hello everyone, my name is stephanie flores. i am cuban-panamanian but i was born and raised in miami and i’m 23 years old.
When did you start modeling and was it something you always wanted to do?
i’m actually pretty new to this, i started pursuing it just 3 months ago although i did my first shoot when i was 18. i’ve always loved getting my picture taken so i’m not surprised i ended up modeling
Who was your role model growing up?
my mother. she is the best person i know, she always has and will be there for me.
Do you do much traveling? If so where do you like most?
yes i love to travel, i got to visit new york for the first time this year and absolutely fell in love with the city! bimini is also one of my favorites, i went twice this summer.
What do you like to do for fun?
i like going to the beach, working out, cooking, and i really love to dance
What kind of music do you listen to?
just about anything, i love music! i’m really into oldies, hip-hop and love bachata.
Do you have any favorite clothing lines?
i cant say i have a favorite line. i shop at a lot of boutiques and love to shop from NastyGal.
Any future projects?
definitely! but you’ll have to stay tuned for that..
Last words?
thank you for this interview and i also want to thank everyone for supporting me. keep an eye out for me, this is just the beginning
Can you speak about your 9th birthday? I caught a 9lb blue fish on my 9th birthday with my dad when I went out to the Long Island sound. I caught a 9lb blue fish and my dad caught a 10lb.
You go fishing a lot? I try too, when I’m not busy – I definitely try too.
When you go to the gun range whats your favorite gun to use. The chopper.
Do you go to wingstop at all? I love wingstop, lemon pepper always – every time.
What are your other favorite restaurants in Miami? Prime One Twelve, Benihana
You go to Joe Stone Crab? Yeah Joes, on the beach.
Can you speak about your label, Bilderberg Records. Its not just a record label – just one part of it is rap. Im gonna have an escort service, the web cam service, H.U.S.H (have you seen her) my adult entertainment, trippy sticks – all that’s under Bilderberg.
Favorite Strip Club? I gotta say probably Take One, King of Diamonds is cool but I like Take One.
What video games have you been playing while chillin at home? 2k13 and Black Ops 2.
What are your thoughts on trust and loyalty. Its everything. The ones that do stay loyal and stay 100, they succeed. It takes a lil longer and the roads are a little more narrow but when you make it you feel good about yourself.
When do you get off house arrest? Monday hopefully.
Can you speak at all about your upcoming record with Pharrell “Steel Drums”. Its a dope record I got with Pharrell- he did his thing. He reached out cause he heard me on it. Its raw, its got the steel drums in the background – like artillery and Pharrells on the hook.
Your about to drop your upcoming mixtape “Cops & Robbers”, what can you say about that? That’s pretty much like a Gunplay compilation with some new releases – couple new freestyles and a couple new records.
A$AP Rocky f. Gunplay & A$AP Ferg – Ghetto Symphony He reached out cause he felt like he a record that he really heard me on. He reached out and sent it over and it really came out dope – shout out to A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg.
Gunplay f. Waka Flocka – Rollin That was shot a little bit in King of Diamonds and another shot was in Club Cinema in Broward. I got 16 million views on that world star video.
Gunplay – Guillotine Swords I was just messing around with the camera man and seeing what we could do – I direct all my videos.
Kendrick Lamar f. Gunplay – Cartoons and Cereal Kendrick reached out and heard me on that record – it was right up my lane. It was that hood shit I could relate too, it was dope – huge record.
Gunplay f. Lil Wayne – Banana clips I had that track with the Renegades for a while. I guess they were in the studio with Wayne and they asked him if they wanted to get on it an he was with it so they knocked it out.
Thoughts on the music industry? I think its in a very good spot because its still making money. Its still an outlet for us to get money – it ain’t doing that bad but I don’t follow the fashion or follow the styles or shit like that.
Whats the first thing you’re gonna do when you get off? Videos man, visuals – I’m gonna throw parties and hang with my son.
In five years where do you want to be? I want to be in Hollywood doing movies – gangsta shit.
Who do you still wanna work with? Jay-Z
Last words? Its the Medellin thing. Shout out to my Don Logan DJs. Go get your trippy sticks, we gonna be selling them things soon – trippy nation baby.
How old where you when you started producing? When I was 14… My uncle pooky got me got me a PC and just started on that.
Where do you get in the studio now? I’m in Atalanta
Name some of the artist you worked with. Jay-Z, Kanye, Waka Flocka, Meek Millz, Wale, Rick Ross, B.o.B, Gucci Mane, Wooh Da Kid, Oj Da Juice Man, Lil Scrappy, Rich Kid Shawty.
What are you working with in the studio now. Fruity Loops.
What would you say your big break was? I don’t feel like I really had my break yet, I still have a lot to accomplish.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years I see myself worth millions, I mean im already there but I see myself being a multi, multi million dollar producer – I see myself being the number one producer all around the world and having my own label.
Favorite songs you’ve produced Um right now my favorite songs are on Waka’s new album and “Wildboys” cause that’s mine too – MGK.
Traveling with “The Club Paradise Tour”? Yeah I traveled on the bus with Waka… Pitsburg was real cool and so was LA… San Francisco was ok – I had my hook up to make beats.
Artists still wanna work with… I’m doin more R&B/pop now so it would be cool to work with Usher… I’d also like to work with Luda and T.I.
Speak about changing up your sound I’m switchin it up, word up. I’m just trying to do different things. I’m mixin pop with a lil trap, and lil rnb. It still sound commercial, just doin new stuff.
Last Words… Go buy Waka Flockas “Triple F Life” album.
Hi guys ! It’s ya girl Dauvinee aka Dede Damati . I’m 23 years young and straight from NY, tanning in Miami, FL.
When did you start modeling?
I started modeling when I was 19. I was atleast 30 lbs. lighter and I couldn’t book anything! Lol. But more seriously in the last year. I’m new to this!
Is modeling something you’ve always wanted to do?
Yess!! Every little girl dreams of being a model when their younger.. that or a ballerina..Which I was when i was younger also Haha.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working or have days off?
Considering I almost never have days off..*sigh*.. I love to spend time with my family. Go shopping, go to the beach and the movies.
What do you love most about Miami?
I love the Miami weather of course! I was born in New York and the weather up there doesn’t compare to a summer down here. I love being under the sun
How was being apart of Wales music video That Way?
Anytime I work with 305 films its a good time. Wale’s video was like the second or third major project I was apart of so it was very exciting.
How did that opportunity happen?
The very first major video I did was Drakes “I’m on one” and i landed that by going to my first casting. Shortly after, I was introduced to so many people in the industry that I was a regular at the castings and the directors already knew my face. Then I started getting requested and it pretty much went UP from there.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences as a model?
I would have to say the I’m On One vid because it was the start of everything. I go on set and people already know who I am, that feels good!
Whats your focus in 2012?
My main focus is and will always be to provide for my family. I would like to go back to school as well as balance modeling as best I can. I want to do a few magazine covers then possibly transition into Public Relations. But who knows what the future holds?
Any upcoming projects?
Tons of upcoming projects! But I can’t say just yet so you will all have to stay tuned
Last Words?
