Although the ritual of cratedigging has become archaic, the artistry in beatmaking does not have to go with it. I believe there’s a glimmer of hope for the next generation of music lovers.
With access to an endless archive of music “Digging” has pivoted towards a new ritual of scouring websites for MP3s and ripping music off of YouTube. If given sophisticated production technology and relative ease of pulling songs, why not take a step-back and truly dissect the DNA of a popular song?
The new beat-centric producer has to work differently in an industry that delivers digital music instantly. When you get a chance check out these 25 songs and hopefully Digital Digging becomes a pleasurable experience that can be a gateway to more music appreciation.
- Bullets Ain’t Got No Names Vol. 2 – Nipsey Hussle
- Live at Radio Music Hall – Luther Vandross
- Trap Music 2003 – T.I.
- Train of Thought (Reflection Eternal – Talib Kweli
- 2001 – Dr. Dre
- It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot – DMX
- Supa Dupa Fly – Missy Elliot
- Harlem World – Ma$e
- The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory – Makaveli
- ATLiens – OutKast
- Hardcore – Lil’ Kim
- All Eyes on Me – 2’Pac
- Dog Food – Tha Dogg Pound
- Safe + Sound – DJ Quik
- Ready to Die – Notorious B.I.G
- Get In Where You Fit In – Too $hort
- Midnight Marauders – A Tribe Called Quest
- Doggstyle – Snoop Dogg
- Forever My Lady – Jodeci
- Death Certificate – Ice Cube
- Mamma Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J
- Sex Packets – Digital Underground
- Rapture – Anita Baker
- Off The Wall – Michael Jackson
- Exodus – Bob Marley
If you’re interested in a great read on the Lost Art of Cratedigging, check out Kathy Iandoli from Cuepoint on Medium.
Keep It Surreal 