“I was living in my parents’ garage with my wife and newborn, thinking, ‘Man, what happened to my life?’” recalls Mario—better known as Malo. “All I had was a stimulus check and a hunch that this new MPC One might snap me out of my funk.” That hunch did more than lift his spirits; it set the stage for a grassroots success story that’s now inspiring beat-makers worldwide. From the raw crackle of vinyl loops to YouTube videos seen by thousands, Mario’s journey proves that a love for old-school hip-hop can still carve out a lane in the digital era.
Where the Spark Began
Growing up in Pomona, California, Mario didn’t just listen to 90s hip-hop—he dissected it. “Everyone else memorized lyrics. I was peeking at who produced the track and wondering how they got that crunchy, grimy sound,” he explains. Magazine articles on the MPC 2000XL or SP-1200 filled him with wonder: Could he ever make loops like the Mobb Deep records that hypnotized him?
His older brother believed in that curiosity enough to front him the cash for an MPC 2000XL—a defining moment Mario still calls “the best investment anyone ever made in me.” He quickly discovered that raw vinyl samples weren’t just a production choice; they were the lifeblood of the music he loved. Nights blurred into mornings as he huddled over his new sampler, chasing the dusty loop that might spark a creative breakthrough.
Studio Dreams, Harsh Reality
Fueled by his passion for the craft, Mario enrolled in the Los Angeles Recording School. He was determined to master audio engineering, picturing himself running big sessions and shaping the next wave of hip-hop classics. But a stint assisting at established studios brought an unexpected realization. “I loved learning the ropes, but when I finally ran a session solo, I almost broke down,” he says. “I just kept thinking, ‘I’m not happy behind this console day in and day out. I want to be the one making the music.’”
Disillusioned by the studio grind, Mario pivoted to videography to pay the bills. While he filmed commercials and edited corporate reels, his beloved sampler collected dust at home—at least until he clocked out and that old hunger for boom-bap returned. “It never went away,” he admits. “I’d come home, see the MPC, and it felt like I’d just re-lit a fire.”
A Garage, a Pandemic, and One MPC
Then came 2020. COVID-19 upended everything, drying up Mario’s freelance gigs. He found himself living in his parents’ garage with a newborn, feeling trapped and uncertain. “It was rock bottom. I used the stimulus check on the MPC One because I needed hope,” Mario says. He filmed a simple unboxing and overview—just toying with the new gear—and tossed it onto YouTube, not expecting much.
In a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script, the video blew up. Akai took notice, sending him a message that left Mario stunned. “All I did was be honest about how the MPC One made me feel,” he says. “To have Akai say, ‘We see you’—that changed my entire outlook. I realized, hey, maybe there is a space for me here.”
Building a Community One Loop at a Time
Encouraged by the response, Mario doubled down on YouTube. He recorded tutorials on how to chop vinyl, craft gritty drums, and coax analog warmth out of modern gear. Rather than chase flashy trends, he stayed true to the heartbeat of sample-based hip-hop—a choice that resonated with viewers longing for that classic vibe.
“People say, ‘Why not just sample from digital packs?’” Mario shrugs. “I love the imperfection. The crackle, the tiny pitch fluctuations—that’s soul, man.” Soon, his down-to-earth style and genuine enthusiasm attracted a loyal following. They wanted to hear Mario’s process in detail, so he launched a Patreon offering exclusive MPC programs, vinyl-chopped loops, and one-shot drum folders. “I basically give people the same slices I’m using,” he says. “It’s not about me being a superstar. It’s about all of us finding that spark together.”
Carrying the Torch for Real Hip-Hop
These days, Mario balances his time between producing new content, hosting live sessions for his Patreon community, and reminding newcomers that hardware doesn’t create a vibe—passion does. “Whether you’ve got an SP-1200 or a phone app, if you bring love to the table, the track will reflect it,” he insists.
And that’s precisely why Malo still draws new subscribers and old souls alike. His story began with borrowed cash for an MPC 2000XL and peaked in a cramped garage during a global pandemic. But it continues to unfold in every video, every vinyl chop, and every encouraging word he shares with fans around the world. In a landscape cluttered by high-gloss tutorials and AI-generated loops, Mario’s unwavering devotion to gritty authenticity feels not just refreshing—it feels necessary.
Join the Journey
For anyone itching to delve into real-deal sampling, Mario’s channel is a welcoming guide. “I’m all about showing the process,” he says. “No secrets—just me, my vinyl, and a sampler.” Head to YouTube to watch him break down his craft, join his Patreon for hands-on practice, and rediscover the joy of hunting for that perfect loop. After all, Malo isn’t here to create illusions. He’s here to remind us that, sometimes, a little crackle is all it takes to make the world pay attention.