I just want to say thanks to YOU Michael, for this interview , thank you to all my supporters and thanks for all the love! Appreciate it very much xoxo
Introduce yourself… My name is Tatiana Kasinsky I am 21 years old. I am colombian and my father is from Brazil.
When did you start modeling? I’ve been modeling for two years now I started when I was around 19.
Is modeling something you’ve always wanted to do? Modeling is actually not what I saw myself doing. I wanted to be a singer when I was a little girl and I knew that I wanted to work on T.V I was always fascinated by it. Modeling is something that just started happening and different opportunities came my way so I went with it and I love it.
How was 2011 for you? 2011 was a great year because it is when things actually starting taking off and I got signed to different agencies. Also people started becoming aware of my work and interested in what I was doing.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working or have days off? What I like to do for fun is hang out with my friends during the weekend maybe go to the beach or go out at night to South Beach. I also take dance classes it’s something that I love to do and just hang out even if it is at my house with the family.
What kind of music do you listen to? I listen to Hip hop, rap, house music, and reggaeton. I love all kinds of music I will even listen to country music if I love the song.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences as a model? The most memorable experiences as a model for me would have to be the amazing people I have met this year because of modeling. I have met people that I still keep in touch with. And it is really important that the photographer and the model can understand each other and have that same vision as to what they want to create and I have been very lucky with the ones I have worked with. Also the beautiful locations you get to shoot at make it very exciting.
What are you working on now – any future projects? I just worked with Deco Bike, I also plan to work with Lua Morena’s bikini line. And work with different photographers. There is one future project, which I am very excited about but I can’t say right now but soon enough I will let you guys know
Where do you see your modeling career in five years? In five years I hope to accomplish all my goals in this industry and get published in different magazines and get to travel to beautiful locations. I would also want to try out different stuff whether it is acting and working on Television that would be great.
Last words? Follow me @TatianaKasinsky and thank you all for your support!
Introduce us to Beat Billionaire. A young hustler with a drive to go and get it like no other!
How did you get started in the music business and was it something you always wanted to do? It all started off as just a neighborhood thing. I sold drugs all my life so I never took my rapping that serious at first. My homeboy would always tell me that im dope but I didn’t think much of it till I met Parrish Smith from the group EPMD. He moved me out to New York after he heard me in a rap battle, where I then stayed for a few years. While out in New York, I went on tour with EPMD, K-SOLO, DAS EFX for a few months. Things didn’t exactly work out but it was all for the better – I just didn’t really fit in with my style of rapping. I then moved down to Atlanta where Parrish then introduced me to Grand Hustle and they took a liking into me and my music. Mike Lace and Macboney over there ended up hearing some of my production. They really liked it even though I never really took it seriously – I only produced because I got tired of asking people for beats. But they thought my shit was crazy so as time went on I produced a couple mixtape songs for Young Dro and then I produced his singles “Take Off” and “Freeze Me”. After these songs came out Rick Ross then reached out to me and was like “yo im fucking with you!”. So me and ross then sat down and mapped a few things out. Once that happened I became a maybach music producer because I was a free agent at the time. Ever since I’ve been apart of the team things have been a blessing. I’ve gone on to produce Rick Ross’s single “John Doe” off his “Ashes To Ashes” mixtape and then had two more songs off “SelfMade” – “Fitted Cap” & “Riding Da Pole”. More recently I’ve done “Wale f. 2Chainz – Globtrotter” but im working on Rick Ross’s God Forgives I Don’t and a lot more stuff ya dig! Ross told me don’t let up so im goin in this year for 2012. Its MMG Baby!
Name some of the artists you worked. Rick Ross, Birdman, Young Dro, TI, Young Joc, Oj Da Juiceman, Lil Twist ,Yung La ,Big Kuntry, Nelly, The New Boyz,Wale, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Killer Mike ,8Ball And MJG ,Diggy Simmons and many more.
Name some of the tracks you’ve produced. ” Rick Ross John Doe Young Dro Ft TI and Gucci Mane “Freeze Me” -Take Off” And ” Racked Up” Wale “Fitted Cap” – Globetrotter- Best Night Ever” Killer Mike Ft Young Jeezy “Go Out On The Town” 8 Ball & MJG “Spotlight” Just To Name A Few
What is a typical day like for you? If I’m not working I’m wit my family I love to be with them and my kids !!!
What equipment are you currently using in your studio? Reason and FL Studio
What are your thoughts on your recent deal with Maybach Music/Warner Bros? It’s Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! We are a family – It’s such a great situation to be in. Unstoppable MMG for life.
Who is/are the biggest influences on your music? Timberland, Missy Elliot, Teddy Riley Neptunes, DeVante Swing, Dr.Dre, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz
What other artists would you still like to work with? Jay-z, Kanye, Andre 3000
Any upcoming projects we should be looking out for? Rick Ross’s upcoming album God Forgives, I Don’t… MMG’s – SelfMade 2 which I think is coming late November! Wale’s – Ambition which is in stores now and so is Selfmade.
Last words? Never let a person tell you dreams don’t come true! If they do tell em I said fuck ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So who makes up The Renegades and how did the name originate? The Renegades are made up of Bryan (Reazy) Johnson and Mevin (Mev) Riviere. It represents how we as producers go against the grain of what may considered popular.
Whats a typical day in the life of The Renegades? Wake up, make BEATS!!
What equipment do you guys currently use? We use FL Studio 10 XXL, and some exclusive hardware.
What’s the whole process of making a track, from beginning to end – what are the steps taken to complete a song? There’s really no methodology to our music, we go with whatever inspires us. We may start a track and finish in one session, or come back to it weeks later depending on our mood.
DJ Khaled f. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & T-Pain – Welcome To My Hood [Prod. The Renegades] It was a blessing and a great opportunity to work with so many huge artists on just one track.
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Who are some of your biggest influences on your music? Prince, Quincy jones, Jimmy Hendricks, Issac Hayes, MJ
Any particular artists you would like to work with in the future? Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Jay-Z, Katie Perry
What projects should we be looking out for soon? Ace Hood, DJ Khaled, We The Best, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes, Meek Mill, Gunplay and the whole MMG, Alley Boy, TI and Grand Hustle.
SAROM IS A WELL KNOWN SUPER PRODUCER BORN & RAISED IN NORTH PHILADELPHIA.
How did you get started in the music business and was it something you always wanted to do?
MUSIC IS SOMETHING I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO. I STARTED OUT RHYMING WHEN I WAS 16. FIGURED WHY NOT MAKE MY OWN TRACKS. MY GRANDPARENTS HELPED ME BUY THE EQUIPMENT I NEEDED TO GET STARTED. I GOT REALLY GOOD AT IT AND DECIDED THAT RAPPING WASN’T FOR ME. SO I CONTINUED TO GROW AND LEARN DIFFERENT THINGS. ENDED UP BECOMING GREAT AS A PRODUCER. 10 YEARS LATER I’M HERE MAKING RECORDS FOR MAINSTREAM ARTIST
Name some of the artists you worked and the tracks you’ve produced.
