Production team Play N Skillz speak candidly about the role of technology in music creation and the benefits and drawbacks of increased accessibility resulting from the widespread use music related software. Notable Quotes: “Technology has kind of made things too easy. The musician part of it has kind of faded away for whatever reason.” “Now … Read more
Producer Baby Paul (Beatminerz, Nas, Fat Joe, Black Moon, Flipmode Squad, Artifacts) discusses moving beyond hip-hop, exploring musical genres, and the experience of making music using traditional instruments vs. electronic means. [via GG]
Boka, founder of Philadelphia’s Pittsburgh’s Weapons of Mass Destruction producer battle, discusses how the event came into existence and the benefits of taking part in competitive producer events and battles. Visit Weapons of Mass Destruction for more info about upcoming battles and producer related events.
Producer/university professor 9th Wonder discusses the importance of knowing cultural history, setting goals, commitment, and maintaining a consistent, elevated work ethic. Notable Quotes: “You kinda gotta know the history of something you want to be a part of. Me I learned from Dilla and Madlib, who learned from Pete [Rock], who learned from James Brown, … Read more
Q-Tip talks about submitting beats to Notorious B.I.G. and hearing a version of “Nasty Boy”, which sampled Prince’s “Kiss” and ultimately succumbed to sample clearance issues.
Zeke The Freak interviews producer Pete Rock as he discusses his role in the completion of J Dilla’s Jay Stay Paid and upcoming projects including a new Petestrumentals and Soul Survivor album.
Kev Brown tells the tale of getting his start by handing out beat tapes at a local beat battle. Though he lost the battle, contacts made from the demo tapes eventually led to working with Grap Luva, Marley Marl, and Jazzy Jeff.
DJ/producer Nu-Mark discusses the formation Jurassic 5, success as an independent group, and ultimately signing with Interscope. Later Nu-Mark moves into production, drum machines, and the virtue of hardware controllers versus the power and flexibility of software. Interview highlights include seeing Nu-Mark’s chrome, Bruce Forat customized MPC 2000, thoughts on Reason and Pro Tools, and … Read more
Ms. Drama TV interviews Just Blaze as he discusses the impact of the current recession on music producers and recording budgets. You’ve got to admire the way the way Just Blaze easily sidesteps attempts from Ms. Drama to bait him into controversial statements regarding Polow Da Don and mistruths surrounding producer fees. Notable Quote: “The … Read more
DJ Muggs talks about various Soul Assassins projects, including a documentary about the creative collective, albums, and businesses such as restaurants and dog kennels. Notable Quote: “I never try to do the sound of the moment, because if you try to do the sound of the moment, you’re going to be chasing your tail for … Read more