The Automator - King of the Beats

The 100 Best Rap Singles of 1990: The Automator

This is the second release from Bay Area producer Dan “the Automator” Nakamura, who'd later find fame as part of Dr. Octagon and Gorillaz.

The Automator
King of the Beats: “I’m Non Violent” and “King of the Beats” (Radioactive)

Perhaps the most exciting thing about these tracks is how their dusty aesthetic — especially “Non Violent’s” opening drum break lifted from Little Royal & the Swingmasters’ “Razor Blade” — anticipated future West Coast indie-rap crews like Solesides. Dan the Automator would be a key part of that era, producing classic concept albums like Dr. Octagon and Deltron 3030, and helming Gorillaz’ massive global debut.

Originally published on criticalminded.com.

RELATED TAGS

The Legacy of J Dilla

The Legacy of J Dilla covers oft-trod ground, but there’s a poignancy in watching friends and family memorialize a lionized producer.