The Making Of Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents" by Ski Beatz

Simple but CLASSIC

Copyright Criminals Documentary

Featuring Pete Rock, Mr.Len, Bobbito Garcia and a host of producers, emcees etc.

SoyuNeik Beats Interview (August 2007 All Female Beat Battle Champ)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

SoyuNeik - Im from Delaware

MTP - How is the Hip Hop scene out there?

S - Its real competitive. Everyone has there own style and there own cliques-all going in different directions.

MTP - When and Why did you start producing?

S - I officially started producing in 1999/2000. I started producing based on a realization that I loved music way too much to just sit back and wait for it to come to me.

MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?

S - My very first piece was Fruity Loops. Now I use the Akai Mpc 2000xl, Akai s900, Numark Decks, Ensoniq Eps Classic, Roland Juno 106, Roland Fantom Xa, Roland D-50, and an Emu Mo' Phatt Synth Module.

MTP - Why did u choose to go from software to hardware?

S - I would have chosen hardware from the gate if I could afford it back then. I got to a point with Fruity Loops where it was holding me back and I'd have to hear through massive amounts static just to get through one sequence. Overall, i'm more the hands-on type. I need to bang on the pads, feel the keys.... With software like that, its just too mechanical to me.

MTP - Do you collect records and how do you feel about the diggin culture?

S - Yes. I love it. It almost takes me back to collecting comics and baseball cards when I was a kid. But even better.

MTP - What type of records do you collect?

S - Pretty much everything. The stuff no one will ever buy, crazy stuff (like some weird dudes talking about absolutely nothing over some no name lady with a harp), Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul, Swing, Jazz, etc.

MTP - What producers influence you to make beats?

S - Besides the producers around me like Serafino, Gary Gnu, Flux, Duke Cliffton, J.Bliss, etc Producers like Rza, Mannie Fresh, 9th Wonder, Premier, etc. also influence me.

MTP - Whats it like being in a beat battle?

S - Its very exciting and competitive. Making beats is my life, so the whole time I was looking at like it was a battle for my life.

MTP - How can it help a producer?

S - Getting your name out there and networking with people from state to state in this vast stretch of upcoming producers.

MTP - I understand there is another beat battle in Delaware that you attended entitled The Eargazm. How is that scene?

S - The Eargazm is similar to MTP except for the rules, how it's judged, and the prizes. They don't put women in the battles.

MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

S - I am both and instrumentalist and sample based producer therefore to me they are equal mediums. Every keyboard has sounds that were originally created by someone else. The same goes with samples.

MTP - Are you professionally trained in any instrument?

S - I've never had any formal training. But, I can play guitar and keyboard by ear.

MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

S - I'd rather not name names, but, I had to explain what bars were, what type of mic he should be using, etc.

MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

S - My crew (First Reps) are gonna be putting out a collective compilation out soon. I'll also be working with a number of them individually. So expect to hear some more on that.

MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

S - I'm 4'11

MTP - Whats your contact info?

S - http://www.myspace.com/soyuneik - Personel Page

http://www.myspace.com/soyuneikbeats - Music Page

Soyuneik@gmail.com

MTP - Any last words?

S - See ya at the finals!

SOYUNEIK BEATS TRACK "THE END"

Slash Interview (Emcee/Producer)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

Slash - I was born in Tuskegee, AL but raised in Florida. I live in Huntsville, Alabama now though and thats what I represent.


MTP - When and Why did you start producing?

S - I started when I was 16 when my older brother bought me a computer for school. A friend knew I rapped and just introduced me to a new way to create music outside of a notebook.


MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?

S - My first piece of equipment wasn't really equipment at all...it was software. Fruity Loops is what I developed my ear for production on, but Reason 3.0 is what I use now. Along with a midi controller, several kits and Sound Forge to chop samples with.


MTP - You said you rap also. Whats the advantage of producing your own beats to rap over? Compared to working with another producer.

S - I still like to work with other producers but there is definitely a certain freedom that comes with being able to make your own tracks. If you want one from someone else that you cant have for whatever reason, you're not stuck with thinking "what if?". You can just go in and make your own banger. Plus, it gives you a better idea of songwriting when you understand the process of beatmaking.


MTP - What do you prefer to do? Emcee or Make Beats?

S - That's a tough one. I love doing both. That's like choosing which is your favorite child. I just love being able to do both.


MTP - Do you collect records and how do you feel about the diggin culture?

S - My mother wasn't really into records, so I never had any of her's to play with and grow a love for. So that answer would be no. I do have a great respect for producers that dig but I know a lot of the "purists" don't respect my method of beatmaking. To each his (or her) own. I just like making good music. I don't care if its done with pots and pans.


MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

S - Good music is good music. I've heard stellar beats made on a keyboard and I've heard stellar beats made with samples. I've also heard wack beats made with both so it really doesn't matter. It's more about the final product than the process with me.


MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

S - Which music? What's being marketed as rap isn't really that moving anymore, but I know that there are plenty of talented producers and artists that aren't on a national scale but making great beats/songs. I've accepted that popular rap music isn't really for my taste anymore. It's classic to the kids but its not really that good from my perspective. Ironically, Pop music is great. There's a lot of depth to Pop songs.


MTP - Name 2 things a Female producer must do to move forward in the music industry.

S - Become less focused on being a good female producer and just be a good producer. I think too many women are in competition with each other and not really concerned with having the highest standards. Secondly, she's got to diversify. It's not enough anymore to just do one thing. You have to be multfaceted.

MTP - Who are some Female Producers you look up to?

S - Umm...honestly...there aren't too many females that make me just jump up and down. I'm sure that's because they haven't had as much exposure as say a Just Blaze or someone, but I guess I could say Missy does everything she needs to do to be a great producer. She's definitely talented.


MTP - Your The "Femme Fetales" Producer of the month. How important is that movement for female producers?

S - I think that's great for the ladies. Not just me but everyone involved. Its a wonderful opportunity for women to come together like we always say we want to do, but never get around to. Shouts out to my girl EQ, the founder of that movement. (visit EQ's interview http://mtpjersey.blogspot.com/2007/07/eq-interview.html)


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

S - Anyone where you have to babysit someone that just started rapping last week and doesn't know how to count bars but sold a bunch of dope so he can afford studio time and thinks that means he should use rap as a platform to tell his "unique" story. I've had several.


MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

S - My own mixtape entitled "Woman thou Art Loosed", My as yet untitled original ep (or album...still in the infant stages) and Rich Green's (of 3rd Phasz Entertainment, our label)WBAN Radio compilation.


MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

S - I used to be a pool shark in college. Everyone underestimated me because I was a girl and I knew it. I even liked it. Take that as a notice to the hip hoppers of the world. The worst thing you can do for yourself is underestimate me because I'm a woman.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

S - someloveandsomehate@yahoo.com

And you can always hit me on myspace at www.myspace.com/someloveandsomehate


MTP - Any last words?

S - Thanks to all the DJs, Producers, Artists, Websites and Fans that continue to show me love. I can be anything with you and nothing without you. Now go tell a friend!!!

SLASH TRACK "NANANOW"

Questlove's Record Library

Simply Put --- > He got GEMS!!!!!!!

*******BONUS VIDEO*******

The Roots "Pass The Popcorn" Off of 1st Album "Organix" 1993



Questlove rhyming on 2nd verse... And Scott Storch on Bass...

DJ SOULiva Interview (Record Collector)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

DJ SOULiva - The South side of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The South Valley to be more specific.


MTP - Do you make beats?

S - Yeah, I do.


MTP - Who are your top 3 producers?

S - It depends on the time of day. I can't just pick 3.
Between Pete Rock,Premier, Large P, Diamond D,
Finesse, Muggz, Shadow, Quik, Dre, Alchemist.
I guess today at 2:17 pm. I would say Quik, Alchemist,
and Marley Marl. But it will probably change in a
couple of minutes.


MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?

S - My first piece of equipment was my mom's coffee table record player and a 8 track. Then way after was some generic belt drive tables and a Dr. Sample. Now it's an Akai Mpc2000xl, 2 technic turntables, a vestax mixer and original wax.


MTP - I was first introduced to you by youtube. Explain to our readers what your youtube channel is about.

S - Well It started off by me searching the channels to see if anybody posted videos of their record collection. I didn't really find anything. But I did come across a couple videos of photos of an album cover and playing the song in its entirety. So I
thought it would be a cool little idea to post a vid of some random records of mine and focus on just the break, or sampled part. I did it because it's something that I would like to have seen.



MTP - How important is the diggin culture to Hip Hop?

S - Very, very important! And I take it very seriously.
But in a fun way. You gotta have fun in whatever you
do. Some days I wish the whole culture would die, and
everybody got rid of all their records, and I could be
the last of the dying breed and scoop everything
up. Nah, Nah just joking. But really.


MTP - How many records do you own?

S - Probably around 8,000 lp's and about 2,000 45's. Plus
another 3,000 Lp's that I sell at record conventions
and shows around the way.


MTP - What are the best diggin spots?

S - For me it's been Yard sales, rummage sales, and virgin
thrift shops. But any place can be the best spot if
time is on your side


MTP - What inspired you to do these "diggin in the crates" youtube videos?

S - My inspiration has been producers and the reaction you get from someone when you show them the original lick of something. And that feeling that you get when you hear it for the first time.


MTP - Your exposing a lot of rare records. Any negative responses for doing so?

S - Thanks. I guess it all depends on who you ask. Cause I know some grumpy ol' collector is just read this question and is saying "Those records aren't rare!!!"
I got a copy of blah, blah, blah and theres only 3 copies known to man. Thats rare!!" But the majority of feedback has been positive. There has been a couple
of responses saying that "I'm exposing the secrets of hip-hop" and stuff like that. But these aren't secrets. They have all been used before. Besides some of the earlier episodes that I'm not aware of some of the cuts being sampled before. And some of the same people that have said this stuff send me messages asking about artists, albums, song names, samples etc. But the way I see it is that at least your getting to hear the sample in it's original form with the cover and all. But believe me I'm not showing everything, I have my special stuff that I keep for my own ears.