JUST TO NAME A FEW.. ROYCE DA 5’9 FT EMINEM – WRITERS BLOCK VADO – LET IT BURN BIRDMAN FT WAYNE – POP BOTTLES FABOLOUS FT JEEZY – DIAMONDS LIL WAYNE – SOMETHING YOU FOTGOT, STREET LIFE, IM A BEAST, I TOOK HER, ALL ALONE BROOKE HOGAN FT FLO’RIDA – RUFF ME UP JAH CURE FT JR REID – HOT LONG TIME CARLOS SANTA FT. JLO – THIS BOYS FIRE FRED DA GODSON – FEROCIOUS CURRENCY – 3 WISHES YUNG BERG – ROLLIN
What is a typical day like for you?
A TYPICAL DAY WHEN I’M HOME..WAKE UP AROUND NOON, CHECK MY EMAIL, CHECK UP ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, GET IN MY STUDIO & WORK ON SOME TRACKS, HIT THE GYM, AND HIT THE STUDIO AGAIN TILL LATE NIGHT.
What equipment are you currently using in your studio? RIGHT NOW I GOT MY LAPTOP W/ FRUITYLOOPS, KEYBOARD MIDI CONTROLLER, MBOX2, GENELEC SPEAKERS, AND ALMOST EVERY VST PLUGGINS. SIMPLE SETUP. I’M IN THE WORKS OF SWITCHING OVER TO A MACBOOK PRO AND MASTERING LOGIC. I’M READY FOR THE CHANGE.
Who is/are the biggest influences on your music?
AS OF NOW LIL WAYNE, DRAKE, TIMBALAND, JUST BLAZE…
What other artists would you still like to work with?
IM TRYING TO MAKE GOOD MUSIC WITH EVERYONE. TO NAME A FEW ARTIST THAT I HAVEN’T WORKED W/ ..I WOULD HAVE TO SAY DRAKE, NICKI MINAJ, T.I., JAY-Z, LADY GAGA, BEYONCE, BRITNEY SPEARS, KANYA WEST, RIHANNA..ETC
Any upcoming projects we should be looking out for?
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR TYGA’S NEW RECORD CALLED ‘GET GNARLEY’ PRODUCED BY MYSELF & STREETrunner. STRAIGHT CLUB/RADIO BANGAAAAAA!! I GOT A FEW OTHER PROJECTS ON THE TABLE, BUT UNTIL THAT PAPERWORK IS DONE I DON’T WANNA’ SAY TOO MUCH.
What are you currently listening too?
TO BE HONEST.. I DON’T LISTEN TO THE RADIO…IF IM IN THE CAR I NORMALLY PLAY MY TRACKS. I LIKE TO GET A FEEL ON HOW THEY WOULD SOUND IN THE CAR OR CLUBS.
Last words?
S/O TO YOU FOR SETTING UP THIS INTERVIEW. BIG SHOUT OUT TO ALL OF MY FAMILY & FRIENDS WHO HAS BEEN THERE TO SUPPORT ME SINCE DAY ONE! MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @SAROMSOUNDZ FOR THE LATEST INFO.
When did you start producing and was it something you always wanted to do? I started producing my senior year of highschool (late 2006-2007) i always had a love for music was in band for about 4yrs but i first had seen my oldest brother producing on a Korg and then shortly after he started using FLStudio so when I got old enough i taught myself.
Let everyone know some of the artists you’ve worked with. I’ve worked with Diddy/Dirty Money, Drake, Yung Berg, Kevin Cossom, Lil Wayne, Ross, Ray J, Roscoe Dash, Ty$, Roscoe Dash & more.
Who in the rap industry has supported you the most? Its a number of people who have came and gone that have supported me and gave me support, but i’d have to say Yung Berg had a big influence on gettin my name out and got me a lot of features. Also Rob Holladay who helped me develop my sound some.And Irvin Whitlow had been a big impact even past the music just an all around great mentor.
What equipment are you currently working with? Nothin too crazy!! lol FL Studio w/ some amazing VSTs and ive dipped into Logic here in there.
Do you use samples when producing or do you prefer to make an original composition? I prefer to make orginal compositions but I sample here and there. I usually chop drums up and create my own drums out of those w/ FX and what not.
Lil Wayne Ft. Rick Ross – John [Prod. Ayo The Producer] I actually made “John” a couple years back when i was heavy on the “trap” sound.. Was a Shawty Redd fan and Rob Holladay had always told me “take my records to the ship” (give it a space kinda vibe) which is where the crazy sounds came from. Record was shopped around, certain people made the play to get it placed and thats about it.
Drake – Do It All [Prod. Ayo The Producer] “Do It All” actually came about when i was out in Cali workin with Rob Holladay.. told me I had crazy chord progressions so i layed some.. and went in on the record after.
What artists would you like to work with the the future? I’d like to work with R&B/Pop acts which is what my main focus is sound wise now.Keri Hilson, Ciara, id love to work with Ameriie, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, any one dope!
Any projects we should be looking out for? Never count your eggs before they hatch! Just keep your ears open! but look out for the Carter IV!! Look out for Bryant Mckinnie’s label B Major Music Group. Been working w/ them a lot. Also been working on a new act R.O.D. from Orlando, One of the few artist here who really grab my attention. and much more!!
What advice would you give to an aspiring producer? Keep God first.. Stay Hungry.. Be Consisitent.. Network.. Have your business right form the start and Remain humble.
Last words? Hi Mom and Dad lol nahhh Shoutout to everyone who supports me and my music hopefully this is just the beginning and there is much more to come!
Introduce us to Honorable C.N.O.T.E. I’m Honorable C.N.O.T.E. a young dude from Benton Harbor Michigan who had this dream and I wanted to achieve it. Went hard in what I believed in, thats who Honorable C.N.O.T.E is. I moved down to Atlanta four years ago to where I started getting placement and got better the more people I met. From there I started doing beat battles.
How did you get your name? It’s always been C.N.O.T.E, my big brother gave me the name. As I started producing alone in my hood my brother named me the Honorable C.N.O.T.E cause you be doing honorable shit.
What equipment are you currently working with? Pro Tools, Virus Ti, Fantom X, Motif XF, MPC 2500
You definitely have a signature sound, especially with your drums – How did that come about? I try to come with a signature sound. All that crazy drums and shit originated from the Atlanta beat battles like you always had to do something crazy to make the crowd go stupid so I started to incorporate that into my rap shit.
Who supported you on the way up? Its always been my grandma and my brother. My brother used to be like go hard or go home you know what I’m saying if you aint gonna do it, don’t do it. I got to give it to my brother and my grandma.
What was your break? It would have to be the um, i had a record for gucci mane. when i heard gucci mane rap over one of my beats i knew oh ok well i can do this shit cause I’m a perfectionist like i don’t like just having anyone rapping over anything like i be overseeing that shit like actually helping produce the song. i can’t just send beats off, I’m not that type. i feel like if everybody contributes to the song it will come out better. If people wanna work, they call me and set up studio time and we can just work all day.
Lil Wayne & Gudda Gudda – It’s Young Money (Prod. Honorable C.N.O.T.E) I was in the studio, messing around with the horns and shit and had the whole room shaking. Like motherfuckas were coming from the other room like what the fuck. I knew the beat was gonna be something special but I didn’t know I was gonna get it though.
