Producer Interviews - Crate Kings

Sean C On American Gangster, Big Pun, Production Phases

August 18, 2010

Karma Loop heads in-studio producer Sean C to discuss the different phases of being a producer, favorite projects, the joys of working with Jay Z, and the humor of Big Pun. I think the most fun we probably had man was working on American Gangster because working with Jay Z, it spoils you.

Jake One Ghost Production & Paying Dues

October 13, 2010August 14, 2010

Jake One, a mostly unknown master of the crates, breaks down his first beat, top 5 producers, and juggling a day job with producing.

Black Milk Detroit Hip-Hip & Album of The Year

August 11, 2010

Black Milk discusses his upcoming album entitled “Album of The Year”, how he became involved with hip-hop, and what makes the Detroit music scene so unique.

Bangladesh Talks Song Leaks & Production Influences

August 3, 2010

DJ Skee interview producer Bangladesh to discuss how, inspired by Organized Noize and Timbaland, he started producing in 1993. The two also talk about Bangladesh’s current projects, song leaks, and his personal sound.

Bob James On Biz Markie & “Take Me To The Mardi Gras”

August 2, 2010

A quick warning: Don’t even bother going further unless you have a serious chunk of time to dedicate to viewing. This is going to take a while.

Bob James explains how his thoughts about sampling have changed over the years while offering insight into the making of “Take Me To The Mardi Gras” and refuting Biz Markie’s famous claim of owning a copy of the song that does not contain bells. James also discusses defective master tapes, transferring the original master recordings, and it’s impossible that Biz Markie could have a copy of the original master recordings.

On “Take Me To The Mardi Gras” without bells:

There was no reason in the world that we would have ever made a version of that song without the cowbell in it. We just wouldn’t have done that.

To Biz Markie:

Telling people that you got a hold of my multi-tracks. I don’t think so. Wanna meet face to face and really check it out?

[Thanks Hankyu!]

More after the break!

Ski Beatz On “Streets Is Watching” and “Dead Presidents”

July 30, 2010July 30, 2010

Ski Beatz tells the tale of how he originally didn’t like the beat for “Dead Presidents” and took a week to make “Streets Is Watching”.

Check Labi Siffre’s original “I Got The Blues” after the break!

Maker On Music Making Technology, Now-Again, Vinyl

July 29, 2010July 29, 2010

Elevator HipHop interviews Chicago producer Maker as he shows off some of his production tools, discusses the evolution of music making technology, satisfaction gained from using vinyl as a creative base, and working with Now-Again.

DJ Muggs On Cypress Hill Production & 7A3

July 28, 2010

Dante Ross visits DJ Muggs in-studio to talk about working with 7A3, forming Cypress Hill, LA’s hip-hop scene, and the mindset behind early Cypress Hill beats.

Part 2 after the break!

Showbiz Previews Godsville, Offers Advice To Producers

July 23, 2010July 23, 2010

You won’t want to miss this one. D.I.T.C. legend Showbiz steps inside of the gold and platinum plaque lined walls of HeadQuarters Studios to preview snippets from his upcoming project with KRS-One entitled Godsville LP while giving aspiring producers advice on how to stand apart from others, develop a signature sound, and remain relevant in music. … Read more

Ayatollah Gave Marco Polo His Production Name

July 23, 2010

Producers Marco Polo and Ayatollah appear on camera to discuss the legacy of Ayatollah, how Marco Polo initially gained an internship at the The Cutting Room, and the benefits of using older production equipment. Because of knowing Tollah I ended up on the path that I am now. He gave me my name.