universal sound control
Representin’: Atlanta, GA
Sounds Like: So So Def Bass All-Stars meets Organized Noize meets Arrested Development
Whether they wanted to or not, Atlanta producers Blake “808 Blake” German and Kyle “7King” King have created the catalyst for a musical movement. As the two creative forces behind SMKA Productions and the exceptional compilation The 808 Experiment: Vol. 1, the two knob turners re-introduced the masses the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the ATL.
Showcasing established indie acts like Grip Plyaz, Supreeme and A. Leon Craft to virtual unknowns like Tom P, 808 Blake and 7King along with business manager Mike Walberg, proved that the there is more to the south then snappin’ and trappin’.
“Kyle and I have definitely agreed and shared that passion for wanting to not really be pigeonholed into one specific sound and trying to move things to a different level,” 808 Blake says.
Using – you guessed it – heavy 808 drums while incorporating more modern digital productions tools Blake and 7King put their eclectic spin on past and current south hip-hip traditions.
“Whenever you see the words “SMKA” you understand that you’re going to be looking for something a little different, but still a little bit of a throwback,” 7King says. “[Our music] is a conglomeration of these things.”
Riding off of the buzz of The 808 Experiment, 808 Blake and 7King are busy at work on several other projects, including an EP series to feature SEAN FALYON and Young Trimm. As far they’re concerned, the plethora of good music will keep SMKA Productions busy.
“I don’t think [hip-hop] is dead,” 808 Blake says. “I think the boundaries are getting blurred between what is hip-hop, what is alternative and what it rock and that’s beautiful to me.” –gavin philip godfrey
