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Since its debut in 1988, the MPC (Music Production Center) has been the heartbeat of countless iconic tracks.
Through all the changes in technology—from hardware samplers to software integration, from floppy disks to cloud storage—the MPC has remained a staple in music production. What about this legendary unit has given it such incredible staying power?
The MPC didn’t just sample sounds; it captured the essence of human rhythm and creativity. Its intuitive pad layout and swing quantization gave birth to entirely new genres and revolutionized existing ones. From the gritty boom bap of early hip hop to the lush soundscapes of modern R&B, the MPC has been there, shaping the sound of generations.
While the language of the MPC is often associated with rap / hip hop (DJ Premier, Pete Rock, J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, Zaytoven—the list goes on), this unit has also been the backbone of R&B (Timbaland, The Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins, etc.) as well as more experimental artists (Aphex Twin, Flying Lotus, RJD2, etc.).
From the dusty breaks of boom-bap hip hop to the ethereal textures of ambient electronic, from the pocket grooves of neo soul to the hard-hitting drops of trap and drill—the MPC has been the common thread weaving through decades of musical evolution.
The challenge
Create an original track inspired by the MPC’s rich legacy. Whether you’re channeling the raw energy of ’90s New York hip hop, exploring the experimental spirit of electronic music, or forging entirely new sonic territories, we want to hear your vision. Submissions open on June 13th, 2025 and end on July 11th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.—learn more about how to enter and vote in the #server-challenges channel on the Splice Discord.
Prizing
The first-place winner will receive an MPC Keys 37 from AKAI. The second-place winner will receive an MPK Mini Plus, and the third-place winner will receive the Sub Factory plugin.
We can’t wait to hear what you’ll create!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Must be 18+. Begins June 13 2025 at 3:00 PM ET. Ends July 11 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Subject to Official Rules available here. Sponsor: inMusic Brands, Inc.
Join the Splice Discord to engage with a community of other music creators, participate in producer-led beat battles, and hear exclusive interviews:
June 13, 2025
