From Pandemic Garage to Global Inspiration: The Rise of Hip-Hop’s Malo
Stuck in a garage during the pandemic, hip-hop beatmaker Malo reignited his passion for vinyl sampling and transformed it into a thriving online community. Explore how an undying love for gritty loops, classic MPC workflows, and honest storytelling turned a moment of crisis into a worldwide musical inspiration.
Patina – Free Vinyl Simulator: Bring Authentic Record Warmth to Your Digital Tracks
Patina: The Free Browser-Based Vinyl Record Simulator Digital audio is pristine and precise—yet there’s something magical about the warmth and character of vinyl. Patina, created by Al Hug and Faison of Minta Foundry, blends those old-school imperfections with modern convenience by running entirely in your browser. It’s free, it’s authentic, and it’s ready to inject a timeless vibe into your tracks. The Beauty of Vinyl Imperfections Vinyl carries a certain life that digital formats often miss. Each record is shaped by real-world physics: the grooves, the gentle compression from the needle, and the scratches acquired over time. These so-called “flaws” are actually what make vinyl special. The gentle crackle, the wear on the grooves, the subtle wow and flutter—together, they produce a sound that feels immediately familiar and alive. Patina recreates these qualities so convincingly, you’ll swear you’re listening to a dusty LP spinning on a vintage turntable. How Patina Captures the Vinyl Experience Patina isn’t just adding random noise on top of your audio. Every effect is carefully modeled to respond dynamically, creating an ever-evolving sonic texture that mirrors how a real record wears and warps over time. Needle noise, spindle eccentricity, and even the classic RIAA curve have all been integrated. This ensures that everything from the initial crackle to the final fade-out replicates the true character of vinyl playback—no hardware required. More Than Just a Web Tool One of the biggest draws of Patina is its ease of use: simply drag, drop, and tweak right in your browser. But the vision doesn’t stop there. The team behind Patina understands that professional producers and sound designers often work within DAWs. That’s why they’re considering a plug-in version, allowing you to seamlessly integrate vinyl textures into your workflow without ever leaving your production environment. The Depth of Patina’s Emulation Vinyl’s natural wear and tear is captured across multiple dimensions in Patina. The Vinyl Texture Engine covers everything from pristine, barely touched grooves to decades-old static and crackle. The Warp & Deterioration Module handles subtle pitch fluctuations, and the Stylus & Groove Damage Simulation reproduces the compression and harmonic coloration you’d get from a needle that’s been around the block. There’s also Realistic RIAA EQ Filtering to shape the frequency response, while dropout and pitch modulation controls let you fine-tune the quirks of a turntable that’s seen a few too many spins. For those who want an even rawer feel, Pinch Distortion & Worn Stylus Effects can add extra grit and character. The Mastering Stage: A Final Touch of Authenticity Patina goes beyond simple vinyl artifacts by offering a Mastering Stage Selection, replicating the final step in the record-making process. You can choose a neutral chain or evoke iconic mastering styles—from the punchy warmth of Motown to the polished depth of Abbey Road. Each profile lends its own distinct personality, letting you sculpt exactly the vibe you want. Whether you want a velvety jazz aesthetic or the raw grit of an old-school hip-hop pressing, this feature puts the final sonic signature in your hands. Looking Ahead Because Patina’s sonic range fits so many genres—from lo-fi beats to cinematic soundscapes—you can explore new textures and nostalgia-tinged tones with minimal effort. Producers looking for that authentic drum-break vibe, or sound designers seeking an analog flourish, will find Patina invaluable. And with a DAW-compatible version in development, integrating these vinyl touches directly into your workflow will soon be even easier. Fire It Up Patina is free, accessible, and surprisingly realistic—just upload your track, dial in the right amount of warp, dust, and warmth, and download the result. It’s a quick, cost-free way to experience the soulful imperfections of vinyl without the hassle of physical gear. Head over to Patina and give it a spin. If you’re craving more sonic goodness, don’t forget to check out everything else Minta Foundry has on offer. Your digital recordings may never sound quite the same—and that’s exactly the point.
