Meet The Producers - Where are you from?
Rugged N Raw - I am born and raised in NYC, the borough of Manhattan. But not for too much longer, rent is goin up!!!
MTP - When and why did you start producing?
RnR -I started producing about 6years ago. My school's radio station had an MPC, and my boys I.mpaq, DJ Static of Stronghold and Notic were the production heavyweights. I was just an MC. I started because no one was available to give me original beats. I was the newbie around and the hot beats had to go to other people, so I learned and made my own beats.
MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?
RnR - Always have, always will use an MPC. I am thinking about putting random kazoo sounds in my beats. HAHAHAHA But for real, I am learning the keyboard so that I don't gotta worry about samples all the time.
MTP - Do you collect records? How do you feel about the diggin culture?
RnR - I got a bunch of records at the crib. I think diggin is kool as hell. It's definitely an art form that takes time and patience. I don't dig as much as I would like to because I don't make as many beats as I used to. But props to those that are doin it.
MTP - What do you think of digital diggin compared to crate diggin?
RnR - Nothing is ever like crate diggin. With crate diggin, you have to actually go out there and literally get your hands dirty, plus everything costs money. The only thing about digital digging is finding certain things that never made their way to vinyl. I made some beats where the samples are MAD obscure and is not on vinyl. Of course, I can't tell you my sources, but just know that I be lookin too!!!
MTP - What's it like being in a beat battle?
RnR - It's great if you're winning! HAHA It's definitely a unique experience. It's a competition to see who put more time and effort into their music. Everything is laid out and it allows you to speak without actually talking.
MTP - How can it help a producer?
RnR -Networking all day!! In the end, battles are supposed to introduce you to new people and new ways of doing things. They can work with local MC's and get their rep up.
MTP - Rumor has it, you are a 7 time beat battle champ? How do you stay successful and when are you gonna retire?
RnR - The rumors are true. I am a seven time beat battle champ. I stay successful by always staying one step ahead and differentiating myself. I used to go to battles and scout other producers. A lot of them stick too much to the same formula and I ALWAYS try to do stuff they can't. When I was involved with the MTP battles, I went almost every month and came to the championship with stuff totally different from what everyone else did. I'm not really tryin to battle anymore, I'm more focused on rhymin and puttin out songs. However, for money, someone can get their ass kicked!!!
MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs. sampled beat discussion?
RnR - As long as it's hot, I don't care what people use. I think that argument is overrated. When you really think about it, keyboards are just royalty free samples. So unless you are playing an instrument, guess what? You're sampling.
MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?
RnR - Some of them are phenomenal and some are doo doo pie, but it's always gonna be that way. But please, no more hit singles of just a drum pattern. That was kool back in the 80's when the drums were heavy and EQ'd properly. No more of these bullshit keyboard drums with a lil hi hat and a whisper. Put some effort in it, people!!
MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?
RnR - Hmmm... well.. I gotta say, I work part time as an engineer in the studio where I make my music and the worst session I had to record was a drunk emcee (beyond belief) that only came in to do ad libs for mad songs. He was yelling them all out, even on the love songs. What a waste of time!
MTP - What projects are you currently working with?
RnR - Mostly my stuff to be honest, and I am involved with Hasan Salaam and Hi Coup's new stuff too, but I am pretty in house as far as the projects I'm involved with now.
MTP - Tell me a little about 5th column?
RnR - 5th column is a collective of straight up illness. We are Hi-Coup, Badsportt, Hasan Salaam, I.mpaq and myself. I was actually the last member inducted. We are working as solo artists now, but we collaborate and keep each other sharp. They are a great bunch of people and we will be putting out LOTS of quality music for a very long time.
MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?
RnR - Reportedly, I talk A LOT in my sleep. Rumor has it, I have full conversations.
MTP - Whats your contact info?
RnR - http://www.ruggednraw.com/, www.myspace.com/ruggednrawrnr and email address rnr@ruggednraw.com
MTP - Any last words?
RnR - To every aspiring musician, just stay original and persistent, and your time will come. Oh, and get your copy of "Another Level" (Shameless Promotion) :)
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