labels to mark the sample to be used. Marking a record involves several steps... The first step is to locate the desired sample, the second step is much more critical. The sample is located, then the record is brought about an inch or two backwards from the beginning of the sample. A "Dot" label is carefully placed up against the stylus (Needle) and a feather touch is applied to keep the label in place. Too hard of an application may lead to the needle being misplaced on the record, slipping to the next several grooves, an undesired result. After the needle is removed from the label, (sample area) the label can be pressed into place more permanently. If the DJ so desires to remove the label, any residue can be removed from the record with any widely available record cleaner solution.

Source

• http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB040402070125133172&sql=B6sxsa93gi23a