Unlike the smooth, sustained sub-bass of Metro Boomin, Kray’s 808s are often heavily distorted. They clip intentionally. They sound like they are being played through a blown-out car speaker in a 7-Eleven parking lot at 3 AM. Look for samples labeled with terms like "Spinz (Distorted)," "Crushed Sub," or "Rari Bass."
In the landscape of modern underground hip-hop, few figures loom as large or as influentially as Black Kray (also known as Sickboyrari). As the founder of the Goth Money Records collective, the Richmond, Virginia-based artist pioneered a murky, nostalgic, and emotional subgenre of trap that laid the groundwork for modern SoundCloud rap, tread music, and witch house-infused hip-hop.
While not strictly "Black Kray" branded, the drum kits from the collective (Forza, Oogie Mane, and Brandon Finessin) are the closest you will get to the source code. Forza specifically has leaked drum banks that contain the exact distorted 808s used on "Stevie J and Joseline." black kray drum kit
Use a low-pass filter to cut out the extreme high frequencies of your drums. This gives it a "tape" or "vinyl" feel.
If you are compiling a kit from scratch or vetting a pre-made pack, ensure it contains the following four pillars. Unlike the smooth, sustained sub-bass of Metro Boomin,
Once you have downloaded your drum kit, how you mix and process the sounds will make or break the track. Use these production techniques to achieve that authentic lo-fi cloud rap warmth. Downsampling and Bitcrushing
Unlike modern mainstream trap which relies on pristine, crisp snares, Black Kray's tracks utilize percussion that sounds like it was ripped from an old hardware sampler or a VHS tape. Look for samples labeled with terms like "Spinz
To get the most out of the Black Kray Drum Kit, follow these tips:
: Snares, claps, and hi-hats that sound "unproduced" or "dusty," often achieving a "crunch" through downsampling or bitcrushing. Unique FX & Textures
Black Kray's influence on the modern wave of rap is undeniable. His ability to fuse the gritty realities of trap music with the somber aesthetics of goth and punk rock changed the underground forever. Utilizing a Black Kray drum kit isn't just about copying a style—it’s about adopting a mindset that prioritizes texture, emotion, and raw energy over pristine, commercial perfection. Load up these distorted 808s, dusty claps, and nostalgic FX, and start carving out your own lane in the underground soundscape.
Heavy, saturated bass that often clips or has a "fuzzy" texture.