Rhythm Roulette: Apollo Brown

On this episode of Rhythm Roulette, Mass Appeal travels up to “The D” to meet up with the King of ’97 Cool Edit chopping- Apollo Brown.
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What started as a humble graffiti ‘zine in 1996 would soon grow to be one of the most trusted outlets for youth-spawned urban culture. Today, Mass Appeal is a media collective led by authentic voices and inspired minds. We are a platform for radical creatives who are transforming culture.

[@BillyDonmecz]

Windows XP + Audacity + Cool Edit Pro. "It ain't the tools. It's the carpenter."

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

+Billy Donmecz I use those on Windows 7, if it ain't broke... .

[@TheGreenDope2011]

+Billy Donmecz yes :) for all those who think its a question of gear.. its not

[@pleasebringmeback]

+Billy Donmecz Cool edit Pro is great.. Not that Adobe auditions.

[@mitchswitch2412]

I make bangers off acid pro! it's the producer ...

[@dunkmajor]

give him credit for using cool edit it's a lot of extra work . cut copy paste

[@flyboymcgee8059]

I always hear the dopest loops, samples and beats in the records that they seem to think aren't worth sampling. I always like the result but that just shows how different the ear is from person to person

[@arturgrygierczyk5636]

Maybe because then they have to put more effort in it and as a result over achieving their own expectations making it satisfying for the listener but not for their own ear since their own personal perfectionism already made them feel this isn't going to be what they want it to be becauae of their personal dislikes toward the records, idk

[@thesisdrs]

maybe they saving it for another project

[@lilunicorn3429]

also thought about that but I just looked up the records and the dope intro at 2:20 is pretty much the only outstanding thing on the record to use but it's kinda too short to makes something special out of it. I think sometimes the cuts of the video create the feeling that their is a dope melody/loop/ sample but actually after the cut there is not a lot more usable stuff of it :D But I think I'm gonna try to do a beat off the McClain Single Changes that one is pretty dope !

[@agecali7893]

@@lilunicorn3429 nah you're wrong lol. But whatever. Those records have plenty dope shit

[@vladimirklizschko9337]

Nah to me its pretty much like this: old jazz, old female singing soul, old gospel -> great beat.....

[@Ph0netic1]

I've never seen someone chop samples in audacity lmaooo that was dope as hell

[@HalSamuel]

I like the bit wear he pulls his cap low, so he can enter Cool Edit waveform x-ray mode.

[@Eric-ud9cu]

MmBuddha "the black album" approved

[@Quantumfluxfield]

Best beatmaker I have ever heard, his discography is insane, I hope he has a better studio now

[@Jewcydaddy]

I'm sure he does he works with a multitude of underground artists

[@MentalPistol]

New studios look sick. But how can you be mad at this mad genius type setup. Perfect setup for authentic gritty

[@jwizdum2103]

Tbh, it still astounds me to this day that the man behind some of the most beautiful boom bap beats of all time chops his shit on cool edit...he's honestly top 10 all time, and probably the best to ever do the boom bap style

[@marlostanfield4679]

How does Apollo make his drums sound so heavy man? I love that shit.

[@LuisCasstle]

Ask his blown speaker 🤣

[@dalue]

Sidechaining the kick

[@KelvinLee1990]

parallel compression. If you use ableton, the glue compressor and a limiter is the magic sauce for chunky kicks.

[@djmrnelson]

wow. this dude uses minimal equipment and makes helluva beats. props.

[@BCrewQ]

The sample is Sister Lucille Pope - Somebody's Gone

[@x_july_o]

They gave the man lemons, and he definitely came thru with that lemonade!

[@leostrop979]

I saw this video the day it was released in 2014. Now in 2022 i keep coming back to watch this genius.

[@KnownEpidemic]

J Dilla & Apollo Brown, my two favourite producers of all time. This is my favourite RR for sure!

[@intense34]

Man, Apollo just never fails. I thing he is the new Premier of hip-hop this beat is just magestic!

[@kevinamundsen6983]

One of the best producers out there today.

[@likewisebro6213]

*nods head* "definitely not" - lol that killed me

[@bo0tybandit]

People act like old software is out of the ordinary. I've been using fruityloops & cakewalk since 99'. Don't fix what ain't broke.

[@setewone]

for real though I got an even worst set up than that...still making fuckin fire inside flames!!!!