Tity Boi – Goodnight (Prod. Honorable C.N.O.T.E) One day they were wrapping up with the codeine cowboy project and DJ Teknikz tweeted something about how they needed beats so I hit him up and not even like 30 mins later two chains hit me up saying how I’m a motherfucker for keeping him up all night to write these verses. He calls me 10 minutes later with the first verse already done and I was listening to it on the phone and he snapped.
Tity Boi – Get It In (Prod. Honorable C.N.O.T.E) I was in the studio with my home boys, i met two chains thru Short Dawg. What had happened was, I ended up giving 2 Chainz one beat cause it was the only beat that was poppin. Thats what started the whole relationship between me and 2 Chainz.
Trey Songz Ft. Lil Wayne – Can’t Help But Wait (Remix) (Prod. Honorable C.N.O.T.E) I actually didn’t know they did that record till I heard it on the new york radio. Someone was like “yo they playing can’t help but wait remix with lil wayne on the radio in new york right now” and I was like what. That was just one of those records that just leaked – it did what it did.
What artists would you still like to work with? I wanna work with Kanye cause I know we would do something stupid, i got something coming up but to actually work with him in the studio would be crazy.
What do you think of the upcoming Jay-Z & Kanye album? Oh i think that shit is gonna be super big – I think thats defining. I remember when Kanye was like “man I wasn’t even getting on the phone with jay”, now he getting on the phone with Jay, then he’ll get eight with Jay, now he get on the phone and come with it. Kanye be saying some shit, i fucks with Kanye.
What projects should we be looking out for in the near future? Im gonna be doin all of Short Dawgs upcoming album “Fresh”. I also got stuff with Big Sean, 2 Chainz, its a lot bro. I’ve been working – i just been like dropping beats all day but I don’t know who be rappin on what so we just gonna keep that under wraps ya know. Just let it do what it do – I’m just gonna continue to work. Ain’t nothing we gone done. We gonna do pop, rap, country, motherfuckin bar mitzvah it don’t know what that fuck type shit that is but we doing everything. We gonna keep it in house all day just to bang out hits.
Last Words? I would like to thank you for interviewing me, i know you be busy. I would also like to thank anyone who has supported my Honorable C.N.O.T.E brand. I appreciate that.
22 Yr old Producer from Ohio, I stay in my lane and know what works best for me. My beats are my stories and feelings, most people when they see my name automatically think i’m more than one person.. but i made my name the way it is because i was going more off thinking of a brand rather then being like everyone else.
When did you start producing and was it something you always wanted to do?
I started producing about four years ago and it was always somethin i wanted to do growing up because mostly when i listened to a lot of music through child hood and later on all i really paid attention to was the beats and sounds.
Let everyone know some of the artists you’ve worked with and the songs you’ve produced.
Major Artist I Did, Gucci Mane ft.Chip Tha Ripper “Gucci Land” A big collab joint with SparkDawg,Gudda Gudda, and Crooked I called “Gangstaz Grindaz” Soulja Boy “I love you smookey” Killa Kyleon “25 Lighters 2011″ Lil B “Pretty Bitch” and The “Crown Me” mixtapes with Lil Flip and i also do blendtapes, which alotta producers aint to hip to yet, but i get alotta fans from them.
Who in the rap industry has supported you the most?
As far as support goes alot of my texas peeps like Flip, Tum Tum, SparkDawg, Killa Kyleon alotta cats down there pretty much put me in the game and gave me my break so they supported me from the jump so i do my best to do the same! shoutout to all my bros down there grindin.
What equipment are you currently working with?
I don’t use to much equipment, just give my FL studio and some VST plugins.. i’m good to go.
When making a beat, what do you start with first?
First i start with the main melody then I add more sounds with it to get everything in place, then i start bringing in everything else for the chorus, then break that all down for the verses.
Do you use samples when producing or do you prefer to make an original composition?
Most of my work is original, i love samples to though. id say about 85 percent of my beats are original and 15 percent my have some samples in them. i like alotta old video game type themes and stuff like that.
What artists would you like to work with the the future?
I’d like to work with Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and Kanye his music always dope. honestly though i just like working with anybody who’s bout achieving and doin the same things i am and if we got a mutual respect for each other im always down to work with anybody.
Any projects we should be looking out for?
Yea i got a few album and mixtape placements coming up this fall so be on the lookout for that, also i got three new blend tapes coming out soon. also you check me out on youtube.com/BeatFlippazTV im always dropping fresh records, blends, and beats on there.
What advice would you give to an aspiring producer?
Just be you and stay true to your sound and what you believe in.
Last words?
Thanks to everyone for checking me out, I appreciate everything. and follow me @BeatFlippaz
The StreetRunner is a Grammy award Winning Producer and DJ who works in Miami, FL. He has worked with Lil Wayne, The Game, Tyga, Fat Joe, Birdman just to name a few.
Who is the StreetRunner? Well that’s me haha – that’s my brand. Basically, I’ve been building that up for the past ten years so I mean what Louis and Gucci is to clothing, The StreetRunner is like that for beats.
When did you start producing? Back in the late 1990’s I started producing. I got my first set of turntables in 95 and I was really into scratching and cutting records. I was always into samples and I just wanted to make the hip-hop I was listening to. I wanted to be more apart of the creative process of making music. I first got turntables then got a sampler then a drum machine – it just kept growing from there. By the time I was finishing up high school I had my first drum machine and that’s it – just started crafting the sound from there.
What were you listening to in the late 1990′s? I was real big on that new generation wave of music that was killing it. Jay-Z – Hard Knock Life, Benie Seagiel, Memphis Bleek, Cameron was coming up, Cannabis, Big Pun, Onyx – the abundance of talented rappers. Def Jam had the monster record label and I mean pretty much anyone in that time was crackin’ was selling records. There was a lot of potential in hip-hop and hip-hop placement.
How did you link up with Terror Squad back in 2004? Basically the song “Take Me Home” kind of broke that thu for me. Thru that record I was able to link up with Fat Joe and he got to hear more of my tracks. He definitely took an interest in me and that’s when I signed to terror squad. I was with them for a year but after the agreement ran out we had the best working relationship. I went on to produce a lot of records which are on his albums – it was real good.
How did you go from Terror Squad in 04 to working with Lil Wayne in 06? I actually met Lil Wayne outside the studio when I was working on Fat Joes “Me, Myself, and I” album down in Miami. I did a few records on that album which I played a pretty heavy role on. So one day we were all just chillin, mixin a record down and Wayne came in. I happened to have my beat CD in the car so I was able to pass it to him and literally within 30 minutes we got the call that he wanted two of the beats. Then a couple hours went by, Fat Joe came back in to listen to the mix and then eventually Birdman came in. He was like “Yo, you gotta hear these records Waynes working on” so me, Joe, Birdman and Slim we all went up to listen to these records. I wasn’t expecting it but before I knew it, it was my two joints. Literally Wayne knocked out four full songs in two hours – shit was crazy and basically the rest was history. From then on I was just passing beats, passing him beats and that’s how we made so many tracks together.
