What now nearly obsolete electronic instrument do songs by Michael Jackson, Prince, Run DMC and Blondie have in common? Each tune uses a drum machine to help drive the beat. The analog boxes were ...

In the ‘80s, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna all used drum machines. Hip-hop developed into a national force behind acts like Run DMC, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys; they had the toughest ...

Here’s how it works. The DMX was the second digital drum machine ever released, following the Linn LM-1. Its punchy sound can be heard across many early hip-hop productions, along with '80s hits such ...