Blog - Crate Kings

Prince Paul: Old Vs. New School + Production History Lesson

May 7, 2009

Album skit master/producer/DJ Prince Paul talks about the old vs. new schools of hip-hop and the differences in motivation for creating music then gives a nice rundown of the projects that he’s been involved with. Notable Quote: "The difference between the old and the new school for me is I think in the old school … Read more

DJ Hero Controller Pics Released

August 20, 2009May 7, 2009

Eagerly awaited pictures of the Activisions upcoming DJ Hero video game controller have been released… will be interesting to see how the controller demos work.

Three buttons on the vinyl, plus strobe indicators… nice touch.

[via CG via Kotaku]

See more pics!

The Mad Record Collector (Vinyl Humor)

August 21, 2009May 6, 2009

“Who is he who dare calleth himself a vinyl collector?” True crate diggers and record collectors will appreciate the unique humor, classic wardrobe, and classic vinyl dance performed in this strange video. Notable Quote: “My records… so many of them, so many, so rare!”

MPC 2000XL and SP1200 USB Flash Drives

May 2, 2010May 5, 2009

Quiet as kept, I drooled a little when I first saw these MPC 2000XL and SP1200 USB flash drives. How crazy would it be to have a USB drive that actually matches the your sampler of choice? Here’s a chance for producers and beatmakers to carry around two of hip-hop’s most history laden sequencers in their pocket at all times.

The 4GB flash drives feature Toshiba memory with casing constructed from PVC rubber fashioned in near exact detail of the original Akai MPC 2000XL and EMU SP1200 samplers.

At the moment both drives are pre-order only with a scheduled ship date of June 12, 2009.

See the website for complete details.

See more pics of the drives!

DJ Evil Dee x Crazy DJ Bazarro Interview : Mixtapes, Auto-Tune, Authenticity

May 4, 2009

DJ Evil Dee and Crazy DJ Bazarro discuss DJ set preferences, positive vs. negative hip-hop, authenticity in music, and reasons for building new Beatminerz recording studio. Evil Dee and Bazarro also go on to talk about the current flood of artist mixtapes and ideas for future projects. Notable Quotes: "I don’t play Auto-Tune tracks… so … Read more

4OneFunkBand Live At Elbo Room

February 2, 2010May 4, 2009

Teeko, Colin Brown, and Max Kane of 4OneFunkBand/F.A.M.E (Fresh Analog Music Experience) rock a live performance at the Elbo Room.

K-Def – Beats From The 90’s Vol. 2 (Cover + Tracklist)

May 8, 2009May 4, 2009

Vintage production fans will be happy to hear about K-Def’s upcoming sequel Beats From The 90’s Vol. 2. Consisting of instrumental tracks created during time spent at Marley Marl’s House of Hits, K-Def delivers 14 instrumental tracks born from Akai MPC 3000 and S-3000 samplers.

"This is one of my favorite albums, that I’ve assembled, says K-Def. These tracks were done from 1992-1996. There’re tracks here, that were overlooked from a lot of 90’s artists. Tracks chosen, for albums that never came out. I’ve kept working in the studio. Do I have a life? Yup, making HOT!!! tracks."

Look for K-Def’s Beats From The 90’s Vol. 2 on July 14, 2009

Tracklist after the jump!

Crocheted Record Pillow Increases Vinyl Obsessions

February 2, 2010May 4, 2009

If you’re going to be a vinyl nerd, you may as well do it to the fullest. Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of The Beatles, this crocheted vinyl pillow is bound to improve the look of your room and extend the power of your collection. No word on where to find one, … Read more

Alchemist On Chemical Warfare, Production Style And Career Evolution

May 4, 2009May 4, 2009

The Alchemist discusses Chemical Warfare, personal inspiration, the development of his sound, and his official arrival on the hip-hop scene. Alchemist also goes further into his relationship with DJ Muggs, how he began working with Mobb Deep, having passion for your craft, and evolving beyond production.

Making of “Every Girl” By Young Money (Produced by Tha Bizness)

May 4, 2009

Producers Tha Bizness treat us to insight into the creation of the instrumental track for Young Money’s "Every Girl". Logic, Battery, Kontakt, and a number of instrument plug-ins are shown during the beat breakdown.

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