Kingsway Music Library: Saint Mino Vol. 3 Sample Pack
German-born and now calling Los Angeles home, producer Saint Mino has woven his sound into the Kingsway Music Library since the earliest days of his career. With a remarkably refined ear, he’s spun gold for artists like Roddy Ricch, Jack Harlow, Wizkid, and Don Toliver, and etched his signature on Vince Staples’ “Dark Times” through the standout tracks “Children’s Song” and “Shame on the Devil.” After nearly five years of unbroken exploration, Mino resurfaces with Mino Vol. 3, a collection that channels his most focused and precise work yet. Honing every aspect of his craft, he’s built a sonic landscape steeped in textured soul and forward-thinking rhythms—a testament to how far he’s come, and where he’s about to go. We’re proud to share this next chapter in his journey and invite you to experience it firsthand. Download Here: Kingsway Music Library - MINO Vol. 3
Top 10 Hip-Hop Sample Packs You Need in 2025
Top 10 Hip-Hop Sample Packs You Need in 2025 Intro Every producer knows the foundation of great beats lies in high-quality samples. As we kick off 2025, The Drum Broker’s catalog is packed with fresh hip-hop sample packs spanning gritty boom bap drums, soulful loops, and next-level sound design. We’ve curated the top 10 sample packs released in 2024 and 2025 that every hip-hop producer needs in their arsenal this year. These packs cover all angles – drum kits, break loops, melodic compositions, and FX – crafted by industry-renowned sound designers. Dive in, discover your next go-to kit, and find all of these packs on our Hip Hop Sample Packs collection page, ready to elevate your beats. 1. Beat Butcha – Nourishment Vol. 1 – Multi-Genre Drum & Melody Kit If your drums are suffering from “snarectile dysfunction,” Beat Butcha’s newest series Nourishment is the cure. This mega-kit comes jam-packed with 2,001 sounds, including hundreds of breaks, one-shots, music chops, and FX, giving your beats a serious boost. Spanning styles from classic boom bap to yacht rock and 80s boogie, Nourishment Vol. 1 adds instant girth and diversity to your sound. Each sample is meticulously crafted (and available in 16 or 24-bit) to ensure top-tier sound design quality, so no matter what vibe you’re going for, this kit has the drums and melodies to feed your creativity. (Beat Butcha is known for his work with Griselda, SZA, Tyler The Creator, and more, so you can trust these sounds are certified head-nodders.) 2. Bizkel – Dimensions (FX & Multi-Kit) – Analog Texture & FX Goldmine Bizkel’s Dimensions is a wild sonic journey into the far reaches of sound design. This unique pack focuses on the untapped realms of analog FX, ambient textures, and sci-fi elements to expand your creative galaxy. Inside, you’ll find an otherworldly collection of 158 FX, 62 textures, 54 instrument chops, 17 synth loops, 9 vibe loops, 8 melodic loops, 30 drum breaks, 40 one-shots, and more. Every sound was crafted with an insane array of gear – from classic synths like the Prophet-5 to obscure cassette recorders – giving these samples a warm, gritty character that’s hard to find elsewhere. Dimensions is perfect for producers who love to sprinkle cinematic flavor or eerie atmospheres into their beats. Drag and drop these sounds into any DAW (all samples are 24-bit WAV) and watch your tracks enter a new dimension of sound design creativity. 3. Dotan “Tane” Bergman – Saucy Loops (Glazed Edition) – J Dilla-Inspired Loops & Grooves Saucy Loops – Glazed Edition is the latest installment from Aquarius-born producer Tane, and it lives up to its name by delivering warm, un-quantized swing and soulful textures inspired by J Dilla and the Soulquarians. This loop pack oozes that early 2000s neo-soul/hip-hop vibe, with buttery Rhodes chords, funky basslines, and crunchy drum loops that feel alive. Each loop has that humanized “drunk groove” that defined Dilla’s beats, instantly injecting soul into your production. The sound design is on point – think dusty, analog processing for authentic flavor – yet everything is BPM-labeled and ready to chop for modern workflows. Whether you’re crafting a lofi chillhop track or a boom-bap banger, Saucy Loops (Glazed) provides the kind of soulful, head-nodding loops that will inspire you to “keep it saucy” in the studio. 