[@mutualmonster]

Yes. Teebs sticks with FL. And Jon Hopkins, who's considered to be pushing the envelope in electronica/IDM/ambient, uses Windows 98 and the 1999 version of SoundForge.

[@zada2423]

doesn't matter what you use if you know the software

[@idid69ok]

who tf are you tho?

[@diamondkavemedia]

i have maschine but i still use fl studio7 xxl on my old pc. version 4,6,7 is the illest!

[@playing_jazz]

This series really pushed my understanding of the musicality of sampling. I listen to all these guys but to really see what sparks their interesting and how the they cut samples and than phrase them its really like a little mes dream.

[@KINGDAVID230]

He and Jake One got me about to go digging for mad 60s and 70s gospel records to make an uplifting beat and mixtape

[@bizzarkie99]

It's only right to put Oddisee on the roulette.

[@KINGDAVID230]

i was thinking the same thing. i love that Diamond District Album they made in 2010

[@kurtfromMichigan]

I would love to see oddisee on here man!

[@VIDAMIN-X]

3 Years later and we still don't got him

[@HenOutOfHen]

See how close he was to picking the sample from No More Parties in LA at 0:42 . fire we can only imagine.

[@jamarimikell]

Henry Prior I peeped that too frfr!

[@CJBeats]

damn Apollo is f*cking beast!!!!!!

[@CJBeats]

still love to watch this episode🔥

[@tonyjuarez6296]

@@CJBeats are u still watching heheh

[@CJBeats]

@@tonyjuarez6296 sure man. This and wondagurls ones❤️❤️

[@FancyPants208]

rocks out with windows xp. respect

[@shadowblack10]

I still use Xp to produce. That's the best windows in my opinion.

[@FancyPants208]

i fuck with windows 7 man. But thats cause I started on that. Maybe it all depends on what you start on

[@dmitrimonro]

FancyPants208 For me it's cos my recording interface doesn't have a Win7 driver. If it ain't broke...

[@jonesconrad1]

Its not. They made huge advances in 7 removing a global internal lock which really helps. Now the performance of the latest version of 10 is astounding.

[@Sinosure]

Apollo killed it! He always keeps it simple! Mad underrated producer!

[@TasherreRisayMusic]

Yep! He did that.

[@DrWallace0]

i see you! Do u know Apollo?

[@TasherreRisayMusic]

Roderick Wallace Yepper. We've been peoples for a while.

[@shoot210]

Damn he still has that 2007 set up, thats dope af. Proves you don't have to have the latest gear to make that heat

[@muelabruno66]

Appolo Brown is one of my favorite producers, his beats Bangs! I own 4 of he's records, including ugly heros, and I swear that Foo only got like a handful of drums he uses on all his tracks. Same pattern and everthing lol

[@jonrobbin170]

He crushed it on the lefts album and that oc trophies album was 🔥

[@90s-is-the-golden-era]

Apollo Brown hands down the best producer out right now. R.I.P. J Dilla. Detroit did it again. Much love from Queens, NY.

[@jessicajaynenc1202]

I L❤️VE YOU APOLLO BROWN! I said it before and I'll say it again, you're destined to become the Premo of this upcoming generation ,long as you keep the nose to the grindstone ! Everything you're putting out is stellar , so far Persona and Grandeur have been the best albums of 2015 for Hiphop,many of my peers agree. *these are all opinions, trolling isn't needed *

[@kingnerdon]

Apollo killed it. Let Guilty Simpson on this beat.

[@TheAndykibz]

Indeed in doesn't matter what you use,its how you use it.

[@soulchorea]

1:59 - All the Lo-Fi heads like "WAIT!!!!!!!"

[@rossross9281]

Yeah. Perfect Lo-fi sample 😂

[@interpol31290]

There's 2 joints right there!

[@Peeriikooify]

Sometimes people who self proclaim Lo fi producers, use that term to justify they do shity beats or they don't want to learn how to mix their joints

[@itsDJCUFF]

Do you know the name of that song by Marlon McClain? And where to listen to it?

[@itiswhatitis4821]

Lo-fi its an excuse for people who cant produce properly and cant produce how they wanted to sound

[@Harmonyengine]

one of my favourite beat makers. there's always a depth of emotion most other dudes can't convey... word

[@switchmastah]

the thing i love about these videos is seeing the different ways these producers make beats. who cares what you use, all that matters is the end product. Dope!

