Discover 3 jazz and soul-inspired chord progressions every hip-hop producer needs to know. Learn how iconic tracks by Nas, Mobb Deep, and J Dilla use these progressions to create that classic soulful sound in hip-hop ..read more

Learn to download and install MPC Chord Progression Expansion Packs for pad perform in MPC and Akai Force ..read more

5 Best Hardware Synthesizers for LoFi Hip Hop We talkin’ bout, “LoFi Synthesizers?” For the most part, lofi hip-hop is often based off a laid back beat and bassline, along with a soothing melody often sounding like a piano or guitar. The latter is often performed through an analog synthesizers keyboard. While software plugins connected ..read more

Top Hardware for LoFi Hip Hop Producers We talkin’ bout, “LoFi Hardware?” In recent years, lo-fi music has gained a massive following. People have found a connection with the genre due to its straightforward, uncomplicated, and sometimes nostalgic, sound. Short for low-fidelity, lo-fi is often identified by its subtle imperfections such as misplayed notes, tape ..read more

Best Plugins for LoFi Producers We talkin’ bout, “LoFi Plugins?” The emergence of lofi music in recent years has considerably been due to how easy and accessible it has become to create. While you will need various pieces of hardware such as samplers, an MPC (music production centre) and an emulation keyboard to produce tracks ..read more

5 RC-20 Sound Design Tips for LoFi Producers (with Free Custom Presets) Retro Color 20 (RC-2) Intro Retro Color 20 (RC-20) by XLN Audio (available here) should not need much of an introduction. It has become a staple within the production community (great for lofi in particular). Undeniably, RC-20 has graduated to a plugin we ..read more

Unlocking the True Value of Free Sample Packs: A Legal Insight for Lofi Producers Introduction In the realm of music production, the allure of free sample packs is undeniable. They offer a treasure trove of unique sounds and beats that can serve as the foundation or the finishing touch to a composition. However, like any treasure, there are keys to unlocking its true value. One such key is understanding the legal landscape surrounding the use of these freebies. Not all free sample packs are created equal – some come with strings attached that could entangle you in legal woes. This artic ..read more

Lofi Legacy: How Jazz and Soul Mold the Lofi Soundscape Introduction Lofi hip-hop, with its soothing beats and tranquil vibes, has become a beloved genre for many. But what gives lofi its distinctive sound? It’s the subtle whisper of jazz and soul running through its veins. Both jazz and soul have a rich history of expressing emotions through intricate melodies, complex chords, and heart-thumping rhythms. When you start peeling back the layers of a lofi track, you’ll often stumble upon the essence of jazz and soul, wrapped in a modern beat. Now, if you’re a lofi producer or a curious ca ..read more

7 Jazz Piano Chords That Sound Great for LoFi Hip Hop Update: As of writing this, LoFi Weekly released a cheat sheet for lofi piano chords named, “Jazzy Piano Chords for LoFi Hip Hop.” This 2 page cheat sheet gives you 6 lofi chords that apply to any root note giving you infinite variations. If you’re a producer looking to create your own lofi samples, look no more! You said, “Jazz Piano Chords?” Producers describe jazz chords when talking about lofi hip hop, but what does that mean? How do you play jazz chords? While jazz chords, progressions, and notes may seem complex, we’re here to mak ..read more

An Overview of LoFi Plugins: RC-20 and Lounge Lizard Intro to XLN RC-20 Retro Color XLN Audio’s RC-20 was a best kept secret in the producer community for awhile. You either were amazed by the functionality of RC-20 or had no idea it exists, there was really no in-between. Over the last 12 or so months it’s become a staple, go-to plugin within the production community. RC-20 excels in its ability to give an analog-modelled warmth (along with countless other) to any sound you put through the plugin.  I only recently purchased RC-20 on Sweetwater (available here) during the Black Frid ..read more