Marley Marl 'Classic Recipes' - Recreating MC Shan 'The Bridge' w/ Akai MPC Renaissance

Marley Marl is unquestionably one of the greatest producers and DJs in hip hop history. His influence and importance to hip hop are undeniable, and his innovative productions and pioneering use of sampling helped define the genre. Marley Marl has produced beats for some of the music's finest MCs including Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, LL Cool J, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Kool G Rap, Nas, Rakim, and Masta Ace.

In this episode of Classic Recipes, the legendary producer explains and demonstrates how he created the beat for MC Shan's "The Bridge," one of the most memorable beats in hip hop history. As always, along with the beat programming tips and composition/production techniques he also gives us the lowdown on where and when the music was originally created.

Marl recalls the moment he first met MC Shan and recorded "Marley Marl Scratch," and also remembers when legendary rap radio personality Mr. Magic rejected a Boogie Down Productions record that was submitted for airplay on WBLS-FM, later resulting in the feud between the South Bronx crew and Marl's Juice Crew.

"The Bridge" was originally created using the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer and the Korg SDD-2000 Sampling Digital Delay. Marley Marl programmed the beat by triggering drum sounds (the kick and snare) from the TR-808 into the SDD-2000, giving the track a unique sound and feel.

In this video he recreates the beat using the Akai MPC Renaissance; instead of just sampling The Honey Drippers' track "Impeach The President" intro drum beat, Marley completely reprogrammed the beat from the kick and snare right down to the "Ladies and gentlemen" voice intro. Along with adding some ghost notes, he reversed The Magic Disco Machine's "Scratching'" record to create the stabs and gritty noises you hear at the beginning of "The Bridge." (Check out the last episode of Classic Recipes for more on ghost notes and how Marl used them in Eric B. & Rakim's "Eric B. Is President." http://bit.ly/Toe3tt)

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.
Facebook

Views: 104

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Earth, Wind & Fire
Friday, June 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Macy Gray
Saturday, July 12 @ Palace of Fine Arts, SF

Thievery Corporation
Saturday, Sept 6 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Yung Lean
Saturday, Oct 11 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

New Single: Chase Alexander "The One"

Viral Singer/Songwriter Chase Alexander Partners With Warner Music Group to Drop his new single "The One"Click Here to Stream/Download via Virdiko.comRecord Label(s): C/A Entertainment/Twenty Two Recordings/Warner Music GroupContact: AJ BurtonTikTok: …See More
16 hours ago
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Ottawa’s Taz Bentii Drops 11:11 Project & Gets prepared for Big Heff’s Streets Most Wanted Tour

Taz Bentii is a 20-year-old artist from Ottawa whose musical journey began just three years ago. In that short time, his sound has evolved rapidly, earning growing recognition within the hip hop community. Widely regarded as one of the most promising emerging talents from Canada’s capital, Taz recently collaborated with TV Gucci, a member of Drake’s OVO roster, further cementing his rising profile.Taz has already made his mark beyond Ottawa,…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Olivia Perry posted blog posts
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Sentury Crowned #1 in the Nation with their Soulful Reimagining of “Only Human”

Houston based R&B group Sentury has triumphed in spectacular fashion, claiming the #1 spot on the Mediabase Urban AC Chart and #2 on Billboard Adult R&B Airplay with their breakout single, "Only Human.” This achievement not only crowns the 9x Billboard-charting group as the #1 record in the nation, but also signals the triumphant return of the R&B group to…See More
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Locked In and On the Rise: PartyBoi & Kristy Love Deliver Feel-Good Anthem with Twin Luv

Milwaukee-bred and Atlanta-based artist PartyBoi is turning up the love and energy with his latest single Twin Luv featuring Kristy Love. Released under PartyBoi Entertainment and produced by DubOnThaTrack, the record celebrates connection, loyalty, and hustle, all wrapped in a catchy hook that shouts: “Go twin, go twin, dats…See More
Wednesday
realmuzik posted a discussion

TAVE Returns With New Hit Single “BLOCK” ft. IDK

“BLOCK” is a powerful new single from Grammy nominated R&B sensation TAVE, featuring none other than acclaimed British-American rapper IDK and 13-time Grammy-nominated icon, Musiq Soulchild.“BLOCK” is a soul-drenched collision of hip-hop and R&B - a warm, nostalgic soundscape pulsing with honesty and intention.  The track challenges surface-level assumptions and…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Jul 21
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Jul 19

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service