If you are looking to capture the iconic cloud rap and "tread" sound of Black Kray
(also known as Sickboyrari), here are some of the best drum kit options and production elements to look for. Highly-Rated Black Kray Inspired Kits
These kits are frequently recommended by the underground producer community for their lo-fi, wavy, and atmospheric textures: SLEEPERS07 Weird Kit : A community favorite on
The "Black Kray drum kit" is more than a simple collection of audio samples; it is a sonic blueprint that helped define the aesthetic of the modern SoundCloud underground. Black Kray (also known as Sickboyrari), the founder of Goth Money Records
, pioneered a sound that merged the gritty, DIY ethos of early Memphis rap with the atmospheric, distorted textures of witch house The Sonic Anatomy of the Kit
The drums in Black Kray’s production—and the kits inspired by them—are characterized by their intentional "low-budget dustiness" and raw intensity. Distorted 808s:
Unlike the clean, booming 808s of mainstream trap, Kray’s 808s are often heavily saturated or "blown out." This provides a dark, industrial foundation that complements his slurred, melodic delivery. The "Tread" Influence:
Black Kray is often cited as a pioneer of the "tread" subgenre, characterized by high BPMs (often 160+) and hard-hitting, aggressive drum patterns. Producers like and the collective Working on Dying
frequently used kits featuring sharp, rapid-fire hi-hats and triplets that defined this era. Lo-Fi Percussion:
Many kits associated with the Goth Money sound include "dusty" snares and claps that sound as if they were sampled from old Memphis underground tapes or recorded with intentional lofi degradation. Producers and Key Kits
While Black Kray is a producer himself, his signature sound is often a collaboration with specific beatmakers whose drum selections became iconic. Working on Dying: Early Kray tracks often utilized drum sounds from the Working on Dying
kits, which are legendary in the underground for their sharp textures and "cold" digital feel. Witch House Elements: Influence from artists like White Ring
introduced industrial FX, creepy textures, and "crushed" drum samples into the Kray palette. Community Resources:
In the producer community, "Black Kray Type" kits often focus on "Gothchyld" collections
or "Old Gen" packs that recreate the 2013–2015 era of Goth Money production. Legacy and Impact WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN - Record Collector Magazine
The "Black Kray Drum Kit"! A highly sought-after drum kit in the music production community, particularly among hip-hop and electronic music producers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the world of Black Kray Drum Kit, exploring its features, sound quality, and how to get the most out of this incredible resource.
What is the Black Kray Drum Kit?
The Black Kray Drum Kit is a collection of high-quality drum samples curated by Black Kray, a renowned music producer and sound designer. The kit is designed to provide producers with a versatile and powerful set of drum sounds that can be used in a variety of musical genres.
Key Features:
Sound Quality:
The Black Kray Drum Kit is renowned for its exceptional sound quality. Each sample is:
How to Use the Black Kray Drum Kit:
To get the most out of the Black Kray Drum Kit, follow these tips:
DAW Integration:
The Black Kray Drum Kit can be easily integrated into your digital audio workstation (DAW). Here's how:
Tips and Tricks:
Conclusion:
The Black Kray Drum Kit is an incredible resource for music producers looking to elevate their drum game. With its diverse sound palette, high-quality samples, and flexibility, this kit is perfect for creating a wide range of musical genres. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of the Black Kray Drum Kit and take your music production to the next level.
While there is no single "official" Black Kray (Sickboyrari) drum kit released by the artist himself, producers and fans have compiled several "full feature" stash kits that capture his signature Goth Money Records tread and cloud rap sound.
Most "full feature" Black Kray kits are designed to emulate the production of collaborators like Working on Dying Kane Grocerys Key Features of a Black Kray Style Drum Kit
A comprehensive kit typically includes the following elements: Hard-Hitting 808s:
Distorted, short "tread" style 808s or long, booming sub-bass for cloud rap tracks. Signature Percussion:
Includes sharp, crisp claps, rapid-fire hi-hats (often with unusual rolls), and metallic "perc" hits characteristic of the "tread" subgenre. Atmospheric Samples:
Lo-fi melody loops, vocal chants, and ambient FX that create the dark, "gothic" atmosphere associated with Goth Money. Drum Loops & MIDI:
Pre-made patterns often at higher tempos (around 160 BPM) typical of his more aggressive tracks like "Choppa City Loan". Cedar Sound Studios Popular Community Stash Kits
Producers often use these specific kits to achieve his sound: Gothchyld Collection Vol. 1:
A widely used fan-made collection featuring "majestic keys" and "fat 808s" tailored for the Goth Money aesthetic. 2K55 Tread Stash Drumkit:
A specific kit designed for the fast, aggressive "tread" production found in much of Black Kray's discography. Custom Producer Stashes: Many users on communities like
This is the goldmine. Search for "Sickboyrari" or "Working on Dying." Users have uploaded massive archives of sounds specifically ripped from the Cash Swords and Trench Zeppelin eras.
While waiting for a mythical, perfect "Black Kray drum kit" to appear, start building your own. Take a standard trap kit, throw a bitcrusher on the hi-hats, saturate the 808s until they distort, and replace your snare with a wet rimshot.
