The handsomest gorilla in the room…
Dan Nakamura, also known as Dan the Automator, is one of the most influential hip-hop producers of the last two decades. Hailing from San Francisco, the producer has made a name for himself by creating genre-defining hits for some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Dan started his career in the early 90s, producing tracks for Bay Area rap crew Souls of Mischief. However, it wasn't until the late 90s that he really made a name for himself. He was the mastermind behind two landmark albums - Dr. Octagon's 1996 outing 'Dr. Octagonecologyst' and Gorillaz's eponymous debut in 2001.
The former, which featured collaborations with MC Kool Keith and DJ Qbert, was a groundbreaking record that mixed horrorcore raps with psychedelic beats. The latter was an animated, virtual band created by Blur's Damon Albarn and Tank Girl artist Jamie Hewlett. Gorillaz's debut was a genre-bending masterpiece that peaked at number two on the UK album charts and was certified platinum.
Dan's success with these two albums catapulted him into the mainstream. He went on to produce hit songs for a wide range of artists, including Handsome Boy Modeling School, Deltron 3030, and Kasabian. He also formed a supergroup with Del the Funky Homosapien and Kid Koala called Deltron 3030 and released a critically acclaimed concept album in 2000 that is still talked about to this day.
Dan's influence can be seen in several current music scenes, from lo-fi hip hop to indie rock. His diverse range of talents and his willingness to experiment with new sounds have made him an icon in the music industry. His style of production, including his use of obscure samples and creative vocal layering, has inspired countless producers and artists.
Dan the Automator has left an indelible mark on the music industry, pushing boundaries and redefining genres. His rise to the top is a testament to the power of artistry and creativity, and his contribution to the genre of hip-hop and beyond will continue to be felt for decades to come.