How The Alchemist Made Kendrick Lamar "Meet The Grahams" on the MPC

[@AveMcree]

*MPC Masterclasses* MPC ONE: 6teenlevels.com/products/mpc-one-masterclass MPC X: 6teenlevels.com/products/mpc-x-masterclass MPC Live 2: 6teenlevels.com/products/akai-mpc-live-2-masterclass (MPC Key 37 master class coming soon)

[@JayDizzle-hm9gg]

Thanks for the easily followable tutorial. No offense to anyone B4 who made these (esp Rakim) but noone has made such an educational and easy to follow pathway to show, up and coming grassroots musicians how to operate the mpc ,how to load and find samples. I used to lose everything. APC, portable. This video was made for me

[@DatNinjaREDD]

To see my childhood friend explain music like this is special. Brother I love and appreciate it. Keep doing great wonders.

[@DrDirtyThumbs]

That fact he's reproducing it and teaching how, is EXTRA special indeed! WOW!

[@AveMcree]

My brother!!!

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

🔥🔥🔥

[@RickyTinez]

This was DOPE! don't get me buying another 2500... I don't need it.. I don't need it..

[@AveMcree]

Damn, 😆 I thought you had all of the MPC’s. I’m currently hunting down another 4000. I’ll stop when I get the MPC 60 MK2.

[@acavbeats]

2500 might be the best of the OG stand alone MPCs

[@gabrieldonl2311]

just sold mine and got a 4000. sound better to me. but the workflow on the 2500 with jjos is unbeatable.

[@stalwartzero7001]

F DAWS though, the sounds are all trash and it’s just too much. Give me a vintage Dr Rhythm, a crappy reverb pedal, a 4 track, one guitar, one mic, and poly 61.

[@stalwartzero7001]

@@gabrieldonl2311 better gets weird with digital though. Because lower fidelity along with the compression create almost a master across the entire album.

[@nikobolez9063]

I love how this beef and this song in particular brought out all of us hip hop heads in unity.

[@I.H.N]

Hip hop heads in unity? The "stare at yo soul, as you look outside the rain. From today onwards, your home is not a safe place anymore, and you might think moving to houston may delay your fate. Just know; I'm coming, and i'll make sure that the body they're going to see that day, will be a warning to a vermin of a man like you" ahh song 😂

[@Durrutitv]

The Alchemist is a legend. I love that he'll work with anyone he thinks is dope, from folks way outside the mainstream like Armand Hammer to superstars like Kendrick.

[@feeelStyle]

He is from LA as well

[@ultimatewaffle3882]

This is one of those moments where everyone will remember where they were

[@phydericaholt7315]

We were in Vegas when Kendrick dropped 6:16 in LA, Meet the Grahams and Not Like Us. Meet the Grahams had us in our room all day like what the f$/& just happened lol

[@ItsShalker]

It’s not that deep

[@bj2-b6r]

@@ItsShalker it’s very deep if you’re a lover of hip hop.. if you’re a pop fan say that

[@o.g.tommye7580]

Alchemist and Dj Premier is the reason I can do what do. They both definitely influenced and inspired me to produce hot beats.

[@BobbySteels__]

You don’t got one beat made 😂

[@MrSKIE1]

@@BobbySteels__I went to his channel expecting to hear that heat…I was disappointed

[@BobbySteels__]

@@MrSKIE1 😂

[@kylefagan9585]

Dj premier is my favorite producer ever, & the alchemist is the reason I started liking rap listing to the rap music station in grand theft auto 3 haha 😂

[@hooligan740]

@@MrSKIE1 most studio producers dont post to yt....

[@reticleronin]

This video got me wanting to start sampling

[@ashtonsgotsauce]

do it, it’s the funnest shit ever

[@reticleronin]

@@ashtonsgotsauce I took your advice and bout upload one soon

[@rialmorris]

Do it man you got it

[@reticleronin]

@@rialmorris good look, I went ahead and made 3 bangers sampling and playing a little over them , now I’m addicted to it

[@TheKKCody0824]

@@ashtonsgotsauceI swear it is. That’s when I’m my most comfortable self

[@jklax]

Alchemist is a fucking living legend.