The secret to Black Kray’s drums isn't the sample itself—it's the attitude. They are supposed to sound like a hacker blasting trap music through a blown-out Nokia phone speaker. They are anti-clean, anti-sterile, and purely emotional.
So, go ahead. Search Reddit, check those YouTube descriptions, and download that "Gothic Cloud Rap" folder. Load up that distorted 808, set your BPM to 130-140, and let the rims knock. You are now one step closer to the Goth Money sound.
Start producing. #Sickboyrari
Do you have a favorite Black Kray drum sound? Let us know in the comments below—or share your own custom kit links.
A Black Kray drum kit (often sought under his other moniker, Sickboyrari) is a collection of audio samples—such as 808s, snares, and hi-hats—designed to emulate the "Cloud Rap" and "Tread" production style pioneered by Black Kray and his collective, Goth Money Records. Key Characteristics of the Sound
The "Black Kray" aesthetic is defined by a lo-fi, hazy, and aggressive sound. Producers looking for these kits typically expect:
Hard-Hitting 808s: Distorted, long-decaying bass sounds that define the "Tread" subgenre.
Lo-fi Percussion: Sharp, sometimes "bit-crushed" snares and claps that cut through thick, atmospheric melodies.
Witch House Influences: Dark, eerie synth loops and vocal chops inspired by Kray's early work like Back to the Witchhouse.
High BPM Energy: Many beats fall into the 160+ BPM range, featuring rapid hi-hat rolls and complex rhythm patterns. Where to Find Them
While there is no single "official" kit released by the artist, the community creates "stash kits" and "type kits" based on his discography:
A Black Kray drum kit—referencing the influential Goth Money Records founder also known as Sickboyrari—is an essential toolset for producers aiming to recreate the dark, ethereal, and distorted aesthetics of cloud rap, tread, and witch house. Unlike standard trap kits, these sound packs prioritize lo-fi textures and heavy, often "blown-out" 808s to match Kray’s signature underground sound. Core Components of a Black Kray Style Kit
To capture the "Old Gen" or classic Goth Money vibe, kits typically include: black kray drum kit
Heavy 808s: Distorted, long-sustaining bass sounds, such as the widely used "Exclxnce 808," are central to his tracks.
Lo-Fi Percussion: Snares and claps often feature heavy reverb or "crush" effects to create an atmospheric, haunted feel.
Unique FX & Textures: A typical fan-made or producer kit for this style contains a high ratio of "weird" sounds, one-shots, and atmospheric loops—sometimes upwards of 50+ FX per pack.
Tread Elements: High-tempo, aggressive drum patterns (often 110–160 BPM) with rapid-fire hi-hats and heavy kicks that define the "tread" subgenre Kray helped pioneer. Recommended Packs & Sources
If you are looking to download or build a kit with these specific sounds, producers frequently cite these resources:
Working on Dying Kits: Since Kray frequently collaborated with the Working on Dying collective, their official or inspired drum kits are often used to replicate his classic sound.
GOTHCHYLD Collection: A popular community-made collection (Vol. 1) specifically designed for "Goth Money" style production, featuring majestic keys and fat 808s.
Community Stashes: Specialized forums like r/Drumkits often host custom, free packs such as the "SLEEPERS07" or "brknglss" kits which are tailored for Black Kray type beats.
Traktrain & BeatStars: You can find curated "Cloud Rap" or "Tread" sample packs from independent sound designers on platforms like Traktrain. Production Tips for the Black Kray Sound
The "Black Kray Drum Kit" refers to a collection of digital audio samples—percussion sounds, 808 basses, and effects—designed to replicate the aesthetic of Black Kray (also known as Sickboyrari), a pioneer of underground and the founder of Goth Money Records. The Sound Aesthetic
Black Kray’s production is characterized by a "lo-fi," "crunchy," and often "atmospheric" sound. His music blends diverse influences, including Southern trap, witch house, and ethereal psychedelic samples. A drum kit tailored to this style typically includes: Heavily Distorted 808s
: Powerful, saturated bass sounds that often "clip" or "glue" with the kick drum to create a gritty energy. Lo-fi Percussion
: Snares, claps, and hi-hats that sound "unproduced" or "dusty," often achieving a "crunch" through downsampling or bitcrushing. Unique FX & Textures
: Elements like "creepy sounds," video game SFX, and "ghostly whispers" that enhance the "druggy" and "paranormal" vibes of his tracks. Key Producers and Kits
Producers who have helped define Kray's sound often use specific kits that are highly sought after in the underground community:
Black Kray (also known as SickBoyRari) is a pioneer of the cloud rap and underground scene, known for his lo-fi, ethereal, and often dark production style. To recreate his sound, you need a drum kit that prioritizes grit, heavy distortion, and "dreamy" textures. 🥁 Essential Sounds for a Black Kray Kit
The core of a Black Kray type beat relies on a specific selection of drum samples:
Distorted 808s: Heavy, saturated bass that often clips or has a "fuzzy" texture.
