Sam Willings

Denon DJ has released a new all-in-one DJ system, the PRIME 4 G2 with a new “industry-first” feature for performers, with new tools that have never before been found in Denon products. Namely, the PRIME 4 G2 introduces MPCe multi-zone performance pads, the first of their kind in a standalone DJ system. If that sounds familiar, you might be thinking of the MPC range from Denon DJ’s sister brand, Akai.

It’s 11 am on a Wednesday in Staten Island when I speak with Stoic. Tonight, he’ll publish an instrumental hip-hop beat to YouTube, just like every other Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The 29-year-old producer has followed this schedule for over seven years, with over 1,000 beats to his name—including one for Doechii’s 2024 BULLFROG that helped the song win a Grammy for Best Rap Album via  Alligator Bites Never Heal.

Before he was the head of one of Houston’s most pivotal hip-hop houses, Carl Crawford was a left fielder for the LA Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. The former decorated baseballer, a Houston native, played from 2002 to 2016, hanging up his cleats and founding 1501 Certified Entertainment in the same year. But he hasn’t exactly left the sport behind.