KMD Members, Gear & Sound
90s US hip hop trio
Members
Select a KMD band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
KMD was an influential hip hop group hailing from Long Beach, New York, known for its blend of alternative hip hop and golden age hip hop with a distinctly conscious edge. Formed in 1988, the group initially comprised Zev Love X (vocals, production), who would later gain fame as MF Doom, his brother DJ Subroc (production, MCing), and Onyx the Birthstone Kid (vocals), who replaced the original member Rodan. KMD garnered attention for their thought-provoking yet humorous lyrical content, addressing social issues with a unique perspective. Though their discography is limited, their albums Mr. Hood and the posthumously released Black Bastards left a lasting impact on the hip hop community.
How to Sound Like KMD
KMD's sound is characterized by its raw and gritty production, often layered with inventive sampling and intricate beats that marry the playful with the provocative. The group's music relies heavily on the use of samplers, with Zev Love X and DJ Subroc utilizing devices like the Akai MPC 2000XL and the Roland SP-404 to craft their distinct soundscapes. These tools enabled them to manipulate classic jazz, funk, and soul samples into a dense, textured auditory experience. The lo-fi, unpolished aesthetic of their tracks, coupled with incisive lyricism, gives KMD's music an enduring edge that continues to resonate with fans of underground hip hop.
Discography
Get the KMD Sound
Want to sound like KMD? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