Lo-fi Snares & Claps: Dry, crisp snares that sit clearly in the mix, sometimes layered with "weird" percussion.
Fast Hi-Hats: Rapid triplets or 32nd-note rolls are common, often using thin, metallic hat sounds.
Ambient FX: One-shots like water drops, wind, or "creepy" background textures to build atmosphere. 🔍 Recommended Kits & Resources
While there isn't one single "official" kit, producers frequently use the following to achieve his aesthetic: Stingray Drum Kit
: A popular Reddit-sourced kit known for unique, full sounds that fit the underground vibe. Lunch77 Stash
: Often cited as the gold standard for trap and cloud rap sounds, featuring high-quality, genre-essential one-shots.
"Weird" Custom Kits: Experimental kits found on Reddit's Drumkits community often contain the distorted and unconventional sounds Kray's producers favor.
Phonk/Cloud Rap Stashes: Kits inspired by early Goth Money Records often include vintage Memphis drum samples (808 cowbells, grainy kicks). 🎹 How to Produce Like Black Kray If you are looking to capture the iconic
According to breakdown videos of tracks like "Choppa City Lone" and "Yam Yafa," the key is often simplicity: Tempo: Usually ranges from 140 to 160 BPM.
Structure: Beats typically feature two main melodies and roughly five core drum elements.
Mixing: Focus on leveling and "rough" mixing to ensure sounds feel cohesive but maintain a "raw" edge.
yo i just made this weird kit [this was made for fun ] : r/Drumkits
The Black Kray (also known as Sickboyrari) drum kit is characterized by its gritty, dark, and highly atmospheric aesthetic that defined the legendary SoundCloud era of the 2010s. This specific production style blends lo-fi Memphis rap influences with heavy cloud rap and early "tread" music, popularized by collectives like Goth Money Records and producers like Working on Dying. 🥁 Essential Elements of a Black Kray Style Drum Kit
To create a content or pack reflecting this sound, you need to include these specific, textured elements:
Distorted 808s: Blown-out, heavy 808s with short decays or long, gliding sub-basses saturated with clipping distortion.
Lo-Fi Snares & Claps: Vintage Roland TR-808 claps or dirty, compressed Lex Luger-style snares heavily layered with reverb.
Skittering Hi-Hats: Fast, rolling hi-hats with heavy use of triplets and rapid pitch rolls to create a sense of frantic energy.
Punchy Kicks: Short, hard-hitting acoustic or synthesized kicks that cut directly through muddy sub-bass frequencies.
Spacey Percussion: Obscure sound effects, laser sounds, heavy metallic rimshots, and reversed cymbals.
Atmospheric FX: Distant gunshots, heavy rain textures, vintage video game noises, and eerie vocal chants or groans buried in the mix.
🎛️ How to Process the Sounds for That Classic Aesthetic
Bitcrushing & Sample Rate Reduction: Drop your export quality or use a bitcrusher on your master channel to emulate the crunchy, compressed 2014 SoundCloud upload quality.
Heavy Saturation: Run your drums through tape emulation or soft clippers to get a warm, distorted "analog" clipping sound.
Washed-Out Reverb: Put a large cathedral reverb on your snares and specific percussion hits, but turn the mix down so it acts as a background "ghostly" atmosphere.
Delays and Echoes: Use ping-pong delays on auxiliary percussion sounds to give your beat a wide, disorienting stereo field. 🎹 How to Construct a Beat with This Kit
Tempo: Set your project anywhere between 110 BPM and 130 BPM for a classic, dragging cloud rap feel, or crank it up to 150+ BPM if you are going for a modern, tread-inspired bounce.
The Melody: Look for melancholic instruments like dark harps, detuned synths, music boxes, or slowed-down R&B vocal samples.
The Bounce: Keep the kicks sparse to let the gliding 808s breathe, and let the rapid hi-hat rolls create the driving momentum of the track.
Mixing: How To Make Fatter Drums (5 Simple Tips) - Production Music Live
In a typical trap kit, the snare is king. In a Black Kray drum kit, the snare is often replaced by a rimshot or a clap with heavy reverb. The rimshot gives a "knock" rather than a "snap," which pairs perfectly with his melodic, sad vocal delivery.
In the ever-evolving underground landscape of hip-hop, few subgenres have carved out a niche as distinct, eerie, and hypnotic as Gothic Cloud Rap. At the epicenter of this movement stands the enigmatic Atlanta-based rapper and producer, Black Kray (also known as Sickboyrari). His sound—a chaotic blend of hyper-pop synths, iced-out melodies, and gritty, distorted drums—has spawned a generation of beatmakers trying to replicate his aesthetic.
If you are a producer looking to capture that haunting, lo-fi, yet aggressive bounce, you are likely searching for one thing: the Black Kray drum kit.
But what exactly goes into a Black Kray drum kit? Is it just a collection of 808s, or is there a specific sonic philosophy behind the sound? In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the anatomy of the "Kray" drum sound, where to find authentic kits, and how to use them to produce tracks that sound like they belong on Crack Clouds Over Art Kitchen or Thug Angel.