4. Tamuz – The Tribute Vol. 4 (J Dilla Kit) – Loose Grooves & Vintage Dilla Vibes Tamuz’s Tribute Vol. 4 is a heartfelt homage to the legacy of J Dilla, and it absolutely nails the legend’s loose, soulful drum style. This 100% royalty-free collection delivers 186 gritty drum breaks with that unmistakable Dilla swing – warm, unquantized grooves oozing with vibe. You also get 207 punchy one-shots (kicks, snares, claps, hats, percussion) and 131 melodic one-shots like vintage piano riffs, sitar phrases, guitar licks, and bass tones to sprinkle into your beats. All sounds were recorded on authentic ’70s kits and run through retro gear and reel-to-reel tape (Pioneer and Tascam machines) for analog warmth. The result: a pack that “captures the raw soul of Dilla’s timeless productions.” If you crave that classic Dilla bounce and texture in your music, The Tribute Vol. 4 is an essential kit that will keep his spirit alive in your tracks. 5. Shroom – Divine Breaks Vol. 3 – Platinum Producer Drum Breaks Multi-platinum producer Shroom returns with Divine Breaks Vol. 3, a definitive drum break library for beatmakers who crave hard-hitting, golden-era drums. This third installment packs a whopping 250 original drum breaks and 200+ one-shots (kicks, snares, hats, cymbals) that Shroom played and recorded himself. Every break was tracked with legendary vintage microphones (RCA 44, 77-DX, etc.) and mixed on analog consoles (SSL, Neve), then mastered to 1/4″ tape for that authentic warm grit. The result is drum loops that thump and swing with timeless character — the kind that have landed Shroom’s sounds on tracks by Eminem, Jadakiss, Logic, Pusha T and more. All content is royalty-free and recorded in high quality, so producers can chop these breaks or use the one-shots to program their own kits. If you want instant vintage hip-hop drums with professional polish, Divine Breaks Vol. 3 is a must-have. 6. Kingsway Music Library – Momenta – Hit-Ready Melodic Sample Library Momenta is a standout melodic sample pack from the acclaimed Kingsway Music Library, created in collaboration by veteran composer Bryan “BRYVN” Yepes and the talented Dale Cheon. This collection delivers 10 original compositions (available with stems) that are absolutely dripping with rich, layered musical textures. Each track in Momenta plays like its own world – from moody, atmospheric chords to soulful vocal hints – giving producers plenty of material to chop, flip, and shape into something extraordinary. The pedigree behind this pack is serious: BRYVN’s credits include Drake, Don Toliver, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Jack Harlow, so you know these sounds are industry-approved. Expect everything from hazy R&B vibes to darker trap-leaning melodies, all meticulously arranged and professionally recorded. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next hit, Momenta provides a hit-ready palette of loops that can ignite ideas across hip-hop, trap, or R&B styles. 7. Cookin Soul – Lo-Bap Life Vol. 5 – Lo-Fi Boom Bap Toolkit The long-awaited fifth installment of Cookin Soul’s beloved Lo-Bap Life Drum Kit series is finally here, and it’s an absolute treat for lo-fi hip hop and boom bap producers. Vol. 5 is overflowing with “neck snappin’” snares, huge kicks, phat bass notes, exclusive drum loops, hi-hats and percussion loops – basically all the drums and breaks you need to craft head-nodding beats. Cookin Soul even includes a special folder of musical goodies: 90s-style horn hits, Fender Rhodes chords, vocal chants, wah guitars, and all kinds of gritty FX to sprinkle on your tracks. Every sound has been run through his favorite vintage gear (EMU SP-1200, MPC 3000, Roland SP-404) for that dusty, crunchy texture. In total, you get 402 WAV files: from 60 funky drum loops to 137 melodic chord/horn/guitar samples, plus loads of one-shots (kicks, snares, hats) and even vocals. Lo-Bap Life Vol. 5 truly lives up to the series’ reputation as “ALL YOU NEED TO CREATE LOFI & BOOM BAP BEATS” – a one-stop kit for vintage flavors with modern usability. 