[@djmrnelson]

J Zone and Apollo Brown are my favorite videos in this series

[@T0nyTerr0r]

got my money on Apollo all day long, dude is a beat wizard, love his style, that old school " boom bap" era, and the blues, gospel samples. great stuff!

[@johnnymcjohn]

Love this series. Great concept and the beats are always solid. Bam

[@bigleebrink]

One of the best Rhythm Roulette's so far.

[@HomageBeats]

did anyone hear that dope sample at 2:00 ??? premo prolly would have used it.

[@beniota1141]

+HomageBeats yup and it comes back at 3:38

[@miniboots007]

Sounds like some Nujabes shit to me as well

[@3rdtonalkiller]

I swear i thought i was the onky one i was like how he miss that

[@christopherrelator954]

yeah I was gone say, that was hard. or even old Havoc!!

[@realisticproduction1598]

I am sure he heard that too. He just saved it for another beat!

[@GBoogey1]

Get JakeOne to do Rhythm Roulette!!!

[@ivanivaivisss]

I've been reviewing this for 3 years and I can't fully enjoy it. Apollo is truly a genius. I am happy that I can listen to his music every day

[@ivanivaivisss]

4 years... Alright..

[@davidalexander5407]

Hands down one of my favourite producers, the guy is a genius.

[@chrisbullock6477]

Ghost Face, Raekwon, or BlackThought from the Roots would kill this beat.

[@Eagles4life221]

This is already on Ghostface killah's album

[@keembo08]

+A Wooden Spoon what's the name of the song?

[@vladimirklizschko9337]

Raekwon and Black Thought definitely need to rap over this

[@th3rd3arplan3tradio]

@Maryann Appiagyei this beat fits perfect for like guilty simpson

[@jamess.1140]

It was only a matter of time Apollo would be on Rhythm Roulette! Much props to Mass Appeal for this one!

[@Qonvex]

dude is still on windows xp haha thats awesome, xp was the shit.

[@skotthall4090]

Yeah compared to 7 it was

[@HhqcRules]

Salute! I regularly bump Dice Game and Trophies, you killed it. Incredible albums.

[@conducttracks]

Mass Appeal, I heart this series so much!

[@MoonWalkerTexsRanger]

Finally! I've waited for this one, and so not disappointed!! Apollo Brown strikes heavily every time ! btw, glad to see the random axe's poster at 3:22 :)

[@coreyhendricks9490]

One of my favorite episodes of Rhythm Roulette 👍

[@k_tapes]

the man's a GENIUS! Thx 4 being a breath of fresh NEW air Apollo! "Trophies" instrumentals LP takes me to a beautiful NO STRESS paradise & helps me get thru life! THX U SOOO MUCH!

[@elvinsolano9114]

I wonder how an Apollo Brown produced Wu-Tang album would sound like.

[@kyletwitty6638]

Elvin Solano better than that last shit we got I’ll tell you that

[@buttafinguz]

He did one with Ghostface. 12 face of death or something like that. One of favorites

[@sprb4725]

The brown tape by ghost face. He realeased one produces by Adrian younge and one by apallo brown

[@deegeebarxx3391]

Apollo Brown overtook Rza in my opinion Rza just needs to let Apollo Brown make the beats from now on

[@deegeebarxx3391]

@@buttafinguz 12 ways to die

[@bmmelo2oo7]

This guy always delivers !!! great producer

[@1beater]

im bout to find that gospel record

[@libertychip526]

Literally my first thought as well haha

[@JamieRobert_]

sumake that’s not the right record

[@RahShanProductionsMTU]

Its tight watching these greats compose a beat and using all different types of gear inspiring man.

[@Slickjc1]

Very soulful track. I like the dusty/distorted sound. It's very hip hop.

[@Reidja7]

Apollo Brown is awesome, so glad you could get him on Rhythm Roulette.

[@lht5dy31]

Became a big Apollo brown fan since the song eachother ft. Eternia

[@ringobeatmaker395]

one of the sickest episode for sure !

[@OverlorBeats]

This ended up really dope ... Peace to Apollo Brown one of my Favorites doing it right now!!

[@gingerbeard6187]

Apollo is insane with his beats! Inspiration.

[@makaveli2193]

i dig apollo, i listen to his album clouds all the time shits so chill and laid back

[@ronniej3433]

My mans made this sick beat via windows xp and got a classic/vintage black macbook on the side. When you have a gift you will make good of whatever tools you have. I love it!

[@middknight5202]

Everyone maybe he wants everyone to think they’re the worst records ever because once that camera goes off he’s going to make some HEAT! Love this series!!

