“I just use turntables, vinyl and a MPC, that’s it. I always come back to the basics with production because it forces me to be creative. Giving a sense to a melody or a rhythm is a powerful thing and it doesn’t happen every day.” Belgium based producer, Koss can be considered a hip-hop purist.

His previously released body of work has emulated late 80’s / early 90’s heaters producing EP’s for Craig G (Juice Crew), AG (Showbiz & AG) and El Da Sensei (Artifacts). Now Below System Records (Masta Ace, Phat Kat, Chuuwee & Trizz) will be releasing his official full-length production album entitled “Born To Live”.

Apple: Born to Live – Koss

Whereas the previous EPs was one MC per release, the forthcoming album boasts an all-star line-up of spitters including Torae, Large Professor, Masta Ace, Keith Murray, Blaq Poet, Ruste Juxx, J-Live and Craig G. When asked why he decided to have different features on each track Koss related “I wanted this album to express life and my passion for the Hip-Hop culture. My aim was to choose MCs that no matter what is in style at the moment always stay consistent and remember where they came from.”

One of these MCs is the legendary J-Live who appears on the second official single “Straight Up Pretenders.” Speaking on that meeting Koss recalls “I met him in Cologne, (Germany) years ago at my man Saim Smith’s crib. After we were done building and the song was recorded, I had to have Saim do the scratches for the hooks.”

The true school vibe of the album even extends to the remixers that Koss selected. “Born To Live” CD and digital editions will feature track remixes courtesy of K-Def (Ghostface Killah, Tragedy Khadafi), Large Professor (Main Source, Nas) and close friends 12 Finger Dan and B-Base.