Reviews

Plastinkus Pocket Size DJ Scratch Cards

Did anyone else make scratching sounds with their zipper?  These pocket size DJ cards from Plastinkus can do the job even better!  Designed by Anton Schnaider, the credit card sized pads allow you make those beloved scratches, scribbles, and cuts anywhere you want. Visit Artlebedev and snatch up a couple.

Just Blaze Rants Against Akai MPC 5000

The Megatron Don himself just went on a serious diatribe against the newly released Akai MPC 5000.  Superproducer Just Blaze states that the MPC 5000 is, "COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE!"  He even goes on to supply a model number downgrade and correction as, "The 5000 is NOT the successor to the 4000, and … Read more

MOTU Ultralite-mk3 Interface Updated

  A couple of months ago I nearly drove everyone around me insane with my efforts to track down a new-in-box version of the MOTU Ultralite interface.  Each phone and online search resulted with the device being on backorder and a cryptic response concerning future availability.  However, being a determined and sometimes overly obsessive individual, … Read more

K-Def – Beats From The 90’s (Review)

So I was slipped a copy of K-Def’s Beats From The 90’s album a little while back, but I’m glad to say that the collection of vintage instrumentals has been officially released.  K-Def dug into the archives to present us with a collection of 16 original tracks that stand alone, yet would have had any … Read more

Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) Review

“In 1997, they accused me of being the queen of neo-soul … but the only thing neo-soul about me is the guy who made up the name.”  – Erykah Badu, Remix magazine, March 2008 “Hip-hop is bigger than religion.” – Erykah Badu, “The Healer” One of the most impressive things about Erykah Badu has always … Read more

Pete Rock NY’s Finest Review

Back towards the end of 2007 I felt very optimistic about the prospects for Hip-Hop in the New Year.  As a matter of fact I still do, especially when looking forward to hearing Pete Rocks latest release NY’s Finest.  I’m sure that I wasn’t the only fan anxiously awaiting the return of the PR, so … Read more

Damu The Fudgemunk Releases Instrumental Album: Spare Time

Some of my most exciting moments are taking part in exposing music and talent that is truly staggering. Luckily, running Crate Kings affords the opportunity to share some of these rare musical moments with a likeminded community of listeners itching to expand their musical palette. So, it should be of no surprise that Crate Kings … Read more

Dabrye “Two/Three” – Producer & Album Spotlight

I originally planned on the title of this post to be “7 Reasons Why You Should Be Listening to Dabrye”, but it seemed like more fun just to rant about why this Michigan producer’s music is such a great thing for Hip-Hop. Dabrye’s sophomore release Two/Three is like listening to the perfect combination of the … Read more