A young Jazzy Jay breaks down the art of DJ’ing, the necessary equipment, and, of course, the proper name. What’s my real name? Well, for business purposes I usually don’t tell my real name. I think it’s better for you to have somebody to believe in as Jazzy Jay. Could anyone have said it better?
J Dilla offers up an interview during a trip to Toronto. In addition to discussing personal concerns about the Detroit Police Department, the late producer briefly comments on the increased sense of recognition received when traveling outside of his home city. It’s weird cuz like in Detroit, ya know I’m just a regular Joe. Ya know … Read more
Another clip from the West Coast Theory documentary, producer Fredwreck shows off his personal recording studio and collection of vintage synthesizers, guitars, and other music making tools. Anything that makes a sound, I can put a beat to it. Notable Studio Items: Rhodes piano ARP String Machine E-mu SP-1200 Sony C-800G Microphone Oberheim OB-8 Akai MPC3000 … Read more
Producer Statik Selektah discusses his transition from DJ to producer, move from Boston to NY, and evolution from hardware to software based production. I have a MPC, but it’s one of those coasters I was talking about it. It just sits there. I use everything in Pro Tools, I got a Motif. For real, I … Read more
From sample to fully constructed beat, producer 88-Keys runs through a collection of vinyl then begins chopping on his trusty Akai MPC3000, which he’s owned since age 15. I purposely didn’t bring any of my old stuff, cuz I have new ears now.
The makers of West Coast Theory went in-studio with Aftermath producer Focus. The producer offers a peek into his recording environment and explains his approach to creating music, thoughts on software, and experience working with Dr. Dre. Throughout the interview Focus illustrates his process of crafting a beat from working with the original sample to layering … Read more
BLVDST interviews DJ Toomp to add his thoughts to the never ending hardware/software debate. Toomp explains his personal preferences for a number of studio items used most frequently and offers insight into his ideal sound. I still just like to blend the two of them together. It’s hard and software together. Software got its own … Read more
Producer 9th Wonder discusses auditioning beats for Jay Z, working with Erika Badu, and teaching music history. Later 9th goes on to talk about the importance of saving older work and doing other thing besides making beats. I made the actual beat for Erykah Badu’s honey seven years ago. That’s why I say, everybody save … Read more
Producer Dot Da Genius shows off his studio setup while highlight the process of creating a new instrumental track from scratch. [via HHM]
Common describes J Dilla’s personality, style, and influence, then explains the late producer’s musical legacy. [via FWMJ]