Producer Interviews - Crate Kings

Dot Da Genius Interview: Kid Cudi, Music School, Preferred Equipment

May 20, 2009

Producer Dot Da Genius discusses attending music school, working with Kid Cudi, mental process for creating a track, and inspiration. Other topics include personal style, passion, and other career aspirations. Tools of Choice: Roland MV-8000 Korg Triton LE Yamaha Motif ES8 Apple Logic 8

DJ Quik’s Moog Voyager, SP1200, Pre-Amps, Sound Quality

May 20, 2009

One of the better producer videos of 2009, DJ Quik pulls out his Moog Voyager signed by Bob Moog and E-MU SP1200, then goes on to talk about his favorite producers and the importance of pre-amps in maintaining sound quality.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Home Studio Tour & Analog vs. Digital Discussion

May 8, 2009

DJ Jazzy Jeff shows off his home studio which includes the 2 inch tape machine used for recording "Summertime" and a Neve track board used during the making of Sesame Street. Jazzy Jeff goes on to break down the differences between analog and digital along with a beat preview and DJ set demo. [via illroots]

DJ Spinna Interview: DJ’ing, Production, Stevie Wonder

May 8, 2009

DJ Spinna talks about his preference for DJ’ing over production then tells an amazing story about meeting Stevie Wonder and appearing on stage for co-performance. Insane DJ Bragging Right: "He [Stevie Wonder] had a big concert at Madison Square Garden in New York and we planned to do a party after the concert and he … Read more

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 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

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!

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.

Kev Brown On Soulja Boy, 10 Minute Beats, and $200 Beats

April 30, 2009April 30, 2009

Vinyl Meltdown interviews Kev Brown as he touches on the reasoning behind his $200 beat sale, producers claiming to make beats in 10 minutes, his early production career, and his opinion of Soulja Boy’s production work. Random Thought: While referring to Soulja Boy’s video, did Kev give Crate Kings a sort of shoutout? "And the … Read more

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League On Making Rick Ross’s Mayback Music 2

April 30, 2009

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League producers Kenny Bartolomei and Colione tell of making Rick Ross’s "Mayback Music 2", tailoring tracks for specific artists, and going the extra mile for you client/collaborator.