Ramon Sampson - Guitar Center's 21st Annual Drum-Off Winner (2009)

[@agnostick1]

I've watched this clip several times over the last two years. Love this kid's chops and creativity. There's no hiding behind a four piece kit; it's all business. Bravo.

[@averagebusinessmen2]

love that he played an incredible solo with 4 drums, shows that it's all about skill

[@sjholmes101]

abchead25 On a four piece. He didn't need Terry Bozzio's kit to win.

[@mutesenscans]

Spencer Jacob Holmes nah, like every guitar center drummer, it's all gimmicks and showmanship over musicality. he switched his cymbals mid-beat for no reason, he brought out a hidden splash cymbal and failed to play it on 3 separate drums, then actually brought out and put on a glove for Beat It. if Zach Hill or Chris Dave competed, they'd fail. winning the drum-off is all about super rehearsed, choreographed drum solos with lots of show boaty skills and gimmicky crowd interactions.

[@Mordekev]

EdEmKay bruhhh.. you already know the point. but u just cant realize it

[@JedTaneo]

Skills and creativity

[@MrMetalclay]

One of the best solos I've seen. Very original, the running bits, Smooth Criminal/glove bit. Swapping cymbals attacking the bottom of the snare. He's like a mad scientist drummer.

[@blackplagueproductio]

One of Michael's ex-drummers was judging he found out. The dude came up to hit tearing up and told him thank you and Michael would be proud. Ramon is a good dude and he definitely brings his South African vibe to his style

[@Carpenter4134]

One of the most creative drummers I've ever heard. Even the flashy stuff he did had musicality to it, so it wasn't all for looks.

[@ThePoupounou]

Still watching in 2019 ! Good drumming doesn’t age !

[@avengerman77]

Probably the most innovative drummer of this competition yet. Even some of the past winners don't come close to his creativity.

[@PillowMethod]

I am inspired by this solo, everytime I watch it. He is fast and less flash than most. He is actually using the sticks on the Drums, instead of spinning them. I pray that God continues to bless this kid. It is very difficult to get up, in front of all them people, and just break off a drum solo, and cram as much of your best chops into 5 minutes. He tore this up!

[@zaksylvester]

the level of creativity he has in this is unreal! such a great solo.

[@BrianPrince]

THE CLEANEST & MOST ENTERTAINING SOLO I'VE EVER SEEN! This man uses the pole as a part of the drum. He make sounds come from ever part of the drums! Awesome, truly awesome!

[@vvylev]

sick drummer and sick ending, just epic improvisation at the end when the guy told him "close it up" ... very nice !! thumbs up

[@drumstud4u]

SMOKING!!! Not only great to listen to, but fun to watch as well...very diverse and musical solo.Loved every bit of it! I can't believe you did all that with a 4pc set....time to go practice...A LOT!

[@m30wfac3]

Omg his skills are soooo good, working on getting that good. Love his technique and how he reacts with the crowd

[@carletonmartin3004]

To the best I heard yet... Keep up the great work brother.

[@mattvereen79]

who’s still watching this in 2019 ???

[@JJ-jf1is]

Matt Vereen 2020

[@domofatz]

2021

[@onthebridge98]

I love the way he got the crowd into it. Very impressive, and he seems to love what he's doing.

[@aaronvasquez7474]

The best thing about this is that he went single pedal through whole thing!

[@robertandrewww]

Been years since I’ve seen this man I’m glad I found it again!

[@nano7586]

2:42 Ahah.. it's funny to see that people start clapping right to the rhythm but as soon as it became more complicated they got all confused

[@upbeatmantis86]

man.. drum off just gets better and better every year.. pools of pure talent out there.. makes me wanna practice harder.. \m/

[@harrisongdavis]

Guitar Center definateley put in a canned audience track, Im hearing a bunch of "wooos" but the audience is just still... doesnt match up

[@caseyrauch9151]

Harry D. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed

[@CliffConway]

hahaha so freakin obvious

[@lunkhead7182]

4:47 - go on Ramon, same guy cheers a sec later. I think it's genuine

[@Aburnz11]

I always Watch Ramons solo for motivation. I love it. Ive seen more of his videos and I must say that Ramon is a musical Cat. Love his playing.Good stuff Bro. Hopefully and prayerfully I make it this year. Bless ya Bro

[@sidewaysman1]

gotta love that ending

[@speedster06]

i love the creativity, and as drumming being an art, art being self expression, that was very original

[@tomchristopher71]

Does he play with a group or any artists? Never heard of him but he is very musical. Music is the one language that connects us all.

[@TheProgGuy]

He did a few demo's with Memphis Drum Shop. I think he is in a band. Usually these guys in the drum offs aren't known drummers.

[@colombiank]

he plays with Israel and new breed. He plays at many guitar centers and stuff

[@Century10-s7q]

Out of every drum off winner, this guy has the fastest hands I've ever seen!

