Chris Stout The Official 2013 Winner Custom Akai MPC 2000XL Giveaway

The allure of a custom-crafted MPC, a relic in the hands of any beatmaker, served as the epicenter of this sonic event. As the deadline closed in, anticipation swirled around who would be the fortunate soul to wield this musical craftsmanship. The announcement revealed Chris Stout as the official winner, a young producer whose heart pulsated to the rhythm of the hip-hop he loved. Hailing from Troy, NY, Chris shares a piece of his journey, intricately woven with melodies, beats, and a profound connection to the art form.

In a brief exchange, Chris, also known as Stout Himself, unveiled the layers of his musical interests. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Troy, NY, Chris’s roots are as diverse as the beats he crafts. Currently stationed at North Albany Studios in Albany, NY, he narrates his journey from being immersed in choir and band during his school days to becoming an ardent fan, a rapper, and eventually a producer. Chris’s love for music spans genres, from classic rock with influences like Hendrix, Beatles, Zeppelin, and Clapton to the soul-stirring melodies of jazz, with Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” etching a transformative chapter in his life. Notably, the only note of dissonance in his musical symphony is country music.

The turning point in Chris’s musical trajectory occurred during an encounter with his older brother’s friends deeply entrenched in hip-hop culture. At the tender age of 13, he witnessed the intricate workings of DJing and emceeing, an experience that would resonate throughout his life. This initiation into the essence of hip-hop lit a creative spark, setting him on a trajectory of rap and eventually music production. Deejay culture has definitely inspired some great music producers throughout it’s 50 year history.

Chris’s journey into production commenced with an MPC 1000 acquired from eBay, a broken gem that he meticulously restored to its former glory. Learning the fundamentals, he honed his skills, laying the foundation for what would become a musical arsenal featuring an MPC Renaissance, MPC 4000, and a Custom MPC 2000XL courtesy of Noiseman. His studio setup also includes an Arturia 49 Key MIDI controller, Numark TTX Turntables, and Numark DXM Pro mixer, creating a sonic haven for his creativity.

The beatsmith proudly identifies the MPC as the nucleus of his musical endeavors, with each iteration becoming a chapter in his evolving narrative. His gear list reads like a love letter to the hip-hop production legacy, a testament to his commitment to the craft. In the realm of hip-hop, Chris recognizes himself as an underground head, deeply rooted in the East Coast ethos. A connoisseur of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Gangstarr, and the Rawkus era, he embodies the essence of an artist whose roots run deep in underground hip-hop culture. He has much respect for the founders and the originators of the craft.

The ever-expanding landscape of hip-hop, with its diverse offshoots and audiences, excites Chris. In a digital era where artists navigate a myriad of platforms, he sees both challenges and opportunities. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where bouts of anonymity define one’s true identity. Real recognizes real, and in the solitude of creation, authenticity shines brightest.

As Chris Stout steps into this exciting epoch of hip-hop, he extends gratitude and shouts out to Noiseman at Big Noise Radio/Big Noise MPC, Alkota at Alkota Beats/Hiphop Drum Samples, and MRC Promotions. His beats, a testament to his passion, can be explored on SoundCloud. Big Noise is gearing up for another giveaway coming in 2024, beat makers stand ready.

Chris’s story, a symphony of beats, passion, and triumph, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of hip-hop. In the heart of Troy, NY, a producer’s studio resonates with the echoes of a culture, and in the hands of Chris Stout, the MPC becomes an instrument of innovation, a conduit for learning the craft, and a beacon in the vast universe of hip-hop.

Micro Chop Beat Maker Tip: One way to create unique and compelling tracks is by experimenting with micro-chop arrangements, to optimize the melody buildup. By carefully selecting the progression of soulful sample chops, you can create amazing arrangements and transitions. Explore different melodic elements of the sample to create unique and interesting rearrangements. Big Noise MPC offers producers various Digital Downloads, soulful sound libraries and Drum Kits to help find complementary sounds. Remember, developing a strong sense of rhythm and groove takes practice and experimentation. Trust your ears and keep refining your beats.