The First 5 with Tom Delay

Published by Justin Elgie on May 8, 2010 at 9:00 am

A self-taught sampling wizard with early influences from the likes of DJ Premier, RZA, MF Doom, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek, and Havoc, Tom Delay picked up the MPC in 2003 and began developing what continues to be recognized as his signature sound. Emerging with some dusty samples and boom-bap drums, Tom Delay linked up with Brake Fast Records in 2006 to provide some sharp production for the label’s first compilation release, Divisions of Labour. In the same year he began rocking live shows throughout Baltimore, DC, NY, NJ, and Philly either on the mic, on the tables, or on the MPC. In 2007, he linked up with A-Class to provide production, mixing, and cuts for the artist’s solo release, Motive Response. The album displays an array of Tom Delay’s skills, both on the MPC 4000 and behind the Digi02 board.

Tom Delay just recently completed work on his brainchild, Cases, a hip-hop whodunit complete with beats, mixing, vocals, cuts, and executive production from the ever-evolving producer. Cases also features tracks from A-Class, Seph Jones, Mic Brown, Trace Blam and a myriad Maryland emcees.

Tom Delay is in the midst of producing three new albums for A-Class, Dirt Platoon and Trace Blam which will be released on Brake Fast Records before the conclusion of 2010. He has produced individual tracks for Chaundon, Madd Illz, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and countless other emcees in the DMV.

Sampling everything from Soul and Motown to Classic Rock and a myriad of international tunes, Tom Delay’s beats are masterfully chopped and built upon the same hip-hop formulas devised by his inspirations and predecessors.

1. Tell us something no one knows about you.

I once sampled a Cyndi Lauper song but no one would ever be able to tell.

2. What do you want people to take away from your music?

Creativity, how I use samples and sequence. I’m just trying to build on the foundations and the essence of hip-hop and trying to do different shit with the music, but not that different. I think people try to go too far with the music sometimes. It’s a simple formula.

3. What is one of your biggest regrets?

I don’t have any regrets. I don’t live life like that. If something distressing happens to you in your life you can always learn from it or find a way to look at in a positive light.

4. What’s one of your greatest hip-hop memories?

Rock Steady back in the day in N.Y., hands down. Went like 3 summers in a row. Real ill shit. Dopest gathering of emcees and just pure hip-hop talent in one place at one time for sure. Even better than Scribble, more intimate than Rock the Bells.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Making more and better beats. Letting my style naturally progress as a result of the various musical, cultural, social, and intellectual influences in my life.