10 MOST USED KEYBOARDS IN HIP HOP PRODUCTION
Hip hop music has its roots in urban culture, and over the years, it has evolved into one of the most popular and influential genres in the world. The music is known for its unique style and sound, and one of the key components of that sound is the keyboard. In hip hop production, keyboards are used to create beats, melodies, and chord progressions, among other things. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the five most used keyboards in hip hop production.
Yamaha DX7
The Yamaha DX7 is a digital synthesizer that was first released in 1983. It quickly became popular in the hip hop community due to its ability to create a wide range of sounds, including bell-like tones and bass sounds that were used extensively in early hip hop music. The DX7 was used on classic tracks such as Run DMC’s “Peter Piper” and Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid in Full.”
Roland Jupiter-8
The Roland Jupiter-8 is an analog synthesizer that was released in 1981. It was used by several notable hip hop producers, including Dr. Dre and Marley Marl. The Jupiter-8 is known for its warm, rich sound and its ability to create complex patches.
Korg M1
The Korg M1 is a digital synthesizer that was released in 1988. It was the first synthesizer to use digital PCM samples of real instruments, and it quickly became popular in the hip hop community due to its realistic piano, organ, and bass sounds. The M1 was used on classic tracks such as Gang Starr’s “Mass Appeal” and Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.”
Roland JV-1080
The Roland JV-1080 is a digital synthesizer that was released in 1994. It was the first synthesizer to use Roland’s new “Super JV” sound engine, which allowed it to create a wide range of realistic acoustic and electronic sounds. The JV-1080 was used extensively in the late 90s and early 2000s, and it can be heard on classic hip hop tracks such as Jay-Z’s “Can I Get A…” and Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson.”
Korg Triton
The Korg Triton is a digital synthesizer/workstation that was released in 1999. It became a staple in hip hop production due to its ability to create a wide range of sounds, including realistic acoustic instrument samples and powerful synth leads. The Triton was used on classic tracks such as Kanye West’s “Through the Wire” and Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On.”
Fender Rhodes
The Fender Rhodes is an electric piano that was first introduced in the 1960s. It has a distinct, warm sound that is often used in hip hop music for its ability to add texture and depth to a track. The Rhodes was used on classic tracks such as A Tribe Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation” and The Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By.”
Moog Minimoog
The Moog Minimoog is an analog synthesizer that was first released in 1970. It was one of the first synthesizers to become widely popular, and it was used extensively in early hip hop music. The Minimoog’s fat, powerful sound can be heard on classic tracks such as Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Grandmaster Flash’s “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel.”
Roland TB-303
The Roland TB-303 is a bass synthesizer that was released in 1982. While it was originally designed for use in rock and pop music, it became popular in the hip hop community due to its ability to create distinctive basslines. The TB-303 was used on classic tracks such as Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without a Pause” and 808 State’s “Pacific State.”
Ensoniq ASR-10
The Ensoniq ASR-10 is a sampler/sequencer that was released in 1992. It became popular in the hip hop community due to its ability to sample and manipulate sounds, as well as its powerful sequencing capabilities. The ASR-10 was used on classic tracks such as Nas’s “Illmatic” and Wu-Tang Clan’s “Wu-Tang Forever.”
E-mu SP-1200
The E-mu SP-1200 is a sampler/sequencer that was released in 1987. While not strictly a keyboard, it was often used by hip hop producers to sample and manipulate sounds. The SP-1200 is known for its gritty, lo-fi sound and its ability to create unique drum sounds. It was used by producers such as J Dilla, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier.
In conclusion
These ten keyboards have played a significant role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. While there are many other keyboards that have been used in hip hop production over the years, these ten are among the most popular and influential. Each one has its own unique sound and features that have been used to create some of the most iconic tracks in hip hop history.
PHOTO CREDITS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Finnianhughes101, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Roland Jupiter-8 Synth, 1983 (2039658601).jpg: Ed Uthman from Houston, TX, USAderivative work: Clusternote, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
2xUeL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Matias.Reccius at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Vincent Liu from Orange County, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Steve Sims, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Beatsbytoksik, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The original uploader was Fetz at German Wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
deepsonic from Switzerland, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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