Hank Shocklee, Pete Rock, Ski, and Lord Finesse reminisce about the wonders and magic behind the classic SP-1200 sampler. Get out your notebooks and prepare for some production candy as these guys talk about filtering basslines with half inserted line jacks and ways to cheat limited sample time. Check The Article – The Dirty Heartbeat … Read more
Take a few notes on drum programming and maybe run out and get some lessons. Check out this video and see what a drum sampler is truly capable of.
The always outspoken DJ Premier talks about the making of “Classic”, the difference between a producer and beatmaker, and the future of Hip-Hop. Check the interview from those crazy cats over at Words N Tunes
Looks like 8 Diagrams is receiving a damn good promo push, even receiving the cover of the latest issue of Remix Magazine. It’s pretty interesting the hear RZA talk about the importance of EQ and layering rather than having everything on beat and in the correct key. Check the Remix RZA/Wu-Tang Interview
West Coast legend Rick Rock lays down some work on the MPC 4000 and Roland Fantom while working on five to six beats at a time.
There’s nothing like a bunch of home studio pics to fuel the fire of gear buying compulsions. Ranging from simple desktop production environments to walls lined with vintage analog equipment… go grab your pro-audio catalog and start planning some hefty purchases.
We selected to DJ SOULiva to set off our inaugural King of the Crates segment, which highlights crate diggers from around the around the world. Check the video and see the secret stash of dusty gems and portable turntables.
Interview by Maze of Diggers Spot During the last years, producer Black Milk representin’ Detroit turned out to be an insider due to his unique production style and sound. While other producers focused on synthesizer sounds and recycling of used-a-hundred-times-before loops, Black Milk was still getting his fingers dusty while diggin in the crates, always … Read more
As part of Scheme Magazine’s current producers issue, Pete Rock and 9th Wonder talk about record diggin, equipment, and the chemistry that MC’s and producers must have when making music. Check the interview at Scheme Magazine.
Our sincere condolences go out the the West family for the passing of Kanye West’s mother. Donda West 58 passed away suddenly on Sunday under circumtances currently unknown. A statement has been issued by his label Island/Def Jam stating that "the family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief."