Kev Choice Discusses the Significance of Live Musicians in Hip Hop: A Hard Knock Radio Interview
In a recent interview on Hard Knock Radio, Oakland-based musician Kev Choice spoke about the importance of live musicians in Hip Hop and why it was essential to celebrate the culture’s 50th anniversary. Choice is an accomplished pianist, composer, and producer who has worked with the likes of Too Short, Lauryn Hill, and Goapele.
The Evolution of Hip Hop Production
Choice, who taught a class on the evolution of producing at Santa Clara College, noted that the first Hip Hop recordings were done by live musicians, specifically the house band for Sugar Hill Records label. This band consisted of musicians such as bassist Doug Wimbish, guitarist Skip McDonald, and drummer Keith LeBlanc, who were also members of the influential band Tackhead. They played on many seminal early Hip Hop tracks, including “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
Hip Hop Producers Who Used Live Instruments
During the interview, Choice also mentioned producers who used live instruments to create some of Hip Hop’s most classic tracks, such as Larry Smith and Davy DMX. Smith produced many of Run DMC’s early hits, including “Rock Box” and “It’s Like That,” while Davy DMX played guitar on “It’s Yours” by T La Rock.
The Influence of Live Bands in Hip Hop
Choice also discussed the legacy of the Hip Hop drummer Pumpkin and noted that groups such as Stetsasonic and The Roots had incorporated live bands into their performances. The Roots, in particular, are known for their tight and versatile live band, which has backed up numerous artists over the years.
Bay Area Producers and Their Hip Hop Hits
Finally, Choice mentioned several Bay Area producers who used live instruments in their productions, such as Khayree, Ant Banks, Al Eaton, Foster and McElroy, and Felton Pilate. These producers worked with artists such as Too Short, E40, and Digital Underground, creating classic tracks like “Freaks of the Industry,” “I Got 5 On It,” and “The Humpty Dance.”
Hip Hop Artists Who Perform with Live Bands
Choice also noted that many Hip Hop artists have either played in a band or performed with a live band during their shows. For example, E40 has performed with a live band on several occasions, including at the 2019 Soulful Christmas concert in Oakland. Digital Underground famously used a live band in their performances, while Nas and Lauryn Hill have both performed with orchestras, showcasing the versatility of live music in Hip Hop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kev Choice’s interview on Hard Knock Radio highlighted the essential role that live musicians have played in the evolution of Hip Hop. From the early days of the Sugar Hill Band to the current era of live performances, live instruments have been a crucial element of the culture’s sound and vibe. Bay Area producers and Hip Hop artists alike have recognized this, incorporating live instrumentation into their productions and performances to create timeless classics.
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