KRK Announces Judges for First-ever “Kreator Classic”

NASHVILLE, OCTOBER 21, 2021 – KRK presents its trio of judges for its Kreator Classic, the brand’s first-ever bracket-style competition for beat-makers of all levels. In partnership with BeatStars professionals, KRK Kreator Alliance members Chingy, Ali Stone, and Jblack have been tapped with the honor and responsibility of helping to decide which contest entrants will have the chance to put their production skills to the ultimate test, going head-to-head through six rounds of competition.

The KRK Kreator Alliance unites the brand’s leading artists and producers to focus their energy on what matters most to their musical vision. In turn, this helps KRK gain the innovative perspective of its alliance members, ultimately shaping KRK’s overall brand strategy. As founding members of the KRK Kreator Alliance, Chingy, Ali Stone, and Jblack will participate in the brand’s first-of-its-kind beat-making challenge. With decades of combined experience and prowess in the music industry, this trio is well-prepared to seed leading and unique talent throughout the competition.

Initial entry into the competition is now open on the BeatStars platform through October 22. After the final entry deadline, the Top 40 artists will move on to the next round, which puts their beats directly in front of the judging panel for the first round of voting and eliminations. The head-to-head portion will officially launch with the Top 32 contestants on KRK’s Instagram (@krk.music) on Tuesday, November 2. During each round of the competition, public voting periods will determine who advances to the next level.

“Having our Alliance members participate in the first Kreator Classic further drives home the importance of the people and creative energy behind the music,” says Sterling Doak, Director of Marketing for Gibson. “With years of experience and influence in the industry, Chingy, Ali Stone, and Jblack are the ultimate trio to find top talent among the contest participants.”

Legendary hip hop Recording Artist, Record Producer, and Actor Chingy is no stranger to top-of-the-line mixes. Hailing from St. Louis, he toured with his predecessor Nelly before getting signed to Ludacris’ “Disturbing Tha Peace” label. For Kreator Classic contestants born in the 90s and raised in the 2000s, Chingy was likely an integral part of their childhood musical memories.

Colombian Music Producer, Multi-instrumentalist, and Singer-songwriter Ali Stone has worked with a range of award-winning musicians, including Danna Paola, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, and Natti Natasha, among others. Named by Billboard as one of the “Latin hitmakers of 2021,” she was also one of the opening acts for Justin Bieber’s “Purpose” world tour. Channeling her love of music creation, Ali Stone is eager to hear the talent that comes out of the Kreator Classic.

In addition to producing hit records with artists like Two Chains, Jblack is also an innovator in the craft of finger drumming and the creator of the Finger Drumming Academy, where he has designed a curriculum for students to master mixing tracks on a pad controller in less than six months. With his expertise in beat-making, Jblack is sure to have an ear for exceptional talent during the Kreator Classic. To check out the creators’ mixes, cast votes for contestants, and receive live updates throughout the first-ever Kreator Classic competition, be sure to follow KRK on Instagram @krk.music.