If you've browsed some of the many year-end Best Album Lists, you might have seen AraabMUZIK's Electronic Dream rank highly. If his name means nothing to you, check an interview with the then 19 year old Hispanic kid from Rhode Island, who had recently graduated high school and connected with Dipset, or the 20 year old drummer-turned-producer whose performance was copied by Kanye (and other information on his life and times). Or maybe you follow producers, and knew he made the beat for Cam'ron's track I Used To Get It In Ohio, or cuts on the Dipset Trance Party mixes (DatPiff has volume 1, 2, and 3). If you want to know more, you can check a mini AraabMUZIK documentary (6:38 on YouTube), or just watch him work the MPC. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Dec 26, 2011 - 12 comments

The name Clams Casino has been floating around for a while, whose production was likened to a castle floating in the clouds by the BasedGod himself, Lil B [prev]. But recently, 24 year old Mike Volpe has shot up from relative obscurity to being dubbed a "visionary beatmaker" in Rolling Stone. You can hear the start of the north Jersey bedroom producer's ethereal sound in his 2006 remix of Mobb Deep's "Get Twisted", which has carried forward into tracks for Squadda Bambino, Lil B, Havoc (of Mobb Deep), and Soulja Boy. Clams Casino has since released a free mixtape of his instrumental production (streaming) to glowing reviews. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Jun 28, 2011 - 12 comments

"I've been studying the planets and learning the personalities of each planet." Dr. Dre is considering a hip-hop instrumental answer to Gustav Holst.
posted by cross_impact on Aug 9, 2010 - 34 comments

10 greatest beat-making videos ever* "*Or, you know, today." A Music thing thing.
posted by nthdegx on Aug 23, 2006 - 14 comments

45King Perhaps you'll remember his 1-900 song that Ed Lover used to (and still apparently does) shake his ass to. Turns out the guy -- 45 King -- has been producing into the modern age. The interface runs the gamut from "OK" to "barely passes", though doesn't overly interfere with your download and enjoyment of beats, loops and YES!!! More beats! • Caution: may make noise come out your speakers • please enjoy [with help from the good folks at 32944...]
posted by Ogre Lawless on Feb 20, 2006 - 7 comments