The renowned hip-hop producer Madlib has confirmed the devastating loss of his extensive record collection, much of his recording equipment, and his home in the wildfires ravaging California, which have claimed at least 25 lives.
Madlib, a highly influential musician known for his sample-heavy production style, has collaborated with some of the most prominent figures in rap, including Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and MF DOOM. His record collection, which he built over 30 years, played a vital role in his creative process.
The collection, understood to include thousands of rare vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes spanning various genres, was enriched by Madlib’s global travels. In addition to his hip-hop creations, Madlib also explored experimental music, as seen in his Sound Ancestors collaboration with electronic artist Four Tet. He also founded the Madlib Invazion label.
Madlib frequently worked with artists in the alternative hip-hop scene, such as Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, and J Dilla, often incorporating elements of world music and jazz into his productions.
His most famous collaboration is likely with the late MF DOOM, with whom he used his archive and equipment to produce the critically acclaimed album Madvillainy in his Los Angeles studio.
Fans expressed their shock and sadness over the loss, with an online fundraiser being set up to support Madlib and his family. The fundraiser has received backing from fellow artists like Flying Lotus and Freddie Gibbs.
Madlib’s home is among more than 12,000 buildings destroyed by the fires, which have forced the evacuation of over 200,000 people in the Los Angeles area. The fires have been described as some of the most destructive in California’s history.
In addition to Madlib’s loss, other significant musical archives have been affected by the fire, including large portions of the collection of Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg and the studio of the band Poolside.