Blog - Crate Kings

Grandmaster Flash Demos Analog vs. Digital DJ’ing

July 16, 2009

Grandmaster Flash gives a quick demonstration of his classic cutting style using traditional vinyl, then fires up NI Traktor for a lesson in digital vinyl evolution. Notable Quote: "Hip-hop is built on the 70’s. If there was no 70’s hip-hop, there’d be no hip-hop today."

The Unauthorized Biography of Just Blaze

July 15, 2009

OTA tells the story of Just Blaze’s childhood love for vinyl, musical influences, and multiple career power moves. Peppered with various samples from Just Blaze’s extensive discography, The Unauthorized Autobiography of Just Blaze offers valuable insight into the talent, skill, and hard work necessary for a successful career as a music producer. Download: Parts 1 … Read more

Madlib On Cover of The Wire Magazine

July 15, 2009July 15, 2009

The August 2009 issue of The Wire magazine features an interview with none other than Stones Throw producer/musican Madlib. In his first interview since 2006, Madlib touches on such topics as growing up in Oxnard, CA, early musical influences, thoughts on technology, and personal reasons for making music. Notable Interview Excerpts: "My computer?" echoes Madlib … Read more

Murs On Dr. Dre’s Production Genius

July 15, 2009July 15, 2009

Murs talks about the true meaning of being a producer, The Chronic, and the significance of Dr. Dre’s musical creations. Notable Quote: "At the end of the day a producer is someone like Quincy Jones, like Diddy, and like Dr. Dre who gets in there and tells you what’s hot…"

Es-Nine – Light of Day Instrumentals (Download)

July 15, 2009July 15, 2009

In addition to producing the Colorado based group 3 The Hardway, Es-Nine is a professionally trained sound engineer who has worked with artists such as DJ Babu, Rakaa Iriscience, Defari, and El Da Sensei. The jazz influenced instrumental album successfully incorporates classic sounds and production techniques together with clean layering and impressive sample manipulation. Light … Read more

Akai Introduces MPK61 Keyboard & LPD8 Pad Controller

July 16, 2009July 15, 2009

Summer NAMM is almost upon us, so get ready for an avalanche of new product announcements. Like many other manufacturers, Akai will introduce a number of new products, including the MPK61 keyboard and LPD8 pad controllers.

DJ Muggs On Personal & Business Philosophy

July 14, 2009

DJ Muggs sits down with DubCNN to discuss the latest Soul Assassins album, production, business philosophy, and creative inspiration.

Mix Tape Magnets Make Your Fridge Even Cooler

July 15, 2009July 14, 2009

What better way to bring back a bit of nostalgia and reminisce about the days of splicing snapped tapes and reassembling broken cassette shells.

Designed by Master Control Program, The Mix Tape Magnet measures approximately 1.25" by 2" and is available in a variety of labels and colors.

$8 makes you an owner, but grab one quickly as stock is limited.

[via Gadget Venue]

More pics after the jump!

Murs On DJ Quik’s MC’ing, Production, Perm

August 23, 2009July 13, 2009

Murs talks about the various MC’ing, production, mixing, and hair skills of DJ Quik. Notable Quote: “The coldest perm ever to set foot into the arena of hip-hop belongs to DJ Quik, David Blake… one of the realest to ever do it.” [via XZ]

The Alchemist NYU Beat Making Footage

July 13, 2009

Classic footage of The Alchemist making beats during his time as an NYU student. ASR-10, Technics 1200’s, and stacks of vinyl are in full use.

The Archives