Hip Hop Hotness | Remix Magazine

In an overcrowded game of $100 giga-libraries, New York City-based newcomer Digital Redux is forging a niche by offering affordable and tightly focussed mini-libraries across several genres. This first volume concentrates on "platinum" hip-hop, backboned by 10 radio- and club-friendly construction kits (85 to 100 bpm) inspired by the likes of Kanye, Swizz and Blaze. Each kit contains an inspirational full mix, followed by half a sozen or more drum mix alternatives, parted-our drum multitracks, processed instrument loops and dry root-note hits of every instrument for sampling. What I like about the approach is that you're getting all the original work-up samples of an obviously skilled beat producer, not just the final arrangement. Often, two-dozen or more loop files per kit provide ample possibilities for arrangement and mixing. Folders of addtional beats, percussion loops and drum hits are provided for times when you want to switch it up or remix an outside track from discrete components.

None of the beats are off the hook from the jump, but that's not to say they won't deliver with a little work. The secret lies in trolling through the tonal one-shot folders-key-labeled and organized in groups such as orchestral, bass, guitar, keys and synth. The melodic hook-makers are ideally suited for strectching, layering and mad MPC-style pitched pad/trigger sequencing. For instance, the big-band brass shots, dirty orchestral stabs, deep cello comps and elephantine tuba splats go a long way toward channeling East Coast respect. Overall, Hip Hop Hotness makes up for its short list of kits through high-quality programming and a plethora of useful bonus material.