TIMELESS STYLE Hip-hop producer Melvin Junko keeps it classic while formulating his own boom-bap sound. By KEITH L. McDONALD Junko's tools of choice are the SP 404 SX, SP 303, an MPC 2000 XL, an old Casio keyboard he got from a thrift store for $15, record samples and ProTools. In 2017, he released 10,000 Hours, followed by a new project in 2018 with Tha Soloist. There's no end in sight, either, with fans seeming to enjoy the concept of a cohesive album made by a pair of similar musical minds. Stylistically, Junko has stayed in the same lane on those past few albums, utilizing lo-fi beats, record samples and traditional hip-hop drum patterns to formulate tracks that have caught the ear of MCs all over the country. Although Junko doesn't stray from the tried-and-true boom bap formula, he continues to get props from his peers, both locally and nationally. Not only do his beats display an ear for sound and timing, they display the hard work that's required to survive in such a fiercely competitive industry. With around 20 projects in his catalogue—some of which he doesn't even remember—Junko cites as favorites his work with Utah heavyweights D-Strong and EneeOne, who spit bars over Junko beats on a deep cut called "The Real." In addition, Junko has worked with Artifacts, Bronze Nazareth, Big Lo, Copywrite and Ruste Juxx—from New Jersey, Michigan, Florida, Ohio and New York, respectively. That speaks to his far-ranging appeal, as well as to his potential for the future.