Blog - Crate Kings

Oddisee, Charlie Dark, Morgan Zarate, Baby Jay @ Louis Den Beat Cypher

June 19, 2009

Producers Oddisee, Kelakovski, Charlie Dark, Morgan Zarate, and Baby J converged upon the Louis Den Beat Cypher to showcase their audio wares and beat rocking abilities.

Digging – Crate Digging Narrative

June 18, 2009June 18, 2009

Justin Holbrook drops a one minute narrative which captures the spirit of crate digging. Complete with notes and well known digging tactics, the short film is all too familiar to anyone who’s spent significant time in the bins. Random Thought: I love it when people hold up records that I own.

Red Bull Big Tune 2009 Dates & Registration Info

June 19, 2009June 17, 2009

The Phoenix, AZ round of the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle deadline is over, but there are still at least seven chances to get on stage and battle with the some of the most talented aspiring producers in the country. Both winner and runner-up from each regional qualifier will compete at the final October … Read more

Arcee + Kaewonder Cratery Cinqo (Download)

June 17, 2009

Respect to Arcee + Kaewonder for their ongoing crate digging series entitled Cratery. With notable highlights including "What It Is" by Ohio Players and a Hodges, James & Smith rendition of "(I Who Have) Nothing", the latest edition, Cratery Cinqo, serves up an ample supply of dub, disco, reggae, soul, and more.

"Sometimes not listening to your joints can be as fruitful as listening to them.” – ARCEE

Download: Cratery Cinqo by Arcee + Kaewonder

Visit The Real Frequency and get caught up on past Cratery mixes.

Tracklist after the break!

RZA Wu-Tang Chamber Music Sampling Promo

June 17, 2009

Producer RZA discusses sampling and the decision to move towards live instrumentation on Wu-Tang’s upcoming album entitled Chamber Music, which drops June 30, 2009.

DJ Z-Trip On Mashups, Vinyl, Musical Cohesiveness

June 15, 2009

247HH drops and an interview with DJ Z-Trip as he talks about how he became a DJ as a result of being a music lover and amassing an extensive record collection. He also discusses mashups, the current lack of musical cohesiveness in many DJ sets, and the impact of digital vinyl solutions such as Serato.

Rik Marvel @ Beat Society NYC “Stop, Look, and Listen”

June 15, 2009

Rik Marvel shows of his rendition/reflip of Barbara Acklin’s "Stop, Look, and Listen" at Beat Society NYC. Other showcase participants included Da Beatminerz, Nottz, and Khrysis.

Numark Scratch Deck Controller & Gameplay Preview

June 12, 2009

Genius Products serves up a quick preview of the Numark designed Scratch Deck controller from the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ video game. Controller design elements, including inspiration drawn from the Akai MPC, and technology are discussed while offering a glimpse into gameplay. "That’s why our engineers built MPC drum pads right into Scratch Deck, … Read more

Big Quarters Showcase @ McNally Smith Hip-Hop Studies Kickoff

December 5, 2009June 12, 2009

As part of the kickoff event for McNally Smith College of Music’s Hip-Hop Studies program, Big Quarters appears on stage for a friendly beat-for-beat showcase/battle. Visit Big Quarters for more music or McNally Smith for additional program info.

Still Bill – Bill Withers Documentary Trailer

June 12, 2009

I’ve always held deep admiration for the music and attitude of Bill Withers. The documentary Still Bill takes a look at the Bill Withers’ music, family, life, and legacy. Notable Quote: "Both personally, as a human being, and as the great artist that you are, what would you want your legacy to be?" [via Frank]

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