Looking For The Perfect Beat: Episode 6 - Marley Marl

Looking for the Perfect Beat is the new podcast from Arthur Baker that dives into what drives artists across music, film, art and literature.

Hosted by producer and DJ Arthur Baker, the show reconnects friends and collaborators featured in his new memoir (also titled Looking for the Perfect Beat) for honest, behind-the-scenes stories that go deeper than anywhere else.

In this episode Arthur Baker sits down with legendary producer Marley Marl for a wide-ranging conversation about the origins of hip-hop, disco, and sampling culture. From early days in Queens and Astoria to legendary studios like Unique and Power Play, Marley reflects on how street culture, radio, and emerging technology shaped an entirely new sound.

They revisit pivotal moments including the creation of Roxanne’s Revenge, the rise of the Juice Crew, and Marley’s work with artists like Biz Markie, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and LL Cool J. Marley shares how radio—especially his time at BLS with Mr. Magic—became a powerful launchpad for breaking records, and how his first producer check led to buying the Roland TR-808, forever changing his musical direction.

The conversation also explores the transition from disco to hip-hop, the importance of engineers and studios, and Marley’s perspective on the evolution (and dilution) of modern hip-hop.

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