What are your thoughts on all your tracks that leaked back in 07 with Lil Wayne? The first two records he worked on were “One Night Only” and “Rapapapom”. It was two months after Tha Carter II came out and he was ready to go on Tha Carter III so I was just feeding him beats, just thinking oh carter III. Like at that point it was just like this is dope, I wanna be apart of that. But yo two years went by and The carter III became every producers lottery ticket. It was a good look and I was really glad to be apart of it.
Lil Wayne – Gossip (Prod. StreetRunner) I was real lucky with Gossip cause nobody knew about the record. I was called by the engineer back when Wayne recorded it and I was told by the engineer you wont believe what you got with Wayne like this records retarded. And I just so happened to be at the studio with Mack Maine and Cortez Bryant and it was one of the few records that didn’t leak of mine so I was like whats good with “Gossip” Tez, we got a carter 3 slot for that, shits crazy. That’s when Tez was basically like what are you talking about haha so Angel who was the engineer at the time had to search for it on the hard drive and when he found it he realized it had never been heard cause it never got bounced. They played it and everyone was like “woah, what is that record”. So it was basically recorded and then never touched – I could just imagine how many records he got like that, the man works so much he probably has hundreds of records he’s never touched. I mean Gossip originally was gonna be the single off Tha Carter III.
Any other artists you would like to work with in the future? Once T.I. gets out I definitely wouldn’t mind doing a record with him. I wouldn’t mind doing more music with Drake, and a Beyonce look would be nice – Alica Keys would be nice too. I just wanna make music with everyone so it really doesn’t matter. Another one of my favorite rappers is Andre 3000 and I could defiantly build some serious chemistry on some records with him but anything really , I’m just trying to make some good powerful music with everyone.
Tyga – Get Gnarley (Prod. StreetRunner) Me and Soram did the track – its gonna be Tygas single off his upcoming album. Were gonna mix it down this week and put the finishing touches on it so its very possible that in the next two to three weeks it will be released. It’s definitely a club, urban, radio record – its really high energy.
Can you speak at all about the record you produced for Lil Wayne on his upcoming album, Tha Carter IV? I cant say too much about it yet but what I can say is that my tracks hip-hop and I co-produced it with the commission. Its real cool , Waynes rapping on it, and its in its own lane compared to some of the other tracks on Tha Carter IV. Its definitely that Street Runner fire.
Last Words? Check out my artists Adele, her twitter is @adelamusic. Definitely be on the look for my future works with The Game, Tyga and Lil Wayne. Follow me on twitter @SRBeats and ill keep you updated.
Introduce us to Ski Beatz? Ski Beatz that’s me: hip-hop producer, most know for my work with Jay-Z on Reasonable Doubt and more recently my work with Curren$y on Pilot Talk, Pilot Talk II and 24 Hour Karate School.
When did you first start producing and how did that led into meeting DJ Clark Kent? Well I was a rapper in a group called the Bizzy Boys out of North Carolina and our producer at the time was Rhythm Finatic. He was kind of the push behind my transition from a rapper to producer and then from there got introduced to DJ Clark Kent through various shows.
I feel like one of the biggest hurdles as a new producer is buying the equipment, how did you go about that? Well luckily I was blessed. While I was at college I told my mom that college was cool but I kind of wanted to do the music thing and she said well if your really serious then I’ll help you get the equipment. She then got a finance for me to get the sp 1200 and I just sat around the crib all day and worked at it – just running it in and out, trying to figure it out.
Who were some of the biggest influences on your music when you first started out or did you just create your own sound? My biggest influence was obviously Finatic cause he was our producer at the time with the group I was in. He introduced me to James Brown and a lot of Moe Town stuff cause he was really into that – sampling heavy. Another producer that was down with us was Mark Spark and I kinda gravitated to his style a lot too. Like earlier ski beatz stuff had a kinda Mark Sparks type of flavor.
How did you meet Damon Dash and how did that led to your work on Jay-Z’s album “Reasonable Doubt”? Well I moved to new york, I formed the group original flavor. I took them to Clark Kent, he heard it, he liked it, he signed us and then the day we went to Atlantic Records to fill out the contract damon was there. DJ Clark Kent was like this is Damon Dash and his cousin Darron – Clark mentioned how they were managers and interested. Then Clark one day after the deal, we were doing a video shoot for our 2nd video “here we go” he brought Jay-Z and introduced him to me and damon and everyone. Jay rapped and he was obviously incredible and we started working with Jay-z as his manger and that’s how I started producing with him. We then came up with most of Reasonable Doubt at my crib.
What was your biggest break? I think my biggest break was when I signed that deal with Atlantic Records. Well actually it was really when I signed the record deal with this record label called Fresh Jamz out of North Carolina. If it wasn’t for Walter Brady – God Bless his sole he’s passed away. But if it wasn’t for him signing me as a kid, my group the bizzy boys ya know – Cause we were one of like the first groups from North Carolina to put actual records out and get it played on the radio.
What was it like in the studio back in the day especially with Jay-Z? It was a lot of fun, always laughing, always telling jokes – making music. It was always full of people from Harlem and always full of people from Brooklyn (Jays crew). Just making music and having fun – being in an authentic hip hop moment was crazy.
When you were working with Jay-Z back in the day did you know it would have the impact it does today? Uh nahh ya know, its just like now. I don’t really think of any type of impact, its just the moment ya know what I’m saying. Take this beat out, do this song, oh that’s dope, lets make another one ya know. You just get hype, its like a drug high. You make a song that sounds good, you want to make another one like right after or the next day. Then before you know it you got an album and then if the albums good, next thing you know your selling it then next thing you know its taking off and people like oh my god this incredible but you don’t think about that while your making it. But if your thinking about that during the process that kind of like dilutes the process and waters it down but when your just making it from pure creativity and not thinking at all that’s the best thing you can hope for.
Do you think your style of music has changed, how do you stay consistent and differentiate yourself from other producers? My style has changed definitely a little bit. The approach is still pretty much the same. I’m more into how the product sounds. I’m more into EQ and mix to get the sound as solid as possible. Back then I wasn’t, it would sound dirty but it would sound dope to me ya know and I would still put it out.
I know your working with Native Instruments Maschines now, what are your thoughts? I think the maschine its the modern day SP1200. It’s the SP1200 of this generation – its simple, its easy to get around. It works with pc or mac and you don’t need to lug around a bunch of hds or digital equipment. Its fun – it has a lot of different functions especially now with the new 1.6 upgrade. Chopping samples on it is crazy, they also got this pad link function which is dope and it works as a plugin so if you use logic or abelton or whatever you use it just meshes right into it.
Do you have a favorite piece of work? I don’t really have a favorite I mean I’m still making beats, you got to ask me that when I’m just done, when I’m just like finished, ya know what I mean. Cause I might make my favorite beat right now, ya never know. As of now, pretty much everything I’ve done – something’s I wish I could go back in the studio and tweak but for the most part I like everything.
What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop? The current state of hip hop looks like there two different worlds. There’s the whole pop radio type of hip-hop, young money type of stuff like that not to take nothing away from them, that’s that world. Then you got the up and comings that are still kinda underground, still keeping the sound organic which is cool. I mean the pop commercial hip-hop is cool but ya know me I obviously gravitate more towards the underground kinda of thing. I feel like it’s a new movement, it’s a resurgence of real hip hop. I see and hear a lot of original cool sounding music which is kinda inspiring me wanna make a beat.
