50´s new album, Curtis, is a big issue last days. You produced 2 tracks on it. Were you with 50 in the studio?
I didn’t get a chance to go in with 50 this time around. He recorded the songs at the mansion last May and just kept rockin with them until the album just came out.
What´s your opinion on the 50 vs. Kanye thing?
I’m happy that there is some excitement about hip hop more than anything. I like both records. Its cool being a part of it. I was out in NY for the week of the release and it was crazy how everybody was talking about it no matter where you went.
How did you first hook up with G-Unit?
I did a song "Betta Ask Somebody" in 2003 on the G Unit "Beg For Mercy" LP. From there I was submitting beats for their projects and after missin the cut a couple times I broke through with them. I’ve now done 7 songs on various G Unit albums over the years.
What´s your deal with G-Unit? Are you limited in any way?
Not at all. There is a misconception that I’m a "G Unit" producer. Sha is my manager and he is the one that puts me in the position to be part of the situation. When I signed there was 3 other producers under his wing, Chad B, Black Jeruz and Nick Speed. There a bunch of other dudes in the camp now like my homies Vitamin D, The Bizness and Keycat among others. We’re all fam and push each other with the music.
llmind, another talented producer, was also recently signed to G-Unit. Do you think that you and Illmind have paved the way for other underground producers?
Naw I think most producers start in the underground and eventually end up working with different artists as time goes by. Sha and D Prosper are the ones bringing talent from the underground up by giving people like myself opportunities.
Is there a difference when you are making a beat for 50 and, say, Boom Bap Project?
I pretty much just make whatever I make and it ends up appealing to different artists. I really try to make beats that all artists want to rap on. With Rock Co Kane Flow it was dope that 50 and De La both rapped on it. A song I did for Gift of Gab was a Game song as well. One I did for Lil Scrappy and 50 was a Kardinal record. I like all types of hip hop so I try to make shit that fits that.
Do you have some funny (or interesting) stories working with the G-Unit camp?
Young Buck is my favorite dude to work with. He’s a real sincere dude and is real entertaining. Just seeing his reaction the first time I hung out with him was hilarious. He was really shocked I was white (laughs).
You´ve been producing for a while. What was your breaking point? A moment, when you knew that you´re going the right direction.
I think when I did the Eclipse feat Arcee "World Premier" record for Conception. Premier played that record as a intro to a Gangstarr show and to me that was it. I could have quit then and been successful.
I talked to Copywrite a few months ago and he said that you are one of the top 3 producers right now but still underrated. Do you feel like that?
I’m not really the type to pump myself up like that. I get a lotta love from my peers that I look up to and to me that’s more meaningful than anything. Really at the end of the day your discography is what is goin to speak for you. I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished but I’ve got a long way to go.
There were rumours about you working on an EP with Copy. Any true to them?
Not sure what’s goin on with that. He’s recorded to a lot of beats probably.
What has been confirmed is your album with Casual. When can we expect it? What´s this album like?
Early next year its dropping. Its no frills hip hop. No singing or nothin. Beats and raps.
You are working on your solo album called White Van Music. Can you explain the title and tell more about the album?
First song I ever did was with my homie Grafton and it was called "In My White Van". I think that was in 93. I just kind of ran with it as a joke and 14 years later I’m doin a album for it. The album is a mix of everything I’m into. Its my first chance to make all the decisions and control an entire project. I’ve got all types of different people from MF Doom to Young Buck to MOP to Elzhi on it.
Why did you decide to go with Rhymesayers? Was there any interest from G-Unit?
I have a good relationship with Saddiq who runs the label and I’ve always respected the way Rhymesayers handles their business. I didn’t really even think of doin it with G Unit because I don’t think my project fits in with what they do as a label.
I would like to thank you for taking your time. We have been huge fans of yours for a while. Would you like to add anything?
