What drum machine did The Notorious B.I.G. use on Hypnotize?

The drums on "Hypnotize" were primarily created using samplers rather than traditional drum machines. The production likely involved an Akai MPC series sampler, which was standard for hip-hop production in the late 90s.

How to get Notorious B.I.G. drum sound on Hypnotize?

Focus on sample-based production using an MPC or similar sampler. Choose punchy, clean drum samples and apply compression to the kick and snare for tightness. The key is careful sample selection and sequencing rather than live drum recording.

Who produced the drums on Hypnotize by Biggie?

Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs produced "Hypnotize," including the drum programming. The track was recorded at Daddy's House Recording Studio in New York City using the sample-based production methods typical of Bad Boy Records.

What sampler was used on Notorious B.I.G. Hypnotize?

While the exact model hasn't been definitively confirmed, the production likely used an Akai MPC series sampler, possibly the MPC3000, which was widely used in hip-hop production during that era. An E-mu SP-1200 or Akai S950 may have also been involved.

How to recreate 90s hip hop drum sound like Hypnotize?

Use a sampler-based approach with punchy, clean drum samples. Apply compression to tighten the kick and snare, focus on groove and timing, and consider using vintage sampler emulations to add character. The key is sample selection and processing rather than complex layering.

drums from "hypnotize" by the notorious b.i.g.

hypnotize

the notorious b.i.g.

drums

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Clean, punchy, and somewhat dry hip-hop drums with a prominent kick and snare, reminiscent of a classic sample-based sound. The overall vibe is tight and controlled, fitting the track's minimalist but powerful groove.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Various Drum Machines & Drum Kits(instrument)
Akai MPC3000(drums)
E-mu SP-1200(drums)
Akai S950(drums)
Native Instruments Kontakt(drums)
Ableton Sampler(drums)

The Story

The drum sound on The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize" was produced by Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs at Daddy's House Recording Studio in New York City. The drums are primarily sample-based, following the classic late 90s hip-hop production approach of using samplers like the Akai MPC series to chop and sequence drum sounds. The track features tight, punchy kicks and snares that were likely processed through compression to achieve their controlled, impactful sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs

Engineer: unknown

Recorded at: Daddy's House Recording Studio (New York City)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Various Drum Machines & Drum KitsShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a clean, punchy drum kit or drum machine sounds.
Layer the kick and snare to achieve the desired thickness and impact.
Use a sampler like Native Instruments Kontakt or Ableton Sampler to recreate the sampling workflow.
Apply compression to the kick and snare to tighten up the sound and add punch.
Consider using a vintage sampler emulation plugin to add some grit and character.
Pay attention to the overall groove and timing; hip-hop drums often have a characteristic swing or feel.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Akai MPC3000Shop on Reverb(drums)
E-mu SP-1200Shop on Reverb(drums)
Akai S950Shop on Reverb(drums)
Native Instruments KontaktShop on Reverb(drums)
Ableton SamplerShop on Reverb(drums)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Akai MPC Live IIShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,400

Alternative to: Akai MPC3000

Modern MPC with the classic workflow for chopping samples and sequencing, essential for recreating that 90s sample-based drum approach

Rossum Electro-Music SP-1200Shop on Reverb$2,800-$3,200

Alternative to: E-mu SP-1200

Faithful reissue of the legendary SP-1200 that provides the distinctive gritty sound character of late 90s hip-hop drums

Tale S950 pluginPlugin Boutique$30-$50

Alternative to: Akai S950

Accurate emulation of the S950's 12-bit sampling sound that adds the vintage digital character to drum samples

Universal Audio 1176 pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Studio compressor for drum processing

Classic compressor for tightening kick and snare hits to achieve that punchy, controlled 90s hip-hop drum sound

Akai MPC OneShop on Reverb$700-$800