Minnesota (Big Pun, Grand Puba, Junior Mafia, Mos Def, Naughty By Nature) talks about spending over 10 years in the production game, remaining semi-underground, and working with Irv Gotti/Ja Rule. He also mentions the early days for production, his choice in equipment (ASR-10), and making great music vs. getting paid. Check The Interview
In an interview for SESAC, Swizz Beatz breaks down the difference between a producer and a beatmaker. He specifically goes into the importance of having a game plan, setting the tone for a session, and playing psychologist. In the second segment, he goes into the creative process behind making hits and where he finds inspiration … Read more
Superproducer Swizz Beatz talks about getting his start DJ’ing, mixtapes, and cutting hair. He also tells of his sacrifices, goals, average day on the grind and sources of inspiration. A very important part to pay attention to is how Swizz addresses the future of digital technology and the power of promotional distribution channels such as … Read more
Continuing on from their recent Evening & Dialog w/ Pete Rock event, Guitar Center hits us with an excellent interview. Pete talks specifically about the switch from the E-MU SP1200 to the Akai MPC 2000XL, the importance of EQ’ing, and the concept of sampling & clearance. Interestingly enough, he talks about Kanye West sampling big … Read more
Producer/Engineer Wonder Arillo talks about the original sample for T.I.’s "What You Know" and working with DJ Toomp. Most importantly Wonder also touches on helping Toomp setup Pro Tools to get his foot in the door, having a real feel for the music vs. programming, and what young producers should be doing to get ahead.
Certified classic beat maker (Miles Davis, Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack), Easy Mo Bee talks about his very first job, getting started as DJ, and making the move to production. He also tells some great stories about work with Puff and B.I.G., making Craig Mack’s "Flavor In Your Ear" in his underwear, and musical changes in … Read more
Known as The Blackout Movement, producers DJ Blackout and Tommy Gunz have been at work delivering tracks for the likes of UGK, Omarion, Mims, and others. Here they talk about how long it takes them to construct a track from start to finish, what really makes a hit record, and the importance of having positive … Read more
Cash Money production king Mannie Fresh talks about his upcoming album, the fun factor in Southern music, and sources of inspiration. Mannie also reveals that his first beat for Baby was sold for about $100 and the price differences when producing for indy vs. major artists.
I’m a sucker for Hip-Hop history, especially when it comes to people who’ve revolutionized music production. Public Enemy mastermind Hank Shocklee talks about inventing many of the production techniques that are currently still being used by producers, the creation of the Bomb Squad, and creating classic vs. commercially successful albums. Shocklee also discusses the importance … Read more
DJ, MC, and Producer Scram Jones reminisces about appearing on the D&D Project, receiving his first production check, and even appearing in Tommy Hilfiger ads. There’s a great story about him having the opportunity to do a remix, but with his equipment being non -functional Scram still found a way to complete the project overnight … Read more