Producer Interviews - Crate Kings

Daedelus On The Monome & Live Electronic Performance

February 2, 2010August 8, 2008

Electronic musician/producer Daedelus talks about originally playing the double bass, disillusionment with Jazz, and his transition to electronic music. With his demonstration of the Monome, he also gives great insight into what’s possible for live electronic performances and reveals ways in which producers could possibly elevate their craft. You’ve gotta love the energy and artistic … Read more

Bangladesh Revokes Tracks From Lazy Rappers

August 8, 2008August 8, 2008

Another interview with Bangladesh… this time he talks about initially linking up with Ludacris, making of A-Milli, and revoking tracks from lazy artists with no hustle. There’s also a fairly lengthly discussion about the fact that A-Milli had no hook and original version of the song where Cory Gunz was removed from the track.

DJ Revolution Gives Turntable Lesson & Talks Favorite Artists

September 22, 2008August 7, 2008

DJ Revolution drops a quick resume, talks about some favorite artists, then gives an impromptu turntable lesson and instructions on how to show up most professional DJ’s. Ignore the occasional foreign commentary… luckily Rev speaks with his hands.

Buckwild On Studio Altercations & Rejected Instrumentals

August 6, 2008

Anyone else a huge fan of D.I.T.C. producer Buckwild? Here Buck gives serious info about the starting as a DJ, 90’s vs current Hip-Hop, a studio altercation between Notorious B.I.G.’s crew and Heltah Sketah, and Memphis Bleek having the first shot at and turning down the instrumental for Black Rob’s "Whoa"! He also further breaks down the concept of producers vs. beatmakers.

Swizz Beatz Tells Beat Tape Tales & Production Influences

August 5, 2008

Swizz Beatz steps up to the Round Table to discuss moving from the Bronx to Atlanta, starting as an DJ, his first track placement at the age of 17, and making music for the love.

More glorious stories are told including influential beats, writing rhymes for MC’s, and bringing a beat cassette to Jay Z that included the instrumental for "Money Cash Hoes"… he went on to place tracks for 3 out of 5 beats!

Hit the link for additional segments.

Sean C & LV Talk Studio Robberies & American Gangster

August 4, 2008August 4, 2008

In a three part interivew with RockMeTV, industry movers and shakers Sean C & LV talk about starting off as DJ’s, serving as A&R for Big Pun, and obtaining numerous track placements on Jay Z’s American Gangster album. They also touch on ghost production, receiving proper credit, losing a studio session for Ghostface, and enduring … Read more

Busta Rhymes + Cool & Dre Interview: Blessed Production

August 2, 2008

Busta Rhymes, arguably New York’s most energetic MC, talks about the production behind his latest album Blessed and the team of Cool & Dre, DJ Scratch, Dready Beats, Focus, The Neptunes, Denaun “Mister” Porter and, Sean C and LV responsible for its tracks. Busta then goes into his preference for Neumann U 87 or Sony … Read more

Just Blaze RockMeTV Roundtable Segment

August 1, 2008

RockMeTV, Lenny S, Maya The B, and Big Lite bring producer Just Blaze onto the show for an interview including topics such as his first track placement with Ma$e, shopping beats in the early days, and the importance of having relationships. There’s a lot covered in the three segments, so get comfortable before viewing. [via … Read more

A-Trak Rehearsal Space Interview

August 26, 2009August 1, 2008

A-Trak talks about his start DJ’ing at the age of 13, winning the DMC World Championships, touring with Kanye West, and moving into the production realm with Apple’s Logic. Be sure to check out Zoom-In Online for more in the Rehearsal Space series.

RZA Interview: Samples & Recording Studio Parties

November 14, 2008July 29, 2008

An interview with the RZA leaves us with tales of girls, drinking, smoking, and turning the recording studio into a big party. He also touches on reasons for a lack of samples on the latest album, the current climate of sampling in the music business, and a wild story about being sued for "Soul Controller" … Read more