SP SAMPLERS & THE SOUND OF
LO-FI HIP-HOP

FLASHBACK

MID-’90S MUSIC PRODUCTION

Mid-’90s music was all about the big studios. Computers weren’t yet powerful enough to handle multi-channel sampled audio, so the classic hardware/sequencer/effects/mastering combo reigned supreme. This meant you needed lots of gear—plus an understanding of how it all worked—to get anything done.

MEMORY CHIPS

THE PRICE OF PROGRESS

Music producers wanted to experiment with sampled audio, although few up-and-comers could afford the professional-grade sampling behemoths of the day, as their memory chips were so expensive. This meant there was a real need for a simple and affordable sampler that people could use to get creative.

MS-1 / 1995

THE PREDECESSOR

Launching in 1995, Roland presented the MS-1 as an affordable ‘phrase’ sampler, meaning you could trigger a static sample—like a drumbeat or vocal—but couldn’t sample a bass note and play it across a keyboard, like you could on more expensive rack-based samplers. With eight trigger pads and no effects, the MS-1 had a basic sequencer so you could record audio directly into the device and start making music.

MADLIB & MF DOOM

MADVILLAINY

Marking one of the early appearances of the SP-303 sampler, Madvillainy was a collab between future superstars Madlib and the late MF Doom. Released in 2004, the album set the standard for the ‘less is more’ production ethic. Many of the tracks were created by Madlib during a trip to Brazil using his SP-303, turntable, a stack of vinyl and a tape deck.

JNEIRO JAREL

GET YUH OWN

Talking to Billboard magazine way back in 2005, Jneiro Jarel mentioned that the SP-404 was one of his band members. His newly released album ‘Three Piece Puzzle’ contained a track called ‘Get Yuh Own’ ...thought to be the first time an SP-404 was used on a commercial release.

J DILLA

DONUTS

Celebrated as one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time — and certainly one of the most beloved — J Dilla’s Donuts is a stone-cold classic. Released in early 2007, it’s even more remarkable that the album was made using the most basic of setups: vinyl, a turntable, and his SP-303. Dilla’s far-reaching vision and boundless talents remain an inspiration to this day, despite his tragic passing just a few days after Donuts was released.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DIBIA$E

With a sound that’s simultaneously laid-back and tightened-up, Dibia$e is a quintessential figure in the lo-fi movement, having carved a spot for himself in the unofficial 404 hall of fame. Beginning with his debut album, Machines Hate Me, he’s blended skipping-stone beats and sepia-toned electric piano with soulful vocal samples. Proudly organic in his approach, Dibia$e says, “I like my music to have a certain sound. Most of the time I let the process happen naturally.”

INSIDE THE SÃO PAULO BEAT SCENE

Explore the multifaceted São Paulo beat scene with this in-depth history of its close-knit ecosystem of artists, beatmakers, and labels.
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RAS G ROLAND LIFESTYLE COLLECTION

Introducing the RAS G clothing capsule collection, which celebrates one of the beatmaking scene’s brightest stars. In association with Dub Lab, Poo Bah records and the RAS G estate.
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404DAY GLOBAL LIVESTREAM

Join the celebration on April 4th and come vibe with a cavalcade of global #sp404 artists. We’ve organized a multi-location livestream where artists will celebrate 404day by playing live on their channels.
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INSIDE THE JAPANESE
BEAT SCENE

The lo-fi sound and aesthetic have deep roots in Japan. Dive into the colorful subculture with the Japanese beat scene's key players.
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SKIN DEEP

THE ART OF THE OVERLAY

Welcome to the rich artistic world that’s grown around SP-404 skin overlays and beyond. We speak to visionary illustrator Zom Kashwak and check out the lo-fi aesthetic of other inspiring designers.
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A FEW MINUTES WITH...

MISS TAHLOULAH MAY

The Netherlands’ Miss Tahloulah May respects hip-hop’s history and heritage while pursuing her unique vision. She discusses beatmaking, the pleasures and perils of crate digging, and how the SP-404—which she calls her brain—shapes her sound.
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LISTENING GUIDE

THE LA BEAT SCENE

The LA Beat Scene was a multi-tentacled explosion of musical energy blending rap, jazz, ambient, trip-hop, and dozens of other genres into a heady brew. Rooted at the Low End Theory club night, the community even spawned breakout stars like Flying Lotus and Thundercat. Join us as we take you through the essentials.
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LISTENING GUIDE

AN INTRO TO... MF DOOM

Take a tour through the work of the late MF Doom with a veteran music journalist as your guide. Revered for his lyrical prowess and deep discography, the British-born rapper influenced generations of artists. Get to know the fundamental tracks from the man behind the iron mask.
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LISTENING GUIDE

AN INTRO TO... MADLIB

Since 1993, Madlib has made his mark on hip-hop history with his incredible output and creative flexibility. Describing himself as, “DJ first, producer second, and MC last,” he created a whole scene from his Crate Diggas Palace studio in Oxnard. Dive into a curated list of classic Madlib.
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NOT FORGOTTEN

REMEMBERING RAS G

We pay our respects to scene stalwart Ras G, the producer, DJ, and label co-founder, and DJ who released an awe-inspiring 24 albums and mixtapes in his too-brief career. Featuring exclusive interview content and participation from the artist’s family, we explore the life and music of the immortal Ras G.
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