[@zanglar100]

hes so quick it hurts

[@Aburnz11]

I watch Ramon's solo all the time.......I love it. Ive seen more of him and Ive gotta say that hes a musical cat. Nice stuff bro!!!! Hopefully and prayerfully I make it this year. Bless ya Ramon Aburnz

[@joeystrano3143]

This guy has got groove! I bet he got a 10 in that

[@rmirabelle]

lovely - one of the best drum off solos I've heard - super musically played - congrats!

[@DrummerJez86]

the drummers actually had to play the drums before the octashit became the focus of these solos ... I miss these older solos ... I keep trying .. and I finally won the store finals .. but I know I have no chance of winning the semifinals without the octapad ... quarter finals are possible

[@BenRdrummer]

i love his experimentation around the kit. switching cymbals and putting a splash on his snare and toms. im glad he won.

[@JulezWinnfield]

He looks like the kid in the "Boondocks" cartoon.

[@AtlantidaBay]

Don't matter what everyone is saying, but this kid is having time of his life doing it - simply awesome! Always nice to see some fresh blood to the ordinary paradiddle doom.

[@markrodrigue6913]

ice cold! !!! bad dude! !

[@DEzzzcheck]

His creativity and use of all surfaces is unbelievable...Insane solo

[@asljahfaklsf]

who's still watching this in 2018?

[@kbuencamino3268]

REVERSE_DREAM 2019 haha

[@kbuencamino3268]

REVERSE_DREAM 1 year later lmao

[@tineshprakash1619]

its almost 2020 and im still!

[@TheMudron]

What amount of practice....

[@itecnus3490]

+TheMudron probably at least 10,000 hours of practice. Maybe even more.

[@tameemz90]

I hope ramon gets really famous, that was my favorite solo ive ever seen even including famous drummers.

[@bishop1228]

He went to 'Sweetest Taboo' tho!!

[@whateverman666]

I really love this solo. Lots of creativity and personality, and he's playing for/to the audience - real showmanship. The dude's got a great career ahead of him...

[@fear_cafe]

I've never seen a drummer be so creative. Using cymbals with out stands and play the snare with his hands, Plain awesome(:

[@MrBassmastar]

he won because he is an incredible drummer, but also an entertainer. He read the crowd, and performed beautifully. props bro.

[@musicfactorytv]

Awesome job! Super clean and great dynamics. I think what I enjoyed the most about his playing was that he is very musical. He will be able to go on and play in some great bands which is not always the case with the solo specialists. We were stoked to be there live to see his win!! Danny Thompson

[@blakecard]

it's players like that- that make me love playing drums. -so much passion.

[@loudband]

He's GREAT!!! So creative and energetic!!!

[@ThomasaColeman1]

First time seeing this video. Wow. He is very talented. I would love to attend this event.

[@Noa4h]

I think exactly so. This is a great video! I definitely learned a couple tricks that I'd like to try out later this afternoon.

[@guitarcenter]

@cdwiggs GC's amateur eligibility clause from the official rules "You must be a qualified amateur to participate in the Contest. A "Qualified Amateur" is defined as one who does not (1) earn more than $20,000 gross per year as a professional musician, based on the prior tax year (supporting documentation may be requested to verify)"

[@guatemalantomcat]

The world needs more people like him.

[@drummerdog80]

this is one of the most creative solos i have ever seen

[@monkeychunkey]

i wouldve never thought of putting a cymbal on the head of the drums. and that little thing when he pumps his arms and does ghost doubles. he's just amazing.

[@HonkeyKongLive]

Go for it. We all look forward to seeing you winning next year.

[@railonniebrooks5529]

What a pair of hands he was blessed with! Just brilliant, with drumsticks.

[@vonettafarrell2252]

One of the Best, and my Favourite drummers.

[@cobb_thedrummer]

@tamakit123 it's a splash cymbal normally used like any other cymbal an a kit but for jungle and Drum N Bass music it's placed on a second snare usually. Look up a guy named KJ Sawka

[@juscaltv]

Homeboy you're kicking it hard. Congrats on your success. Keep Reppin the Kingdom!! Bro, you are the man. God blessed.

[@PoolhouseProduction]

I have played drums daily since 1970 and I like acoustics bass amps. My friend has played guitar since 1990 and he likes am peg bass amps.The Bass Player has played bass since 1999 and makes the decision of the brand he plays and we respect his decision. Were musicians not judges, same as this drummer. Are we black or white? I bet he don't care. I enjoyed the performance Mr. Sampson, keep on rockin in the free world. Peace out brother.

[@finalmofo]

My guy that kid was great. He was having fun 100% of the time. He has real potential.

[@drummer2528]

This one of the most fun drum solos I have seen

[@djobib]

Bro you have outdone yourself. Well done man, proud of you. Much Love Brendan W

[@Grasshoppa065]

God blesses those who follow and believe in him. This is a perfect example.

[@MrTomTurbo]

beast!!! one of the best drumsoli i`ve ever seen!

[@jamiequinlan]

watching drum solos on youtube - u rarely encounter one this good. LOVED the mj bit - so gunna use that :P

[@nautica7084]

He did 3 things that were original that I haven't thought about doing in the first place.