[@juanzamarripa3133]

He learned under muggs and just took the fvck off to the moon! 😂

[@shannonasberry7641]

His ear is off the hook he’s a legend.

[@thelefthandofcreation1617]

Oh damn didn't expect Ave to casually drop a fantastic 100/2500 JJOS tutorial disguised as a beat breakdown 😅 Love my Live II but I miss those SHIFT+PAD shortcuts badly

[@808beezy6]

Yeah I like the shortcuts on my mpc studio controller over my live

[@AveMcree]

The MPC studio over the Live 2? Now I’ve heard everything 😆

[@istih8409]

on the keys you can press Menu + PAD to access any section from the menu without using the touchscreen. this is what you mean with the shift + pad shorcuts from 2500?

[@edgarcortes]

This is brilliant! More deconstructs like this Ave!

[@AveMcree]

More to come!

[@newgiohguy3711]

The RDC videos were such a big part on this moment in time. Outside of the artists and maybe Akademiks I think their videos had the biggest impact. Literally every video I've seen about the beef has at least 1 clip from them if it doesn't cover all of them as the story unfolds.

[@abriauna]

This is the most imformative hip hop producing video Ive ever seen. Loved it!!

[@sjb3240]

The real channel is Kirk State, this channel steals his videos.

[@Vabeeotchay]

@@sjb3240 steals? or just does some of the same songs. always puttin down the black man huh

[@anteupbeats]

Bruh that skit had me 💀 bro just pulls out his in front of everyone whispering like they can’t hear him say Kendrick go ahead and drop the next one tomorrow. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@CheyTraverse92]

I can relive this beef and the details of it everyday shit is not getting old lmao love it. thank you!

[@kavoniagilford9777]

So glad Inserent the only one that need a support group because of this beef.

[@OVHOEAubreythePedophileKing]

Are you 32 yet?

[@lanirus7515]

This sample is so crazy it piss me off😂😂😂

[@edgarb2002]

That’s the alchemist man dude is a legend.

[@lanirus7515]

@@edgarb2002 straight facts my brother

[@Justice098]

I realized Alchemist had the stem separation technology way back in the early 2000s. I’m listening to source material he sampled for certain songs and he was able to take drums and keys out free of vocals and background instruments back then. A great example is Got it Twisted by Mobb deep. Look it up

[@justnudgeo]

knocked it out the park, great video!

[@AveMcree]

thanks fam

[@simonlees2848]

This is not the style of music I normally listen too or make, and I only have a current gen MPC but i learned so much about how it wokrs and why from your MPC 2500 walk through

[@Ka1Gra3]

Yes one of the best covering one of the greatest for sure. Another A+ Doc

[@AveMcree]

Salute

[@VinylWave11]

Ok this is one of your best videos. Great job. Alchemist is definitely one of my all time favorite producers. I’d love to meet him and go vinyl shopping with him and my son in New York City.

[@JaeWarneR]

You literally taught me how to use a MPC in less than 20 minutes. My dude... Thank you sir. *Subbed

[@rick_at_night]

I love how you break down the ALC beats. I love his style and he's a major inspiration. This really helps me learn my MPC and even motivates me to get back to it. The knowledge being dropped for free... it's a blessing.

[@chrismessy]

Alchemist has dropped so much good shit with one of my favorites (Earl Sweatshirt) i was so excited that he got something in during the beef

[@emmettler]

im so glad this video came across my home page, i've been looking for a channel like yours for a while!!! this vid is awesome, thanks man :)

[@AveMcree]

You have no idea how much this comment means to me. I definitely wanted to do more documentary, kind of content and mix it with music theory aspect.