8. The Alchemist – Break Fluid – Iconic Producer Drum Breaks When one of hip-hop’s legendary producers drops a drum kit, you listen. Break Fluid is The Alchemist’s latest drum break stash, featuring 40 original drum breaks straight from Al’s personal collection. Known for his dusty, soul-infused beats for everyone from Mobb Deep to Freddie Gibbs, Alchemist brings that same magic to this pack. The breaks are raw, grimy, and full of character, instantly giving your productions a dose of that Alc flavor. Each loop has a unique feel – some swing, some slam – but all hit hard. In true Alchemist fashion, the only rule when using these breaks is simple: you must make fire. Whether you produce boom bap, lo-fi, or experimental hip-hop, Break Fluid provides authentic drum grooves that will elevate your tracks (and having Alchemist’s drums in your toolkit is an instant flex). Don’t sleep on this one – it’s like digging into a private drum library of a legend. 9. Jeremy Page – Break Bread Vol. 3 (Tea Towel Edition) – Authentic Vintage Drum Breaks This pack by Brooklyn producer Jeremy Page (known for his work with Czarface, MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah and more) delivers live drum breaks with true old-school character. Break Bread Vol. 3 features 19 sets of drum loops and fills, all played on vintage drum kits with tea towels on the heads for that classic 60s dampened sound. To top it off, you get a huge stash of 400+ one-shot drum hits (kicks, snares, hats, cymbals, percussion) recorded through vintage outboard gear to tape for maximum warmth. In total there are over 800 samples in 16- and 24-bit WAV, giving you an expansive palette of authentic drum sounds to work with. The vibe here is organic and soulful – think late 60s and 70s breakbeats à la James Brown or RZA’s soul loops. Every break and hit is raw but mix-ready, making it easy to drag-and-drop into your session. If you’re searching for truly authentic, royalty-free drum breaks to chop (without digging through records), Break Bread Vol. 3 is a must-have addition to your library. 10. The Rucker Collective – Scenes Vol. 1: In The Shadow Of Crime – Cinematic Soul Library Rounding out our list is a sample pack that plays like a lost score to a gritty 1980s crime show. Scenes Vol. 1: “In The Shadow Of Crime” (composed by Chrissian of The Rucker Collective) delivers dramatic, action-packed compositions reminiscent of classic library music composers like Alan Tew and Brian Bennett. This pack is all about crime-driven suspenseful vibes – expect eerie keyboards, sweeping strings, funky basslines, and wah-wah guitars that sound straight out of a vintage cop thriller. Each composition sets a vivid scene, overflowing with melody and mood that producers can sample and flip into boom bap bangers or cinematic trap beats. The sound design quality is top-notch: recorded with live instrumentation and analog gear to truly capture that retro essence. Whether you’re scoring a scene or looking for unique musical inspiration, Scenes Vol. 1 provides crate-digger style samples with a cohesive theme. It’s like digging in the crates of a 70s crime drama – and it’s all royalty-free and ready for you to chop into your next masterpiece. Conclusion The year 2025 is shaping up to be a goldmine for hip-hop producers, thanks to these standout sample packs. Whether you need the hardest drum breaks in the game, lush soulful loops, cinematic scores, or cutting-edge FX, this top 10 list has you covered. Each pack on this list offers premium sound design and is curated to jumpstart your creativity – no filler, just killer sounds. Level up your production by adding a few (or all) of these packs to your arsenal, and watch your beats transform. Ready to dive in? Explore and download these sample packs on The Drum Broker’s collection page, and take your music to the next level. Happy producing, and here’s to making fire beats in 2025!
Uncovering Griselda’s Grimy Sound: 10 Standout Tracks with Rare and Obscure Samples
Rare Soul and Library Music Goldmine From forgotten soul 45s to vintage library music, Griselda Records keeps the art of crate-digging alive. Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, and Boldy James have all found success riding the dusty grooves laid down by Daringer, The Alchemist, Apollo Brown, and others. These producers fearlessly flip obscure samples—some uncleared—in ways that sometimes get mixtapes pulled from streaming, but their dedication to rare sample-based production defines Griselda’s raw, street-savvy sound. Read on for a breakdown of 10 standout tracks and the hidden gems that brought them to life. 1. “Mr. T” – Westside Gunn Producer: Apollo BrownAlbum/Year: FLYGOD (2016, independent) Original Samples: “Under My Wings” by The Smith Connection (1972) – Apollo Brown laid the foundation of the track by chopping and looping this tender soul ballad. The warm vocals and lush instrumentation evoke a nostalgic, heartfelt vibe that has become synonymous with many Griselda beats. “Show Me How” by The Emotions (1971) – Briefly appears in the outro, adding a final touch of vintage R&B flavor. The mellow, dusty textures on “Mr. T” perfectly complement Westside Gunn’s gritty vocals, showcasing Griselda’s commitment to rare soul digging and sample-based hip-hop. As this was an indie release, these loops were likely uncleared—demonstrating how Griselda doesn’t shy away from using hard-to-clear samples in pursuit of that authentic, raw sound. Apollo Brown Drum Kits For producers looking to capture Apollo Brown’s signature punch and warmth, be sure to check out his official drum kits. They feature many of the percussive elements that give his beats that unmistakable dusty knock heard throughout his catalog. 2. “Niagara Café” – Westside Gunn Producer: SadhugoldMixtape/Year: Hitler Wears Hermes 6 (2018) Original Sample: “Seacoast” by Archie Whitewater (1970) – An obscure jazz-rock instrumental. Sadhugold lifted a haunting horn and keyboard riff, looping it to set an eerie, cinematic tone. The sample’s moody 1970s vibes embody Griselda’s approach: digging into non-traditional genres to find unique sounds that most producers overlook. 3. “Connie’s Son” – Westside Gunn Producer: King JVY BMixtape/Year: Hitler Wears Hermes 7 (2019) Original Sample: “I’ll Step Aside” by Moments of Truth (1968) – A sweet soul tune from the late ’60s, chopped and slowed down to create a dreamy but gritty loop. The melancholic melody perfectly underscores Westside Gunn’s verses. Fans often cite this as one of Griselda’s most beautiful flips, illustrating their knack for transforming rare soul cuts into hard-hitting street anthems. 4. “Lucha Bros” – Westside Gunn feat. Curren$y & Benny Producer: The AlchemistAlbum/Year: Hitler Wears Hermes 7 (2019) Original Sample: “A Colourful Dream” by The David Bendeth Band (1981) – A lesser-known jazz-funk piece from the early ’80s. The Alchemist, known for flipping rare samples, took the mellow saxophone and keyboard groove and repurposed it into a hazy loop. The funky bassline and airy melody create a laid-back atmosphere for Westside Gunn, Curren$y, and Benny to deliver their verses. The result is a smooth yet gritty track that demonstrates The Alchemist’s knack for uncovering hidden gems. If you’re inspired by his production style, check out his drum break kit Break Fluid, which offers that signature dusty swing and punch heard in many of his classic beats. This kit reflects the same attention to detail and ear for unique textures that make “Lucha Bros” stand out in Griselda’s discography. 5. “The Cow” – Westside Gunn feat. Conway the Machine Producer: DaringerAlbum/Year: FLYGOD (2016) Original Sample: “A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers” by Van Der Graaf Generator (1971) – A 23-minute prog-rock epic from a British band. Daringer zeroed in on a chilling organ and vocal segment, looping and filtering it to craft a droning, ominous backdrop. This dramatic, mournful tone is perfect for Conway’s emotional verse about street trauma—proving that Griselda’s producers will pull from any genre if it fits their dark, gritty aesthetic. 6. “Rubber Bands & Weight” – Benny the Butcher Producer: The AlchemistAlbum/Year: Tana Talk 3 (2018) Original Sample: “Morgue Line Up” by John Cameron (1973) – A piece of soundtrack/library music from the British horror film Psychomania. The Alchemist restructured the creepy instrumental, with its swirling strings and eerie ambiance, into a tense, cinematic beat. It’s a prime example of how Griselda beats thrive on haunting loops and dark atmospheres. 7. “200 Pies” – Conway the Machine feat. 2 Chainz Producer: The AlchemistAlbum/Year: La Maquina (2021) Original Sample: “Can’t Be Alone” by Hodges, James & Smith (1973) – This obscure soul track by a female R&B trio features dramatic intro strings and vocals. The Alchemist chopped and repurposed them into a stirring backdrop for Conway and 2 Chainz 8. “Sunday School” – Benny the Butcher feat. 38 Spesh & Jadakiss Producer: DaringerAlbum/Year: The Plugs I Met EP (2019) Original Sample: “Sunday Song” by Richie Beirach (1978) – A deep jazz cut from pianist Richie Beirach. Daringer loops its gentle piano and synth notes, layering them into a soulful boom-bap beat that feels both vintage and fresh. 9. “Photographic Memories” – Boldy James & The Alchemist feat. Earl Sweatshirt & Roc Marciano Producer: The AlchemistAlbum/Year: Bo Jackson (2021)Original Samples: Vocal snippets from the George of the Jungle (1967) cartoon and Stand by Me (1986 film). These eerie refrains add a haunting vibe, showcasing how Griselda producers can flip not just musical sources, but also movie and TV dialogues into atmospheric loops. 10. “Carruth” – Boldy James Producer: The AlchemistAlbum/Year: The Price of Tea in China (2020) Original Sample: “Who Is That Man” by The California Earthquake feat. Roy Smith (late 1960s) – A rare soul/psych track. Alchemist lifted a chilling piano riff and woozy vocal to construct a slow-burning, menacing groove—perfectly matching Boldy’s understated yet vivid lyricism. Why These Samples Matter to the Griselda Sound From obscure prog-rock symphonies to 1970s soul ballads, Griselda takes hip-hop back to its roots in sample-based production. Their reliance on hard-to-find loops—cleared or not—hearkens to a golden era of crate-digging, where producers transformed hidden gems into raw, heartfelt instrumentals. This dedication to discovering forgotten music is what imbues Griselda’s output with such a unique, gritty texture. If you’ve ever wondered how those signature “Griselda drums” and soulful chops come together, a closer look at these original vinyl cuts will reveal the collective’s blueprint. For fans and fellow beatmakers, it’s an inspiring journey through the building blocks of a modern hip-hop powerhouse.
Create Entire Beats with "Signals" | 100+ Royalty-Free SFX
Looking for a fresh approach to beatmaking? Signals by The Rucker Collective lets you do just that. Featuring over 100 royalty-free SFX from Motif Alumni, this pack is all about immersive ambience and unique sonic textures. Instead of just layering them in the background, you can actually build entire beats using these versatile sounds alone. Experiment with flipping SFX into melodic loops, morphing them into percussive elements, or stacking them for cinematic depth. Whether you’re venturing into new genres or perfecting your signature style, Signals is the go-to resource for dynamic production. Ready to break away from the norm? Unlock your creativity and craft fully realized tracks with the endless possibilities in Signals. Download Signals Now!
NervousCook$ Reviews Beat Butcha's 'Nourishment' Sample Pack on Koala Sampler
Join NervousCook$ as he dives into Beat Butcha’s Nourishment Vol. 1—a 2,001-sound monster sample pack bursting with dusty breaks, melodic chops, one-shot drums, and hi-hat loops. Covering genres from mainstream Hip Hop and Yacht Rock to Old School Afro and 80s Boogie, this pack is a treasure trove for producers looking to blend classic vibes with a modern twist. Using the Koala Sampler, NervousCook$ flips these samples live, crafting beats that inspire while showcasing the pack’s incredible versatility. Experience the creative process in action—from previewing and chopping samples to layering drums and finalizing a beat—and discover how every element comes together to fuel your musical creativity. Ready to start chopping? Download Nourishment Vol. 1 and explore more Beat Butcha Sample Packs to level up your beatmaking game.
