K-Def The Way It Was Blue Vinyl Edition

When you’ve been in an industry for over 20 years, adaptation and
evolution are key functions in any field. If you’re Kevin Hansford
aka K-Def, you’ve seen good, you’ve seen bad, you’ve seen change
and on occasion, you’ve seen history repeat itself. For some artists,
staying true and being innovative can be a fine line and a struggle.
On one hand, a reputation is built from birth creating a connection
that should always be maintained. On the other hand, growth or
lack of growth will occur whether change is embraced. A producer
like K-Def would not still exist today in 2016 without being aware of
those survival tactics. In a society dictated by technology, it’s hard
to imagine the world as we know it without the devices and digital
platforms we entertain unconsciously.
As he continues to push himself, more recently K was inspired to
track down all of his original 90’s gear and works dating prior to his
software transition after a recent resurgence of old machines from
the younger generation. That meant pulling out 2 full trash bags of
floppy disks, revitalizing his old MPC 3000 to new condition, dusting
off rack sampler modules and hunting down his MPC 60ii which
was the first machine he used debuting in 1993 under Marley Marl.
Going through that process brings us K-def’s new album, The Way
It Was. The title sums it up. Instead talking about dues he paid and
the roots of his skill set, The Way it Was is a living demonstration for
younger listeners who grew up after the 90’s and his core fans who
remember the days of his Lords of the Underground, Real Live, Mic
Geronimo and World Renown productions like yesterday. Though
mostly instrumental, frequent collaborator Blu appears on 3 tracks.
Blu was inspired to record the socially aware, “The Boys” and the
lively “Strawberry Lemonade” (featuring Damu the Fudgemunk and
newcomer Kunal) after hearing K-Def’s original demo cassettes. At
11 tracks, “The Way It Was” is a must have for 90’s fans. It IS exactly
“what it was”.