Producer Interviews - Crate Kings

No I.D. Loves Logic and Maschine, No More Auto-Tune

January 11, 2010January 11, 2010

HipHopDX interviews producer No I.D. to discuss productivity over the past year, wisdom attained during his time in the music business, and some of his favorite studio tech products, Apple Logic and Native Instruments Maschine. DX: Did anything turn up on the market last year that has enhanced the studio experience for producers?No I.D.: Hmmm well … Read more

88-Keys: Lost Dilla Beat Tapes & Networking

January 2, 2010

Gasface interviews producer 88-Keys as he remembers meeting J Dilla for the first time at Battery Studios, being robbed of his Dilla beat tape collection, and networking with Shawn J Period.

Hip Hop In Context w/ 9th Wonder & Christopher Martin

December 24, 2009December 24, 2009

How would you like to receive college credit for knowing about Outkast? 9th Wonder discusses teaching a course entitled Hip Hop In Context (1973-1997) with Christopher Martin (Play) at North Carolina Central University and maintaining his soulful style when working with various artists. I don’t really get into the technicalities of it. I just get that feeling in … Read more

The 8th Planet Documentary Feat. Chad Hugo

December 14, 2009

A brief clip from the documentary entitled The 8th Planet features Chad Hugo explaining the role of sound in music while giving a Neptunes studio and record room tour. [Thanks Adriel!]

Timbaland Comments On Comparisons To Other Producers

December 8, 2009

The latest installment of DJ Ekin’s 5 Questions features Timbaland addressing such topics as the top 3 most complete artists, comparisons to other producers, and advice for new music makers who seek to gain his attention.

Thes One Tells Artists “You Don’t Have To Get Signed”

January 7, 2010December 7, 2009

VIMBY – People Under The Stairs Thes One and Double K of People Under The Stairs describe first meeting through their mutual love for music and concepts behind bootstrapping a music career. Besides providing some great vinyl talk, Thes One also offers his views on the unprecedented level of power and freedom that independent artists … Read more

Exile: Redefining Cool In Hip-Hop

December 10, 2009December 3, 2009

The 6th episode of Hot Mop Film’s Off The Wall features Exile talking about family’s musical background, the importance of being physically during a recording project, and his goal of redefining cool in hip-hop. When I’m working with an artist, my goal is to try to battle the machine of what a lot of people are making and … Read more

RZA Discusses Making Music Without Profit Motive

December 3, 2009

RZA discusses moving beyond money and making music strictly for the sake of artistic expression. Freed from thoughts of financial compensation, he explains the ease of working with John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on personal projects and freely contributing to the BlakRoc album. We just make music. I’ve made 100 songs this year, and … Read more

Illmind Talks Producer Showcases and Mixtapes

December 1, 2009

Illmind discusses first learning to make beats at 13 and deciding to pursue music as a career around the age of 20. He also talks about his Blaps, Rhymes, & Life mixtape series and the importance of producer showcases such as Beat Society and his own BLAP.

DJ Monk-One & Prince Paul Talk Artistic Struggles

November 24, 2009

DJ Monk-One interviews Prince Paul to discuss his personal struggles as an artist, meeting and working with Stetsasonic, making children’s albums, and his favorite creations.

Part 2 after the break!