Building Better Drums: A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Damon Flores
Building Better Drums: A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Damon Flores “I just want to provide for my family doing what I love.” – Damon Flores For years, Dutch producer and freelance IT specialist Damon Flores has juggled a career in tech while honing his craft in beatmaking and drum programming. He’s partnered with globally recognized sample creators, shared tips with fellow producers from around the world, and steadily built a reputation for lush, hard-hitting drum patterns that make people sit up and take notice. In our wide-ranging chat, Damon broke down his process for creating and mixing drums—both on the MPC and in Ableton Live—while reflecting on how he balances family life, IT work, and a passion for music. The Beats From IT to MPC: A Quick Background Growing up in the Netherlands, Damon bounced in and out of music throughout his life. Despite long spells away from production—prompted by family responsibilities or lack of inspiration—he always found himself gravitating back to beats. In 2019, right before the pandemic, he committed to going “all in,” investing in his setup and dedicating daily time to refine his sound. Four years later, that effort has paid off. Damon’s beat videos have reached an international audience that often mistakes him for a New York-based producer, thanks to the New York-influenced grit of his drums and the high production value of his video content. He’s quick to emphasize that “If you want something to be great, you have to invest in yourself and your gear.” Drums on the MPC: One-Shots and Breaks Damon’s approach on the MPC can be split into two primary methods: using one-shots and chopping drum breaks. Using One-Shots Building the Drum Program Damon starts by loading an empty drum program with carefully selected kicks, snares, hats, and occasional percussion. Sometimes these one-shots come straight from his library; other times, he routes them through the SP-404 first for some character.A dedicated “ghost kick” pad is crucial to Damon’s workflow, sitting at a lower volume and rolled-off high end. “The ghost kick keeps the groove breathing,” he explains. He also sets his main kick as a sidechain input for the Mother Ducker plug-in. Staying in tune is important, and Damon often tunes his Kick drum to the sample or melody as needed Sequencing & Groove He typically finger-drums a 4-bar loop and, on the final bar, either strips out the main drum hits or adds a quick fill for variety. Subtle nudging of the snare and ghost kick helps achieve an off-grid swing. For hi-hats, he’ll use the MPC’s humanize function to randomize velocities and avoid sterile repetition. Color & Cohesion Plug-ins like Air Flavor Pro add warmth or vintage flair. If the drum track needs extra glue, he’ll apply gentle bus compression on the entire drum program. Chopping Drum Breaks Slice and Shuffle Damon chops breaks into quarter-note slices (or smaller) to rearrange them freely. After slicing, he may boost or soften individual hits. Layering & Pitch If a break’s hi-hats feel under powered, he layers them with additional hats or percussive loops. Pitch adjustments (up or down) further personalize the break. Favorite break sources include Bizkel, Beat Butcha, and Skyking—all known for distinctive textures. The Ableton Live Workflow Though the MPC remains a cornerstone of Damon’s style, Ableton Live has carved out a permanent space in his production process. He’s been using it since 2010 and loves Push and the new Ableton Move for hands-on control and faster sample manipulation. Drum Rack Setup In Live, Damon loads one-shots into an empty Drum Rack, keeps velocity fixed for kicks and snares, and allows dynamic variation for hi-hats. He maintains a pad specifically for ghost kicks—“It’s essential,” he says. EQ Eight is used to roll off lows on hats and snares, ensuring clarity in the lower frequency range. Groove Pool Magic Damon often experiments with the Groove Pool, selecting classic MPC 3000 or SP1200 swing presets to add an old-school feel. Colorful Plug-ins Among his favorites are RC-20, Soundtoys Decapitator, KNOCK, and Serato HEX. “HEX feels more modern. You can dial in grit on the fly,” he notes. For cohesive bus processing, he often turns to Ableton’s Glue Compressor, Goodhertz Vulf, or the SSL Bus+ for a final polish. Using Breaks in Live Damon’s process with breaks in Live echoes his MPC routine: slicing into a MIDI track, rearranging hits, and tweaking pitch or layering additional percussion for unique character. He might also push the break through the SP-404 or Analog Heat for extra saturation. “Sometimes if the drums are too clean, you need that analog gear to give it bite,” he explains. External Gear and That “Secret Sauce” While many producers rely purely on software, Damon prefers a hybrid setup. He frequently runs the master output from his MPC or standalone samplers through an Elektron Analog Heat and SSL Fusion, adding harmonic saturation and analog warmth before finalizing tracks in Ableton. The SP-404 also comes into play for vinyl simulation, compression, and that distinctive lo-fi texture. “I like it when the sample pack maker leaves a bit of headroom—if it’s too loud from the start, I can’t add my own sauce.” Less Is More In a world over-saturated with plug-ins, sample libraries, and social media “hustle culture,” Damon takes a more restrained