[@emmettler]

@@AveMcreeim so glad! there's such an accessibility/info gap with music production tools and this vid was so cool and easy to follow. i'll be keeping an eye out for what you do next :)

[@reticleronin]

Speaking of Mobb Deep, those Havoc beats were 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DJVeeRiche]

Bro you’re so experienced in this field you make it look easy, I can tell you have put the work in and have a genuine passion for music. 💙

[@AaronZuniga617]

This was a fire video I love these beat deconstructing videos always learn a lot thanks for making this!

[@Peter-griftin]

He explains things so kindly idk what it is it’s like he would make a great teacher

[@Affengamer_187]

The alchemist is in my opinion one of the best producers with madlib

[@Robultrabeatz]

Salute as alway Dj Ave you’re a natural teacher. I pay attention word for word..Great content as always.

[@AveMcree]

I appreciate that

[@christianwebb6048]

Yooo this was amazing you gotta do these more often!

[@AveMcree]

I'll try!

[@chewieLuciano]

Great breakdown! Next to 6:16 in LA this has to be my favorite beat from the rap beef 🔥

[@djbsnz]

Awesome work. Love that you used both the oldschool, and new school MPC to explain the process!

[@----248]

Owning the mpc 2500 and not using the JJOSXL should be punishable by law. Great video BTW.

[@AveMcree]

I use the free version 😂only my 1000 has the XL version

[@avace917]

The last MPC I used before the Renaissance and Studio came out was the 2500. That was actually my dream MPC. A 2000 with 4 MIDI outs and expandable to 4 times the Max memory of the 2000. I was already in the box by then and really didn't need it. Now I have the One Plus and love it

[@AerophiIe]

Great video, man. I don't even have an MPC but this was highly educational and super fun to watch.

[@aphexavier3849]

I don't own a single Drum/Sample machine but I was fully immersed and invested in the making of this beat. Great content! Subscribed!

[@Slowjo1221]

I can’t explain the feeling I got when I first heard Meet the Grahams, but I can say I haven’t felt that in a LONG time. Record is flawless

[@kavoniagilford9777]

I can. I called my therapist & asked for a emergency session & a prescription of sleep aid. Scared the hell out of me & I’m 48.

[@michelejoyner1863]

🤣🤣

[@WilliamWang-c9m]

Alchemist is the perfect example of how making beats isn't too technical it's about taste. Some of the sickest beats ever were straight loops that didn't start on the one beat. Where he chose to loop it from gives it a whole new vibe. Juju from Beatnuts is another one of the best sample based producers and some of my favorite Juju beats are straight loops from unconventional starting points (example: "One" by Ghostface). It's easy to get an MPC and sound like poor man's Premier. Alchemist can produce songs that sound like a Premier classic if he wants to (example: Hold You Down by Prodigy). His earlier stuff with Dilated Peoples with DJ Babu was like Premier. Now he basically pioneered the subtle drums, slower, minimal sample style that's like MTG. The subtleties can give you a distinct sound too. When I remade a Daringer beat I realized he used a drum break but replayed the kicks so there was no hats on them. The kicks hit harder and he tuned the snare and single hat from the break with it. He uses a tape VST to make it sound cohesive and uses some flutter. It's all about the producer's subtleties, good ear, and working with what you got. Also the backbone is the love of exploring records and having deep crates. Some music listeners get it wrong when they think producers should always "do more" if the original sample sounds good as is. It's like how The Next Episode sounds better than the M.I.A. song that used the same sample before Dre. I went off and I'm nerding out but my point is I agree with everything you said about Alchemist.

[@supahsean6710]

Which song?

[@WilliamWang-c9m]

@@supahsean6710 The Meet The Grahams beat is looped at a weird spot. Most producers would loop it on the one but where he loops from sounds so unique. There's lots of other examples I'm sure

[@supahsean6710]

@@WilliamWang-c9m No, I was asking about what you said last, which MIA song were you comparing to The Next Episode?