[@Bati_]

Original style...A lot of incredible Hip Hop producers have raised in Detroit...Apollo is a member of this respectable list.Totally Hall of Famer!Greetings from Turkey!Represent the Real Hip Hop!

[@FlatBlackVisuals]

This dude could be "The Game's" father

[@chris45627]

The Left should make another album because Gas Mask is a classic to me

[@SupremeJorgeTube]

I was told that they are working on it...so lets just wait on that.

[@snowy6969]

A new Ugly Heroes EP is on the way in a week. I was starting to think he was just about one off collabos so hopefully this means other ones will have a chance at more music.

[@Elvception1979]

Apollo Brown is a GENIUS!

[@decadesofsegregation9677]

Love that he says we just got back from ‘graveyard’. I use that term too.

[@erez1468]

That is a record of Drake's uncle on the left at 0:42 haha (the red record). It was also sampled by the legend Madlib for Kanye West's No More Parties in LA

[@DerAlex901]

one of the best of this series if you ask me

[@v1d]

APOLLO BROWN! You made my day again! Wow!

[@H3ntairican]

The buzz sound on the kick was probably one of his monitors clipping from the hard kick

[@ChaimaHuggy]

RESPECT !!

[@burgerbeatz6293]

Here I am worrying about cpu power while this man makes fire with win xp and audacity

[@YitzhakMoniz]

Nice a new episode!

[@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer]

I can't believe this man puts out consistent fire on this setup.

[@jerriiez7550]

love this series

[@zshakur]

Apollo Brown and Black Milk have the dopest beats so far. DJ Babu rounds out the to 3. Just mu opinion.

[@sixpenceaus]

Zayd Shakur Marco Polo too

[@verz22]

Zayd Shakur Ski beatz in that list

[@andrewtrott7844]

Zayd Shakur Kanye, Dilla, Madlib, Jonwayne, Dj premier, just name a few

[@djfrozone]

Zayd Shakur Numarks was insane

[@brandnewtubesox]

im around the same opinion. babu was real good. and black milk. i just discovered this series today. so im overdosed lol. did u hear mannie fresh's? its nice too

[@jwizdum2103]

Honestly a classic Apollo joint, this man the best boom bap producer of all time imo.

[@rasraetc]

cool edit pro for the win!!!!

[@HerbaceousM8]

love this show, another winner

[@warnutztheloser]

Thiz shit wuz Hard!

[@paradisegreen7057]

Great Job! It ain't what you don't have but what you do with what you got!

[@sicvic]

This is great! With no fancy gear... Banger!

[@kazmcfly726]

Man Apollo Brown is a beast! That production he did for Boog Brown "The Brown Study" Album is crazy! I would love to see him do something with Nas, Camp Lo, Big K.R.I.T. or Scarface #instantclassics

[@2010balancingact]

yeah that distortion on the kick kills it !

[@erichjohnolsen]

Effortless. One of the best out there right now.

[@1man2manynotes]

They should do this for people who aren't famous to give them a platform, and maybe let some people see what they choose, it would guarantee a better ending product. Also use people from different regions. Everything sounds like east coast. Guests like Krit are a welcomed addition.

[@svgva]

yeah they need to give me a chance I'm an inspiring producer slash rapper mainly producer

[@Elevashun805]

Favorite producer to date. Salute

[@rhymesgalore81]

when he started choppin that gospel one I knew it was gonna be raw

[@truebadboy23]

Mane that was so ill and sick I went out and got the gospel record lol Somebody's Gone!! dope sample mane👍👍

[@soupoftheday4611]

Why hasnt he relased this yet its fucking amazing!!!!!

[@torch2424]

Oneof the best beats on Rhythm Roullette :)

[@dreskills2k]

That came out pretty dope I think he had a lot to work with. But Detroit always represents.

[@digital_cratez9116]

Apollo Brown and statik selektah are murderous with the sample game.

[@beatsinmycrates]

apollo is a beast, crates run deep with this producer.

[@clebersorobeatz2]

Máximo respeito de todos os beatmakers brasileiro, professor! Deus o abençoe grandemente!!!

[@TwentytwentyMIC]

LOVE THIS DUDE.

[@djboogyproductionz3082]

Cool Edit and Brown on the controls ...Dope !!

[@WarCloud20]

The Master. Peace to the God. Can't wait for the new album.

[@TheSpot4HiphopTV]

Love it!