approach. “If it sounds good, it’s good. Don’t overthink it,” he says. He admits to owning a stack of unused plug-ins but notes that he returns to the same few tried-and-true tools over and over again. He also stresses consistency over constant pressure: “I used to post two beat videos a day, every day, even while moving into a new house. Now I’ve got a more balanced system—work smarter, not harder.” Final Thoughts For Damon, the goal is simple: make great-sounding drums that knock, while keeping the creative spark alive. Whether he’s finger-drumming on the MPC, layering a break in Live, or running everything through outboard gear for extra grit, the key ingredient is always his ears—and a willingness to experiment. “One day I might focus on a single break; the next, I’m layering 32 sample chops. If it fits the track and makes my head nod, I roll with it.” To keep up with Damon’s drum experiments, follow him on Instagram or Spotify—and be on the lookout for more behind-the-scenes posts on drum production, gear talk, and everything in between. 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Conductor Williams Discusses the Art of Sampling
Griselda Records Producer Discusses the Art of Sampling Introduction “Peace man, peace man, peace—back at it. The Conductor chops…” That’s how Conductor Williams kicks off his laid-back yet deeply insightful discussion on the art of sampling. If you’ve followed his rise—especially through his work with Griselda—you know that his unorthodox methods and unbridled enthusiasm give him a one-of-a-kind style. In this post, we’ll dive into Conductor Williams’ journey: discovering sampling, working with Westside Gunn, and chasing the “feeling” in every record he flips. A Chance Encounter With the MPC Conductor recounts the day his friend Cali Nate brought an MPC 2000 into his house: “He just sat it down in front of me…I had no idea what he just put in front of me. It was like some alien contraption.” At that time, Conductor was already making music with a Korg Triton LE, but the MPC opened the door to an entirely new way of producing. This wasn’t simply about pressing keys—it was about grabbing sound from any source imaginable and molding it into something fresh. Learning by Experimentation After figuring out how to capture sound through the MPC’s inputs, Conductor took a childlike, experimental approach. He explains: “I knew how to get sound in it, so let’s see what happens if I hook a VCR up…or a CD player.” Plugging in random devices taught him that the possibilities in sampling were limitless. He emphasizes that, in the beginning, he was clueless yet open—he didn’t have years of YouTube tutorials or producer forums. Instead, he tapped into raw curiosity and allowed mistakes to guide him to new textures and ideas. Finding a Sample: It’s About Feel A critical piece of advice Conductor gives is that it’s not about chasing a specific sample style, but rather trusting your intuition: “I don’t look with my eyes or my ears. I look for something that feels like how I’m feeling in that time.” He describes days where he’s just not in the mood for a classic soul record—so he shelves it and moves on to something that resonates more deeply with his current vibe. In his view, forcing yourself to work with a sample or a genre you’re not feeling leads to writer’s block and frustration. Instead, pivot to where your energy naturally flows. How He Linked With Griselda Surprisingly, Conductor’s connection to Griselda came about organically. Westside Gunn discovered him through Instagram: “Westside Gunn found me on Instagram—don’t know how he did it to this day—and I was ready. That’s basically it.” The moral of the story? Always be prepared. Conductor mentions he already had a Dropbox full of beats ready to go, allowing him to strike while the iron was hot. Developing a Signature Style While Conductor humbly credits “dumb luck” and experimentation, his true secret sauce is consistency and authenticity. He follows his muse day-to-day, letting that flow dictate his sampling decisions. Whether he’s chopping up a thrift-store vinyl find, hooking up a vintage keyboard, or sampling from a film on VHS, he’s driven by feel rather than trends: “The innocence of not knowing but being willing to experiment is how you get magic.” It’s a refreshing reminder that having fun is at the core of true creativity. Applying Conductor’s Approach Although Conductor Williams first honed his craft on the MPC, his free-spirited, feel-driven approach translates seamlessly to Ableton Live, FL Studio—or any modern DAW. It begins with capturing any and all sounds that spark inspiration. Maybe it’s vinyl, an old VHS player, your phone, or an obscure YouTube video—whatever triggers that creative spark. Once recorded, focus on finding the right texture by dropping your audio into Simpler or Sampler, then playing around with filters, envelopes, and LFOs. Don’t be afraid to embrace serendipity; set aside dedicated sessions to experiment, toss on unexpected effects, reverse clips, and let yourself fail before judging the results. If a particular sample isn’t aligning with your mood, move on—try something else that resonates emotionally. Finally, always keep a stash of loops, skeleton beats, or halfway-finished projects so you’re never caught off guard when opportunity strikes. When it comes to sampling, Conductor’s secret sauce is simple yet powerful: capture everything, trust your feelings, and stay ready.