[@WilliamWang-c9m]

@@supahsean6710 not MIA the Paper Planes artist. A 90s underground rapper (this is a guess). I think it was by M.I.A. or Problemz.

[@WilliamWang-c9m]

@@supahsean6710 I had everything all mixed up. The name of the song is M.I.A. by Missin Lynx

[@CDMESD]

This is hilarious. That battle was funny. Kendrick kept bombing on him. Drake was not ready.

[@pushsantana]

This might be the video of the year

[@1977FrankieBlack]

New subscriber based on the strength of this video alone.. Great in depth break down..

[@robzo87]

I’m glad I came across your channel today (Randomly popped up in my feed). I own a MPC 2500 that’s been sitting in a shelf since 2016, and I think it’s time to learn.

[@02657]

This video is incredible. I have always wanted to see what the process looked like.

[@steelokey]

I love watching videos like this. Even if I don’t ever get to own one of these magical pieces of equipment I just enjoy watching these so much. I feel like I’d almost know how to use one after watching so many lmaooo. I produce on Maschine & these seem right up my alley cause I want actually pads & buttons & scroll wheels. I hate how limited I am on my “mikro Mk3” I need a bigger one or just give in to my temptations & get one of these type beat machines

[@tymontana3864]

The Value of The Mpc 2500 just went up a lil bit more…Great Video 🔥🔥

[@Thesauce585]

0:55 one of the best pieces of dialogue in years 😂🙄😆😆😆 stg. He killed that shit lol

[@Inflooence_One]

"diving into the MIND of the producer" is wild... No one ever thought to show case that before. Make a series out of that shit!!!!

[@darkus_prod]

Unc giving a producer lesson, gotta take notes on this one 🙏

[@GigaTodd]

💯

[@Demonboy007]

I came here expecting more beef info. I left educated on how producers cook up. Like watching behind the scenes, for a murder movie.

[@thetypebeatthief]

Loved the video, Ave! Thanks for the breakdown

[@TannerByTheSea]

I love my 2500 Dude🐊💥💥 but I will agree with you. The live two is the champion of All.- especially now! This changes the ecosystem for everything

[@AT-to7tk]

Really dig your vibe and ability explain and demonstrate the concepts you’re trying to showcase. Makes me want to buy an MPC (I come from the live music side of stuff). Will def dig thru your other vids

[@benkamronn8062]

God bless you my friend . Feelin the vibe here

[@chrisv.noire.6388]

This is gold! Mad respect!!

[@kaiizen_]

this is one of the coolest things ive ever seen

[@SussySerbo]

fuckin masterclass mate. I learnt so much just watching you. I'm a sound student at university so I'm really excited to try out some of the techniques you showed. Much love from Australia.

[@jaywallin]

This is so cool. I never made music but always wanted to. This is cool to watch the sausage get made

[@2.Plus.2.Equals.5]

I like how you showed it on both 2500 and Live/One

[@theundeads1]

Ave you been a GOAT for awhile now, much respect

[@Mark-bo7pb]

This man know his stuff

[@Donyce19]

I never noticed the "Can you say yeah" part till watching this

[@pjdstube4308]

Bro, this was the best video I've seen in a long time!!! Keep it up 💯 % ✌️ from Humboldt, CA

[@sgt3009]

How you exposing the goat like that. Great title sir. You grt the seal of approval.

[@kavoniagilford9777]

I swear I believe that skit was actually how it happened. Kendrick scare me. How did he seriously know. The song had everybody afraid to go to sleep. I was very curious to know about this sample. Thank you.

[@OVHOEAubreythePedophileKing]

Aubrey has moles inside his camp. Kendrick tried to warn him about it in 6:16 IN LA but Aubrey obviously must've thought that Kendrick was capping. Until Kendrick dropped MTG thirty minutes after Family Matters. That's when Aubrey knew he actually did have leaks in his operation and that Kendrick was indeed telling the truth

[@mog4570]

You explain things so well! Thank you!