What advice would you give to an aspiring producer? To an aspiring producer just be original, be yourself. Its cool to be inspired but don’t bite and don’t get caught up in that whole cookie cutter shit. Get inspired and kind of like create your own dope sound.
What projects of yours should we be looking out for in the future? Yeah, look out for 24 Hour Karate School Pt. 2, Death of Pilot Talk 3 plus every artist we have over here at Blu Roc will have a movie come out along side there album which will be pretty dope. In total look out for about seven albums.
How would you summarize your career thus far? If I had to summarize my career – wow, that’s a good question, no ones asked me that one. If I had summarize my career, still going man. I’m still going, I’m still here and um I cant really summarize it yet cause it ain’t over, ya know what I mean. I wanna also definitely thank the younger cats, like the Currensys and the Wizs , people that Ive work with – cool kids, that are open to work with an older producer.
Last words? Look out for more music from Ski Beatz. If you wanna get at me I’m on twitter @SkiBeatz – follow me and ill follow you back.
Im SuperStar O 21 born in Ohio. I started off rapping but 2 years into it i stopped because at that point everyone wanted to be a artist & i dislike being like everyone else so i quit. I still wanted to do something with music so i started messing around with my dudes equipment & just kept at it. Iv been producing now for about 3 1/2 years & so far have about 50+ major artists on my tracks.
Let everyone know some of the songs you have produced and artists you have worked with?
Some majors include Wiz Khalifa “Petal To The Metal” From the Kush & OJ tape i did with Johnny Juliano, Chris Brown “I Do Dat” i did with Vybe, Roscoe Dash “285 Shawtty” & Feat Waka Flocka “Shut it Down”, Jim Jones “Christmas Intro”, And many mixtape tracks for a lot of people such as Yung Berg, MIMS, SODMG, All of Dipset, Ray Jay, T Pain & More.
What software do you use?
I mainly use my actual synths & keyboard workstations like my Motif XF Korg M3 Fantom G Juno Gi Virus Ti2 & More. I like software as well but don’t use it as much.
Is there a certain process you go through when making beats or does it vary?
Usually i just sit down & kind of let whatever comes out come out. When your listening to my tracks you hear more than a beat. They are like a part of me. Whether it be from the struggle in my life or the girls & clubs LOL.
Who are some of your biggest influences on your music?
Biggest influences…Hmmmm. Really now days i just try & be me but when i was coming up a lot of people inspired me like The Runners, Drumma Boy, Timbo & really just anyone making great music.
What artists would you like to work with in the future?
In the future i want to work with BIG people. Like yeah rappers here & there placements are cool but i mean BIG & different. Like i want to work with Lady Gaga, Nicki M, Kanye West..You know.
Any projects we should be looking out for?
As far as projects there are a couple big tracks coming out but i’d rather people just hear when they hear & don’t want to name them & jynx myself LOL. But also im submitting tracks all over so you never know.
Last Words?
Stay tuned & watch closely. Never think you can not accomplish something because i came from literally nothing being homeless at the age of 12 with my mom & being broke our entire life to becoming one of the most known producers online & known by the industry somewhat. Anything you can dream of you can make a reality.
Infamous is a Miami Based Music Producer most known for his work with rapper Lil Wayne. A former 3 time world champion DJ and multi- instrumentalist, Infamous is currently producing for such artists as Lil Wayne, Birdman, Drake, Rick Ross, The Game, Lupe Fiasco, Fat Joe, Jaime Foxx, Travie McCoy and more.
usually i wake up around noon if im lucky, and by then i have about 30 missed calls and tons of emails to reply to so the first hour or so of my day is usually spent chain smoking cigarettes and handling “business” . when thats done it really depends on what deadlines i have….regardless i spend most of my days studying music and just trying to become a more knowledgable musician and producer. i play 5 instruments (guitar, bass, piano, drums, and slowly starting to learn the violin for what ever reason i have no idea) but i spend a few hours everyday bouncing back and forth between those instruments just trying to improve. and learn more about music.
What equipment are you currently using in your studio?
Logic has really become the most important part of my set up….little by little i’ve been stripping my set up down to a computer with logic and every vst ever made. but i always preffer the more organic approach if i can. guitars, and bass are always played live with me…if the song calls for it then drums as well but if not logic. pro tools to mix (sometimes)
What’s the whole process of making a track, from beginning to end, what are the steps taken to complete a song?
definitely depends on the record im working on….. sometimes the idea is already in my head i go in the studio and i lay it down…the track will be done in a few minutes. other times i’ll talk to the artist see what they’re trying to get across or what song they have stuck in their head and try and bring that to life. or i might just vibe and jam out with other producers and see what happens. i like to go into the studio with a plan in mind so its easier to get the ideas out.
Do you use samples when producing or do you prefer to make original compositions?
i always prefer to play the instruments myself rather than sample… its just easier for me to have an idea or melody in my head and lay it down as apposed to looking through a gang of samples. but i like doing both.
You’ve worked heavily with Lil Wayne in recent years, how did you go about linking up with him?
Well… i was in a rock band that was doing pretty well but things went sour and right at that time my boy develop had moved down to miami and i basically just started doing session work for him, streetrunner and other producers that were around playing guitar or keys or what ever. after those sessions i would go home and work on my own shit and was always running into wayne at the studio so i handed him a beat cd and next thing you know i get a call from tez saying bring the session to Light up My LA LA wayne wants to use it as the single for carter 3. shit leaked but that was the beginning of my work with wayne and since then you know obviously its evolved and hopefully continues to.
You’ve worked with him on Mr. Carter, La La La, Playing With Fire, Prom Queen, Talkin Bout It just to name a few; however,what was the most memorable?
the most memorable would have to be prom queen. thats was really the first time we sat down and worked on a record together as opposed to just bringing wayne beats. wayne is a workaholic so when u got a beat for him u stop by shake his hand play the record and then be out…if he fucks with it u never know till its album time or hes so hyped on it he calls and says shit is crazy. but with prom queen i went to the studio with drew. and basically just jammed with weezy for about 4 hours while he was on guitar and i was on bass. i think we did “fuck today” that night also. but we layed down a demo for those songs, the next day drew and i linked up at my crib and we finished the record that night took it back to him. he added a little more flare to it and i went home and fell asleep. haha
What was it like being in the studio with Lil Wayne.
very different from any other artist ive worked with for sure. wayne has something to say and it needs to be said. no one record we’ve done together is like the last so u really have to be on top of your shit and confident in your ideas but also be able to fall back and learn something from him at the same time. he’s not the artist that u can say oh you should say this or that hes gonna say what hes gonna say and hes gonna do what he wants to do and he doesnt want to keep recreating the same thing that worked last time so every time a record gets done you have to come with something new and fresh that he hasnt been involved with yet. also sleep is out of the question….ive been lucky enough to build a working relationship with him that when he has an idea at 5 in the morning he calls me and if im asleep i wake up and get to work. like with the Kobe Bryant record…. Kycalled me at 5 am i was dead ass asleep he put wayne on the phone wane said he needs a beat to make a song for kobe and the lakers. i dragged my ass out of bed sat infront of the computer started chopping up clips from espn made the beat in like 15 minutes and sent it back…. Ky called and said waynes in the both mission accomplished. back to sleep.
