Call for submissions: Beat Battle competition with Pete Rock

Tracklib has held several competitions, partnering with artists like Redman, Styles P, Just Blaze, and more recently, Jim Jones and Maino. In this year’s edition, the platform has teamed up with Pete Rock who has produced a number of songs for hip hop heavyweights such as Nas, Run-DMC, Jay-Z and Kanye West, among others. The musician is looking to offer his insight as a sampling trailblazer to an emerging producer. 

Prizes

First prize:

• A one-on-one remote session with Pete Rock in a live video call from his studio, during which the winner will get first-hand feedback on their beats from the beatsmith.
• An MPC Live II Retro Edition worth $1 400, signed by Pete Rock.
• A video shout-out from Pete Rock.
• A one-year standard subscription to Tracklib.
• A Tracklib Category C Sample License worth $50.

Two runner-up prizes:

• A one-year standard subscription to Tracklib.
• A Tracklib Category C Sample License worth $50.
• A video shout-out from Pete Rock.

How it works

• Aspiring producers can create a beat using the 1970s soul classic ‘Handle With Care’ by Ben Aiken from the Reservoir label.
• The winning beat will be selected by Pete Rock, and Tracklib will offer the winner an opportunity to work with Pete Rock in a virtual studio session, as well as an autographed MPC Live II Retro Edition.
• Participants can sample only the master of the song, only one of its available multitracks, multiple multitracks, or any other combination.
• Entrants need to download the track(s) they will sample via Tracklib.
• Participants can submit however many submissions they like – as long as they all follow the rules.
• To share or release the submission containing a sample from Tracklib (outside of this competition), participants need to first obtain a sample license from Tracklib.
• Participants are only allowed to share a 60-second version of their track online as part of the competition.
• Tracklib will not take ownership of any of the submissions, and will not use them for any other advertising purposes.

Aspiring producers can enter the competition here. The submission deadline is 28 November 2021.

“I promised myself I would make the sampler my instrument,” Pete Rock said. “I think Tracklib can change how people make music by letting the freedom of sampling take place.”

Interested entrants can watch an interview with Pete Rock for a deep-dive into his sampling technique, best tips and tricks for beginners, and dissections of his classic songs including ‘They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)’, ‘The World Is Yours’ by Nas, and his official remix of Public Enemy’s ‘Shut 'Em Down’.

“I only sample stuff that gives me a good feel,” Pete Rock said in the interview. “Something that sets my soul on fire.” 

Find more details on the competition and view the original call here.