14KT- Nickel & Dimed

(Via Mellow Music Groups' Bandcamp)

You've seen him before on Heavy In The Streets abusing the multi-track recording program Cool Edit and flipping the living hell out of D'Angelo's "Lady".  Now, after waiting all summer, I'm happy to report that I can finally celebrate the release of 14KT's mostly instrumental album Nickel & Dimed.  I bought it when I woke up this morning and I am happy to say it hasn't disappointed.

One of the album's highlights is the first track, "Five & Ten".  14KT airs out greedy "fans" who refuse to pay for music and rappers who ask for free beats and rap about having lots of money.  I'm sure his lyrics will resonate with many modern-day producers who are sick of not being compensated for their hard work or appreciated for their talent.  I am still getting familiar with 14KT’s catalog and know more of his production than rapping.  That said, he more than holds his own with verses like, "The spirit told me 'Pete, keep your eyes on the greater purpose.  Gotta use your craft to show the weight of what your worth is.'”  Well said.  I hope 14KT continues to hone his craft because he is one hell of a talent. 

Make sure to buy...yes buy Nickel & Dimed by clicking here.                                                                   

14KT Making A Beat with Cool Edit

Those of you who follow my blog already know that I am a fan of Detroit producer 14KT.  I'm eagerly awaiting the release of his Nickel & Dimed album after being blown away by the audio trailer.  While my other post on 14KT showed him using Native Instrument's Maschine, he is one of several producers I've featured on Heavy In The Streets who has utilized the multi-track software Cool Edit (now Adobe Audition).  Nick Tha 1da gets credit for putting me on to this video of 14KT making a beat with Cool Edit during my recent interview with him.  My favorite part of the video starts around the 5 minute mark where 14KT compares the sampling process in Cool Edit to the MPC.  He states that with Cool Edit, "There's so much freedom, because it's like a blank sheet of paper."  This video serves as further proof that you can make great music with any program as long as you take a creative, positive approach.      

14 KT- "Lady"

I became an instant fan of Detroit, MI producer 14KT after discovering him through Nick Tha 1nda a few weeks ago.  Lately I've been listening to anything and everything featuring his production and his talent is overwhelming.  The trailer for his upcoming instrumental album Nickel & Dimed sounds absolutely fucking insane and has me eagerly awaiting the release date (August 27th).  His "Single" instrumental, which serves as the perfect introduction to his catalog, also deserves your immediate attention.

Below is a video I found on YouTube today of him reworking the D'Angelo classic "Lady" on the Maschine.  A cool video for both casual fans and producers who enjoy watching other producers create.  Enjoy.

14KT Remakes D'Angelo's "Lady"