Which song of yours did you hear first on the radio or in the club?
talkin bout it that was on dedication 2 that i produced with develop. i heard it while someone drove by ….that was nice haha
What are your thoughts on him being in jail and what do you expect once he’s released?
it is what is. i think its gonna make him a better artist for sure when he gets out because all that time with out being able to record your ideas and scramble around from song to song is probably something that i think he needed. it sucks that he went away and i know a lot of people including myself are excited to see what he is like when he gets out but i think its gonna be for the better.
Any upcoming projects we should be looking out for?
yeah man ….. i did two records on nelly’s upcoming album, a record on Flo-ridas upcoming album, some shit with bow wow that will probably be on his album who is shad moss. right now finishing up a movie score called Magic City Memoirs that hopefully will be in theaters in 2011 and at the start of the year i’ll be going in with Gym Class Heroes to produce Paper Cut Chronicles 2 which im really excited about. its gonna be my big Producer moment as opposed to a beat maker. Ive been working with GCH for a few months just doing writing sessions getting the band together and brainstorming ideas. the music we’ve done is something im so proud to be apart of cause its fuckin jammin . its interesting and its intelligent but its fun and has a bounce that u just have to move too. they’re a great band and thats what Paper Cut chronicles 2 is gonna be about. Them being the great band that they are.
Last words?
yes. thanks for this opportunity to be heard and thanks to everyone that supports and enjoys the music ive been a part of. peace
Johnny Juliano is a producer from Pittsburgh, PA now located in Atlanta. He has worked with artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, Gorilla Zoe and more.
21 Yr old Producer from Pittsburgh , PA.. But now I reside in Atlanta.. I’m a goofy fuck that makes beats.. My beats are like characitures of myself, everyone is unique and kind of abstract.Also I’m independent.. been doin’ this thing since i was 12.. 10 years almost, I’m 21 now with more success under my belt then most veterans..
Let everyone know some of the songs you have produced and artists you have worked with?
A very big amount of Wiz Khalifa’s catalog , French Montana’s – I’m On It ft Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, & Wiz Khalifa ,New Records with Brisco ft Birdman , Mikey of the coolkidz , shawty lo , lil twist , travis porter & more..
What equipment do you use to make songs? Do you play live instruments?
I use alot of workstations , accompanied by a large VSTi collection , & (with the utmost confidence say) 1 of the most extensive collection of sounds ever owned.. (mostly very rare / custom sounds collected / made over my 10 years of producing.) – as far as instruments I play the keyboard , and percussion.
What’s the whole process of making a track, from beginning to end, what are the steps taken to complete a song?
Its extremely random lol, I start with a base melody .. keep building , the hook melody first, then verse breaks , drums then intro music etc.. I like to be very progressive! I can’t stand monotonous beats..
Do you use samples when producing or do you prefer to make original compositions?
Bout 96 percent its all original compositions , I don’t really sample anymore.. even though I started out as a strictly sample producer.If I do get ideas, its usually interpolated (replaying the original sample) I’ve learned my lesson with alice deejay taking most of my pubs from wiz khalifa’s say yeah..
What artists have you enjoyed working with the most? Is there a particular song you are most proud of or had the most fun creating?
Prob Wiz, Gucci ,& Mistah Fab because I was actually there to experience it hands on unlike all of the others.
What artists would you like to work with in the future?
Daft Punk, Chromeo, Kanye West, T-Pain, The Clipse, Kid Cudi, Ryan Leslie, Fabulous, Musiq Soulchild , too many to name.. Shit everyone who wants to lol.. I love music!
There are a lot of really talented producers right now, how do you make yourself standout from the rest?
To stay ahead of the curve is easy if you really know yourself.. Do whats relevant with your own twist.
What are your thoughts about Soundclick.com?
To be honest I don’t think I would be in the position I am today without tools like soundclick.. Its a great venue for up & coming cats to shine.. The only thing I don’t like is the fact that they don’t acknowledge the cats that are generating the traffic to there site..
Who are some of your biggest influences on your music?
Chromeo, Morris Day & The Time, Billy Joel, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Lil Jon, Dr Dre, Prince, Quincy Jones, Old video game music
Is there any advice you could give aspiring producers? How can a producer be noticed?
3 things.. consistancy, free music, & branding..
What projects should we be looking out for in the future?
You’ll have to pay attention follow me at @JohnnyJuliano or add my facebook.com/johnnyjuliano
How did you get started in the music business and was it something you always wanted to do.
Well before I started making beats I was a DJ. I started Djing when I was about 15 and did live sets at local house parties and proms. When I was about 18 I started getting more involved with DJing to where I started competing. I competed at home and overseas and won a bunch of major battles – I even toured around with a bunch of major DJ’s including A-Track. In 1998 I won a DJ battle over in Amsterdam and at the turn of the millennium I was DJing for MTV. After that however I put the turn tables in the closet and dedicated my time to producing.
How did you link up with Juelz Santana?
I had a friend affiliated with Skull Gang back in the day (now known as De Niro) and he got me in the studio one day with Juelz. I showed him a bunch of my beats during that session and he thought they were crazy. He told me to come back in 5 hours to get him recorded. After that he wanted me in the studio almost everyday to engineer; however, I didn’t wanna pull back on my production so I got my little brother to take over the engineer position.
I also know you worked a good amount with Lil Wayne – how did that go about happeneing?
I originally met up with Lil Wayne back in 2004 through Juelz Santana. Juelz hit me up and mentioned how Wayne was in town and needed me in the studio. During that session I passed on about 10 of my beats to Wayne and 3 days later he got back to me saying he wanted 9 of the 10.
About 4 or 5 of those tracks have been released… Fireman, Walk It Off, Open Shop, I – the rest are still on his hard drive.
It’s really like nothing else. When he’s in the studio he doesn’t sit down like when he recorded “feel me” it took him just 45 mins to drops 3 verses. He walked around the studio, no pad, no pen just rapping to himself occasionally cracking a little smile. He then jumped behind the mic and killed a verse – would then listen to it and then go straight back in and do it again. It was just like god what the fuck I don’t get it.
I know there has been talks between Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana about putting out a new “I Can’t Feel My Face” considering the original got leaked – what do you know about that?
I’m not too sure considering that when Lil Wayne gets out of jail in November he’s gonn be very busy. Between the studio, performances and interviews i’m not sure about that project – I can say though that I was very disappointed the original mixtape got leaked. It wasn’t at its highest quality because a lot of the tracks were still not fully mixed so a lot of the levels where off. The tape didnt show the true quality of their work because the lyrics were there and so were the beats.
What are your thoughts about Lil Wayne going to jail?
I definitely miss him considering its a great feeling working with such a talented artist. I think his time away from the market will be good for him though because once he gets out he’ll be dropping the biggest fuckin album.
I actually got a beat that’ll be featured on Lil Wayne’s upcoming EP “I Am Not A Human Being”. It’s definitely on some alien shit – i’m pretty sure Nicki Minaj will be on the hook.