[@lynsuefa]

This guy is an ACE. No dubble base, not alot of cymbal crashing,and a basic 4 piece kit. He has game.

[@cbmuzik3000]

The technique on this kid is nuts!!! very clean performance form beginning to end! brava!

[@funland108]

Astounding talent. I hope he fulfils this potential by playing with top acts. He's been quiet of late it seems.

[@SchruteFarms69]

holy shit that was absolutely incredible, so creative and just great

[@AntoineTutStewart]

I love it! This drummer is exciting and he loves to have fun! I love playing with a fun drummer! AWESOME!

[@gatler05]

The thing about winning the drum off, is being clean and precise. Precession is what matters, not speed or how fast. Its all about skill, not adrenaline. But this guy had alot of momentum, and brought his game. Props with the creativity and of course the precision.

[@ShineDrums27]

hes a great entertainer, and a great player. and thats why he won. allot of great solo elements here

[@MasterOrona]

That was awesome, nice new concepts on how to add new sounds.

[@pillznarRy]

Loving this guy. He is fricking awesome.

[@AdrumaVictoria16]

Weckl 88' reference and then some. Awesome! Thanks for the inspiring voice you are.

[@brodestar93]

His solo really improved since last year, congrats.

[@IJWPTV]

U can say what u want... Gods time is not our time, he won cause he deserved it & it is his time 2 shine. Much respect Monty! We are all proud of u here @ home. Gods favor is upon ur life so let those haters hate! one. ur home boy Jstar*

[@wende79]

Monty you were great... We are all so proud of you here in SA... I agree with Josh (Jstar) it's all about the favour of God on your life, so all the haters can hate... This is your season and your time to shine. Your sister in SA Wende

[@JeremySmith-sx9oe]

the god of drums

[@JamisonDonohoe]

thats some nice playin. i love everything about drums.

[@jedi223344]

I love this guys originality. Great performer

[@loadedlongboardlover]

this contest is for the "undiscovered" drummer. so you don't have to be sponsored. and i think you cant enter at your local guitar center. you can go on the guitar center drum off web site for more details

[@capnbill1]

He likes what he's doing & is pretty accomplished. I want to see the rest of the drummers to compare.

The jogging rhythm thing and the Smooth Criminal parts along with tricks like playing by hand and over added cymbals shows that he's a good entertainer and possesses a good stage presence too..

[@MADboostrx781]

The passion is great to see having fun is what its about,big thumbs up,i hope to develop a playing style similar to this clean, precise, good variation.;)

[@guitarbasslover]

He uses the drumkit as an instrument instead of just pounding away! Thats amazing

[@DJTrancenergy]

He has better stage presence than many professionals out there

[@buggadagak]

Great drummer... and a great performer, which is an aspect so many of these guys lack. Love the michael jackson smooth criminal bit.

[@apparentlymusical]

really good and really creative. and yes, the tap was to indicate one minute so that he could start to finish up. they do that so that you aren't in the middle of a huge lick and have to stop.

[@invatorme]

@drummerboycraig it means hes got a minute left, then the second time it means hes got 30 seconds left then the third time it means time up.

[@Chuck1798]

crazy boy!!! such an energy !!! that's drumin'

[@JDazzler23]

Haha, props to this kid. He learned from Jerome Flood last year that you need musicality and flow to your solo to win. Last year he was just shedding it seemed like. He's gonna be a great drummer for years to come now that he understands this. I'll look forward to hearing more from this kid ;]

[@1996JRR]

i dont know if youve seen other vids of this dude but hes f***ing amazing!

[@wendileona]

I love his manipulation of the snare, thats rarely seen. Drummers of today play the snare stock rather coloring with it at times, that works, but sometimes songs may require a flat snare, or tightening it, etc. I like his colors and personality, he makes you happy watching and listening. Slightly ever so messy, but he's raw and sometimes untrained talent is fresher and explorative. Love the MJ tribute, fast powerful feet. Congrats on him winning, wish him much success!

[@astechhh]

he's more than a drummer, he's a showman

[@demonicsweaters]

Part of what guitar center judges is "showmanship" which is why the kid moved his cymbals around and played the bottom of the snare like a guitar, not to mention the Michael Jackson glove. It's pretty silly of guitar center to grade this way since it's supposed to be a drum contest, not a variety show. But I'm happy for him to win, he did the right stuff to win it! I liked the samba in the beginning. I hope this opens some doors for this kid.

[@mudmovers]

@drummerboycraig I believe that means there's a minute of time left remaining for his solo. It appears they get about 6 minutes of play time, and that's the "one minute" warning.

[@irishinfl]

Get it! thats one of the Best ive seen.

[@robzbobz]

my favorite out of all the winners

[@spurious]

Now there's an excellent drummer if I've ever seen one.

[@uwantmikehawk1]

amazing control over the volume/ pitch of each hit, some incredibly different sound out of such basic kit .