Sampleface Five: SP-404 Albums

In recent history, Roland’s SP-404 has captured the imagination of underground hip hop producers the galaxy over. Artists such as Ohbliv and Knxwledge have made names for themselves with the instrument, inspiring fans and producers alike.

The sampler extends on the features from Roland’s flagship machine SP-202 and it’s upgraded version, the 303, most notably with its increased memory, trademark compressor and portability, making it a producer’s best friend for live sets.

This post acts as a brief aural guide into what can be produced using the 404 and who knows, you might find a new hip hop fave. Fill your boots!

1. Ohbliv – Rugged Tranquility

This was Ohbliv’s first full length beat tape, made on the SP-404 and SP-303.

2. sejo – batch. 01

sejo’s last Bandcamp release was an Adult Swim-esque album. Shame there wasn’t a batch. 02.

3. sleepdealer – yerba

sleepdealer’s spaced out album also featured けｍ SURF and patrick perkins.

4. allthesefingers – taxt tape

Sampleface favourite allthesefingers aka ATF dropped his penultimate album under that name in 2018.

5. nymano – short stories

nymano made the beats for ‘short stories’ in his bedroom. Same, mate.