I will be putting out an instrumental mixtape entitled “The Carter Report” which will include 32 released tracks of which I worked with Lil Wayne on. I might also put out a second CD entitled “The Carter Era” with all the actual recorded tracks.
When can we expect that to drop?
I should be finalizing that project within the next 3 weeks or so.
What have you been doing outside the hip-hop world?
I actually been very involved in my band called the “Mad Ave Boys“ – we formed about a year ago and it’s really taken off. We’ve played at some of the hottest spots in the city already and have an EP dropping soon entitled “Electric Tape”. We’ve roughly recorded about 15 or 16 tracks and to be honest it was all very unexpected. Defenitly stay tuned for that EP.
The Olympicks are the in house producers for Rick Ross and his Maybach Music label. It is made up of five members and based out of Detroit, Michigan. They have worked with other artists such as Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Birdman, Big Sean and many more.
Whatup Jai, for all the people out there that don’t know you – who is Jai Marlon?
I’m 18 years old (born July 8, 1991) and grew up in PG County Maryland. I was always active and wanted to learn more of what ever got my attention.
Your a producer – how did you get your start and why did you start?
I started at a very young age around 5 years old, then really started producing when I was 14, I loved it soo much I did it all day – NON stop, hardly got any sleep. I listened to all kinds of music to develop my own sound and style.
For those who aren’t familiar with your work whom have you produced for?
I’ve produced for Chris Brown, Easter Dean, and a very successful songwriter Frankie Storm. I’m also now working with Chris Richardson from American Idol.
What artists would you like to work with in the future?
Ooooh – soo many lol! My top goals are to work with Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Nicki Minaj and many more, but those are my top artists.
What type of equipment do you work with in your lab?
Basically I keep it new school with Midi Controllers and Vst’s – i like to keep my work place simple. Later on I plan on building a bigger studio. Currently I’m using EVENT 20/20 studio monitors – those speakers are B.E.A.S.T!
What are your influences?
My current influences are Benny Blanco & Danja Hands.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to be very successful, with many number one hits, a wife and a home LOL.
Its Native American – came from life and living. Yelas the color of fire, the sun, light, life, hunger, and wolf represents my fearlessness to survive in the world .. I’m a pack leader.
When did you start rapping and has it been something you’ve always wanted to pursue?
I started writing in the 5th grade in Nashville. I was raised on the paper – I didn’t pursue it professionally till 02.
You have a very unique flow and delivery – what are your influences?
Classic rock inspires my melody and concepts…the flow and delivery really depends entirely on the music.. So many rappers have inspired me in the past – My “flow” is lawless. I just try to be an instrument with words.
What are your thoughts on your newly released mixtape “Trunk Muzik?”
TrunkMuzik is gonna get a lot of people slapped, physically and metaphorically – I’m proud of that. Its about time hip hop had another project that people really f-ckin love or really f-ckin hate. TrunkMuzik has accountability – It speaks for people .. GITCHEESUMM!!!!
Who are some of the artist you would like to work with in the future?
No wish list, just want to make great muzik with great people – taking one record at a time! We’ll always consider artist for the sake of the song not for the sake of they’re name or fame.
Last words?
“womperjawed” : pronounced wom/per/jawed – to sit crooked, a disposition, to be off balanced. Example: I seen oh boy’s chevy lookin beat up… Look like he hit a deer or sum’…shiiiddd… His bumper was womperjawed like a mugg.
Mike Banger is Young Moneys in house engineer and producer.
How did you get started in the game and was it something you always wanted to do?
Yea this is something I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I started playing drums by ear really young which evolved into making beats, keyboards, writing, and audio engineering. I did what I had to do to save a bunch of money for some recording equipment and began working all day on smaller local projects. I didn’t plan on being an audio engineer but interning for a recording studio was my way into the business. I had 3 internships at once. Wayne recorded most of The Carter 2 at one of those studios. I worked with Rick Ross at another one of those internships and did commercial ad jingle work during the day at the other. I actually did the U.M.’s “All About The U” beat on all their commercials.
How did you acquire the role as “Recording Engineer / Producer” for Young Money Entertainment?
When I was interning Wayne came in and worked with my boy Drew Correa. After engineering for about 2 years Drew went on to produce “Mr. Carter” feat Jay Z and “Prom Queen”. He dropped engineering to strictly produce and Wayne needed someone a few times so I eventually got the call. I haven’t done too much production yet maybe because I feel like its a conflict of interest to be playing my own beats while engineering other producers sessions. I think with time I’ll be given bigger responsibilities when everyone starts noticing everything I’m capable of.
What is a typical day like for you?
I usually wake up in the afternoon since we work till sun up every night. I might make a beat then head straight to the studio to be recording Wayne by 10pm. We could be touching up 3 songs at once, making something completely new, or doing a feature. Once Wayne calls it a night another Young Money artist such as Jae Millz or Gudda might want to work on something so I’ll stay even later for them. If Nicki’s in town I’ll get to the studio even earlier for her to get some work done before Wayne arrives. I may get home at around noon the next day and edit some beats before going to bed. Its been hard to fit normal things like eating, laundry, family, and friends into the schedule lately. I’ll get calls to fly out of town too but I basically do the same thing everywhere we go. I got a little portable production setup to bang out some beats in the hotels.
Whats Weezy like in the studio?
I truly think he’s a genius with this rap sh*t. People may disagree or not like certain lyrics but I can tell you for a fact that no other artist in music period works like him. We sacrifice everything at all times for this. We land at 4am from a long flight and where do we go? The studio! No questions. He’s also the most difficult artist I’ve ever worked with but he improved the way I work immediately. Its like all the smaller detailed things I’ve learned that most artists overlook he doesn’t.
What’s it like traveling with the Young Money team?
Honestly it felt like I was finally home on the road with them and still now just being a part of everything is a blessing. I’ve never really felt comfortable enough to work to my fullest potential elsewhere. I’m kinda shy so its tough for me to express my creative thoughts. They’re loosening me up a bit though. Gudda spills my food, Jae Millz makes fun of my sideburns, Mack is my brother in law (joke), etc… We pick on each other a bit.
What are some of the current projects you are working on?
Weezy’s No Ceilings mixtape, The Young Money Album, Rebirth, and The Carter 4.
Any other artists you want to work with in the future?
Of course there are other more established artists that I would love to work with but I really want to grow with the whole Young Money fam. Plus, Wayne’s CD was probably in my disk changer at the time of the call so actually I don’t think I could be working with anyone better.
How has music changed since you started in this business?
Other than declining record sales and recent advancements in recording technology I wouldn’t know. I’m still on the grind developing myself further and learning new things everyday.
Last Words.
I just wanna say thanks to everyone who made way for me to do my thing. Big ups to all the haters and non believers too for making me push myself way past the edge. Shout out to Drew Correa, KY, Weezy, Gudda, Jae Millz, Nicki Minaj, Lil Chuckee, Drake, Lil Twist, T Streets, Jew Fro, Shanell, Tyga, and Short Dawg. Young Money Salute!
Contact:
follow me at @JohnnyJuliano or add my facebook.com/johnnyjuliano
