Take a long look at this picture boys and girls. Over the past few years, this guys influence has changed the sound of hip-hop—for better or worst. Yeah, that’s Roger Troutman and today marks a decade since his passing. As the lead singer of Zapp, Roger spawned classic cuts like “Computer Love” and “I Want To Be Your Man” using his signature Talk Box device. And while 90% of the game jacks his immortal techniques, he most remembered for spicing the chorous on 2Pac’s “California Love.” Check out some clips after the jump. T-Pain owes you a Fathers Day card.
Sidebar: Our readers are smarter than yours.
Please clarify that Roger used a talkbox and T-Pain uses autotune.
You have to play a keyboard to use a talkbox. Autotune is some old
studio effect that takes no talent whatsoever to use. — “Priest Forever”
Man, this drop from Masspike Miles is seriously smooth from start to finish. The Road Less Traveled totally delivers on that signature R&B vibe, and the production choices across these tracks are just insane. It honestly feels more complete than a lot of full-length albums out right now. Tracks like "Devoted" with Bun B and the title track hit different when you are just cruising around the city late at night. If you are heading out to grab the physical copy or hitting up a late-night listening session across town, trying to flag down reliable taxi services can sometimes be a real hassle, so planning ahead definitely saves the mood. Overall, this project proves why he is such a vital part of the Maybach crew. Definitely keep this one on repeat for a while.