The makers of West Coast Theory went in-studio with Aftermath producer Focus.  The producer offers a peek into his recording environment  and explains his approach to creating music, thoughts on software, and experience working with Dr. Dre.

Throughout the interview Focus illustrates his process of crafting a beat from working with the original sample to layering drums, recording, and playing live bass.

Sometime I do sample, but I try my best to stay away from it cuz I just know it’s a pain.

Want to view the West Coast Theory documentary in its entirety?

  1. Follow Crate Kings on Twitter.
  2. Tweet us with the name of your favorite Aftermath staff producer.
  3. (2) Winners will be chosen at random on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 12pm EST.

Visit West Coast Theory for more info about the film.

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BLVDST interviews DJ Toomp to add his thoughts to the never ending hardware/software debate.  Toomp explains his personal preferences for a number of studio items used most frequently and offers insight into his ideal sound.

I still just like to blend the two of them together. It’s hard and software together.  Software got its own thing.  You got Reason, you got Logic, Cubase, a few other programs.  One thing I can say is I love the strings that come off most of the software.

Notable Studio Items:

  • Three Akai MPC3000’s
  • Four ASR-10’s
  • Roland Fantom-S
  • Akai MPC2500
  • Propellerhead Reason & Record
  • Mackie Mixing Board
  • Stanton T.80 Turntable

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Producer 9th Wonder discusses auditioning beats for Jay Z, working with Erika Badu, and teaching music history.  Later 9th goes on to talk about the importance of saving older work and doing other thing besides making beats.

I made the actual beat for Erykah Badu’s honey seven years ago.  That’s why I say, everybody save your beats, because you never know who’s gonna like what.

I tell beatmakers all the time, you gotta do more than beats. If you want your career to go right, you just gotta do more than beats.

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Producer Dot Da Genius shows off his studio setup while highlight the process of creating a new instrumental track from scratch.

[via HHM]

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Common describes J Dilla’s personality, style, and influence, then explains the late producer’s musical legacy.

[via FWMJ]

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Producers Exile and Teeko unite for a live, on-stage practice session.

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DJ Revolution performs a live set while artist Chadwick paints in the background.  Revolution then goes on to explain how he became involved in DJ‘ing and his all time favorite DJ, Jazzy Jeff.

This right here is dedicated to all my old school electro-funk heads.

For more info from the DJ, read the Crate Kings interview with DJ Revolution.

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Fool’s Gold co-founders DJ A-Trak, Nick Catchdubs, and Dust La Rock discuss the founding and evolution of the label while offering a glimpse into the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of running a successful business.

[via A-Trak]

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DJ Rob Swift combines scratching and traditional musicianship by playing along to classic vinyl.

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Famed DJ’s and crate diggers Kon & Amir dig for disco and more at Amoeba Records.  The duo shows off a number of finds, including Michael McGloiry, Kellee Patterson, Zingara, Googie and Tom Coppola, Lorraine Johnson, King Tutt, Herbie Hancock, and Willie Bobo.

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