[@lucretia_macevil]

ive always wanted an MPC but man, this video really sealed it

[@1177will]

uncle al has a top 5 catalog in still underrated

[@humansnotbots-y8l]

Al is the goat fr, so many classic records

[@SquizbarDeAlienOfficial]

I have to get an MPC One Plus now! Honestly using a sample synth looks like so much fun

[@littlehouseinthebigapple5716]

I am not a producer nor do I want to be (I am a vocalist tho and have spent time in studios) but this was really interesting to watch.

[@cmwilliams357]

Do not own a MPC, but I must say thank you for the knowledge performance. Super Dope Sir 💝

[@malikmcpherson2050]

Please do more of these videos

[@birdbangbobarui]

They say That was done by alchemist dope man make more tracks thanks 4 sharing

[@FreeMindScoop]

I listened to it while I was in the bathroom steaming it out with the led lights red and smoking. What a night to remember

[@illgates2940]

When Kendrick and The Alchemist get together, it's gon be a hit!!! FEAR, Meet The Grahams, and We Cry Together are fire!!!

[@toddhall5939]

Yo brother man thank you for this. Great edit

[@JDiggiti]

Yea man . Heart of a teacher

[@Brother_TD]

Dope! Using the legacy machines and the modern separates you from the rest of the mpc kings

[@Kyuzi]

Damn it’s been years since I’ve seen an Ave vid.. still got it 🔥

[@tee2008j]

Ave don't know if you know but AL and Havoc are doing a New Mobb Deep Album they have an interview on KZbin as well

[@AveMcree]

I saw something in my feed about that

[@nilsmedskillz]

Where can i see

[@dewanewelch1744]

I never knew AL did they production. I knew Havoc always produced alot of they stuff.

[@ghostfacepanda]

That’s the thing about GREAT producers. They can get everything out of a machine and still figure out new ways to evolve them.

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

Great content bro

[@stilltrippin6100]

dope stuff Ave 💪🏾 .. salute to alchemist 🔥

[@AveMcree]

I appreciate it!

[@eduardoduarte5243]

This is lit I like the touch screen too

[@McBeaner720]

Great stuff I’ve always wondered how this stuff was done

[@ProdBySxB]

Very dope bro, this is Genius level!

[@Tora_Dj]

Wow what a video man! Makes we wanna try redo the song also to practice different workflows.

[@AveMcree]

I respect that

[@duc3r_prod]

i find it very funny, i always said to my friends'' u feel much more satisfaction in having a drumloop working firts and then compose in it'' years later i found this intervew of Al and tought'' damn i was right daaamn'' it never gets boring

[@stevey02]

people that think sampling is a "shortcut" NEEDS to watch this video, this junk is still creative & impressive

[@mokaPCP]

Great vid man

[@Schemez-16vhiphopbeatz]

I dont listening to new modern hiphop but i listened to it couple days ago meet the grahams and liked the beat with the sinister piano did not realise it was an alchemist beat ..i love the sample reminds me of an 80s ghost movie like poltergeist or the entity or something

[@Midnightnoise347]

Honestly the tune sounds so much like Prodigy of Mobb Deep “keepin it thoro” just slowed and more menacing. as soon as I heard it it’s the first thing I thought. Even the into of that tune works in context with the message overall. He actually produced that tune too so would make sense

[@Midnightnoise347]

I wrote this before I even got 10sec into this video great video thanks for the confirmation

[@LunchTicketsPodcast]

Master Class

[@97sveryown63]

Not gonna lie, meet the grahams is one of the most sinister beat i heard my whole life!! Shiddd

[@GRISELDATYPEBEATS2025]

Dope Deconstructedand Video!

[@trevorelvis1355]

I didn't know anything he was doing. BUT I liked it

[@IntermissionPrairieWolf]

I love this video, man. One question, though, where’s the scream that replays during the verses?

[@MyNameJeff..]

Alc is the reason I started making beats. Him and Kanye.