The Trackmasters are
the successful production duo of Poke (Jean-Claude Olivier) and
Tone (Samuel Barnes), sometimes credited as Poke & Tone, perhaps
best known for their work with Nas. Barnes was also known as the
mid-90s rapper Red Hot Lover Tone.
The Trackmasters
first notable production credit was Kool G Rap's classic 1992
release, "Ill Street Blues"/"F*@K U Man", and in the early-90s
they would work with Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard, both Roxanne
Shante and The Real Roxanne, and Big Daddy Kane. They were also
involved in a number of Chubb Rock's projects, including his
1992 album I Gotta Get Mine Yo!, which would also feature Tone
rapping.
By this point
Poke had already begun production on two of Sean "Puffy" Combs'
projects: Mary J. Blige's "Be Happy", and two tracks for
Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 debut, Ready To Die, including lead
single "Juicy". The duo were now creating "official" remixes for
Babyface and Michael Jackson, as well as LL Cool J's 1995 album
Mr. Smith, which included the hardcore classic "I Shot Ya". In
1996 the Trackmasters produced "Hit 'Em High (The Monstars'
Anthem)", featuring men of the hour of B-Real, Coolio, Method
Man, LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes.
Also in 1996,
Poke and Tone produced the majority of Nas'
commercially-successful second album It Was Written, including
its hit singles "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)" and
"Street Dreams". This began a collaborative partnership with Nas
that would continue with 1997's The Firm and 1999's I Am...
("Hate Me Now") and Nastradamus, as well as a number of songs
that would eventually be released on The Lost Tapes in 2002.
From 1997 to
2002, the Trackmasters produced hits for Will Smith ("Men in
Black", "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It", "Miami"), Method Man ("Break Ups
2 Make Ups"), Noreaga ("N.O.R.E."), Destiny's Child
("Independent Women Part I"), R. Kelly ("Fiesta"), Jay-Z ("Jigga
That Nigga"), and Jennifer Lopez ("Jenny from the Block"). In
1999 they produced the debut release of 50 Cent, "How To Rob (An
Industry Nigga)", initiating the controversy that would be a
feature of the rapper's career.
- 20 Bouncing
Club Snares
- 20 Punchy
Kick Drums
- 20 Hi-Hats
(open and closed)
- 20 Shakers
- 20 Crash
and Ride Cymbals
- Plus Many
Various Instrument Hits
This is the
bottom line right here! if
YOU
want your beats to have the exact same sound, impact and
presence as The Trackmasterz then you need this kit right now!
Accept no
imitations...
