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When you’ve been in an industry for over 20 years, adaptation and evolution are key functions in any field. If you’re Kevin Hansford aka K-Def, you’ve seen good, you’ve seen bad, you’ve seen change and on occasion, you’ve seen history repeat itself. For some artists, staying true and being innovative can be a fine line and a struggle. On one hand, a reputation is built from birth creating a connection that should always be maintained. On the other hand, growth or lack of growth will occur whether change is embraced. A producer like K-Def would not still exist today in 2016 without being aware of those survival tactics. In a society dictated by technology, it’s hard to imagine the world as we know it without the devices and digital platforms we entertain unconsciously.As he continues to push himself, more recently K was inspired to track down all of his original 90’s gear and works dating prior to his software transition after a recent resurgence of old machines from the younger generation. That meant pulling out 2 full trash bags of floppy disks, revitalizing his old MPC 3000 to new condition, dusting off rack sampler modules and hunting down his MPC 60ii which was the first machine he used debuting in 1993 under Marley Marl. Going through that process brings us K-def’s new album, The Way It Was. The title sums it up. Instead talking about dues he paid and the roots of his skill set, The Way it Was is a living demonstration for younger listeners who grew up after the 90’s and his core fans who remember the days of his Lords of the Underground, Real Live, Mic Geronimo and World Renown productions like yesterday. Though mostly instrumental, frequent collaborator Blu appears on 3 tracks. Blu was inspired to record the socially aware, “The Boys” and the lively “Strawberry Lemonade” (featuring Damu the Fudgemunk and newcomer Kunal) after hearing K-Def’s original demo cassettes. At 11 tracks, “The Way It Was” is a must have for 90’s fans. It IS exactly “what it was”.• A collection of rarities & unheard tracks from the vaults + a handful of new, vocal collaborations• Includes vintage instrumentals from the 90s, some that were used for singles by Lords Of The Underground, Tragedy, & Mic Geronimo & Others + many beats that were never released• Includes vocal collaborations with Blu, Damu The Fudgemunk & Others • One of two K-Def albums released on the same day. Each album is available on vinyl individually, or on a CD together• Sea Blue Vinyl

In a genre where the most pivotal and defining moments occurred over 2 decades ago according to popular to consensus, few artists have managed to consistently achieve excellence and visibly contribute from the early 90’s to present day 2000’s. With regime changes, trend cycles, and technological advancements, producer K-Def is in a class of “rare breed” artists that pridefully embody the title veteran. So much can be said about what he has accomplished throughout his 20 plus year career, but specifically in 2015, K’s output and quality have stayed atop the conversation. Building a foundation at Redefinition Records, who adopted the catchphrase “Quality Over Quantity”, is not a question of how much, but rather how good. For the label, K-Def is an exception. His latest offering entitled “The Unpredictable Gemini” (1 of 2 new albums released simultaneously), is a fully instrumental opus into the mind and soul of one of hip hop’s greatest producers. The Unpredictable Gemini showcases his evolving style and genre pioneering tricks and techniques he continues to refine through the use of his unique production tools. Keeping this project very close to heart and classified from the public over the last 3 years, K meticulously produced, composed, arranged, mixed and mastered well over 100 tracks before making executive decisions on this album he wants the world to hear. Speaking on the album, K-Def made the following statement: “I want you to know that the sounds on this album display some of my true inner feelings about music & life. With the advancement of technology and my knowledge of using all kinds of recording equipment dating back to the late 80’s, I present to you the unpredictable Gemini.

Duckcomb aka Patrick Billiard is one half of Brooklyn's Sharegroove. A longtime Brooklyn DJ and digger, Duckcomb drops two edits from the far corners of the disco stratosphere. 'Bonnevie' is a hands-in-the-air dancefloorgroover with sexy female vocals, funky bongos, synth melodies, and a heartbreaking keyboard solo. 'Every Night' hits us right where it hurts with soft rock for hard times written all over it. Male lead and female backup vocals, night drive guitar solos, and a drummer with a heart of gold, 'Every Night' is just begging to be sampled, like Kurt Hauenstein or Jim Capaldi hid a secret mega tune in some private press tax scam record, knowing Patrick would eventually come along and take care of the rest.

Birmingham, Alabama producer Byron the Aquarius (we know him for his collaboration with french producer Onra as The Big Payback) drops this debut 12" for Sound Signature!The A side is a warm key-driven cut with lush synths added. The flip comes in heavier and has live Drums by Dmitri Walker.

From the first few notes, it sounds like the real thing. Piano and bass riff hard. Percussion enters. ¡Oiga Papa! Listen up! The trombones come in thick and strong. Fantasia, the first song on Quarter Street's self-titled LP is authentic 'salsa dura' from the old school. Hard salsa. It's not shiny, it's not clean and poppy or unduly jazzy. It's tough, it's gritty and ballsy, and in terms of musicianship, writing and production, it straight up cooks.- The first throwback Salsa Dura record that picks up where Fania left off.- Written and recorded by deciples of Willie Colon, Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe and Ruben Blades- Vinyl LP includes MP3 download card