MTP - How do you feel about digital digging?

S - It's a bunch of shit!!! wait. In which way? Because there are two ways. The ones who think digging on limewire and file sharing sites is digging. And theres the ebay and dustygroove diggers. The 1st group of people are suckers. The 2nd group it's ok if you incorporate buying online and actually go out and get your hands dirty. Your just using every possible resource. If you don't click and buy it somebody else
will. So both ways require you getting to it first. But you shouldn't just stay online all day and never get out. What fun is that?


MTP - In your opinion, does Serato better the DJ culture or take away from it?

S - Uh oh here we go! well real quick I don't think it makes it better. It makes it easier. But that doesn't mean it makes it better. The 1 thing I can say it's
better for is those who wanna play their beats, remixes, etc at their gig. But that's it. They should have certain requirements in order to own Serato. Not
anybody should be able to get. One requirement should be that whatever you play you should own 90% on wax. The other 10% is your gift for putting in work.
My favorite part of watching DJs perform is watching them go through their crate pull out the record and mix it in. Then your like "Damn they found a copy of
that". Now it's like "Oh he downloaded that". But you can see who the real heads. The real ones still dig. Even if they have the mp3 their still looking for the
vinyl. For other people the search stops when its on their hard drive. I just don't see how you can compare an mp3 file and album artwork on a monitor to an
actual physical copy of an album. But real DJs won't stop digging no matter what new type of technology is invented.


MTP - Have you ever been to a beat battle?

S - Nah. Personally I don't like the fact of my beats being judged by anybody. I have a really wide range of sounds that I like. So depending on my mood. Something can sound amazing to me, and sound like shit to you. And what you might think is dope, might sound like garbage to me. If that makes any sense.


MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

S - I'm leaning towards the sample beats. But I can't take anything away from beats with a keyboard. But I think you should incorporate both. Or at least know how to
use both. I'm thinking of artist's like Quik, and Slick dogg. I got much more love for those who use samplers and keyboards than computer programs. But I feel all samples should be used from their original format.



MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

S - Going back to the last question they sound too programmed. They lack that gritty sound. I'm not speaking for all beats though. Another thing is I think some beats are are getting way too technical, Unless you're doing an instrumental album it's
cool. But I miss older Simple beats. A couple layered samples or loops with hard drums.


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

S - I've had a few. But mainly somebody will bring over their homeboy who thinks he's a rapper and wants beats from me. And it's always the wackest shit I've ever
heard. Mostly some wannabe gansta shit. That or some kid who sounds like he's reciting a thesaurus. Just stuff I wouldn't be caught dead with their lyrics
over my beats.


MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

S - I'm always in middle of mix tapes, and upcoming beats. But struggling with every day life, it's always hard to find time to just stop and work on a certain project.


MTP - What's something the readers may not know about you?

S - I'm a jack of trades! I'm a student in the morning, Repo man and Porn shop project manager in afternoons, and a Dj at night. I just recently got engaged. I also collect
cassettes, Nintendo and Super Nintendo games. And my favorite band is a Love metal group from Helsinki Finland named HIM.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

S - soulonely505@yahoo.com , http://www.youtube.com/user/souliva -- Before you ask. I don't fuck with myspace. But my homeboy's from my Dj crew got one. It's
http://www.myspace.com/alafaderzcrew -- I might have some random beats and pictures on there.


MTP - Any last words?

S - Thank you for this interview. Readers hit me up if you got any vinyl for sale or
trade, or if your ever in New Mexico.

What's up to my fellow Nuevo Mexico Dj homeboy's Ala Faderz Crew-Heavy rotation, Marv rock, Episode, and also Clout, Shakedown, n Justincredible. And to my lady Jodie, I love you. God Bless.


DJ SOULIVA "WITHOUT LOVE" BEAT

MTP "Legends Series Vol.1" - We goin back... Way back....

Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones in a studio. 1983

One of the first midi stations. Touch Screen!! Mad keyboards!! Heaven!! lol

*************** BONUS VIDEO ********************

Herbie Hancock "Rock It" (Know Your History!!!)




http://www.herbiehancock.com

MTP 3RD ANNUAL ALL FEMALE BEAT BATTLE "THE QUEEN OF SOUND" w/COMMERCIAL

"The Queen Of Sound" Commercial



Animation by http://www.myspace.com/46687346 = Divatude

Featuring

EMCEES - Nite, Reecee, Liv L'Raynge and Mooka Jerz

PRODUCERS - StickItky Productions, Lavaryl Beats, Pri The Honeydark, 16th Level Productions, Nire, EarthTones Entertainment, Inksalonious and SoyuNeik

DJ Mentplus Interview (El Da Sensei Remix Contest Winner)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

Mentplus - Originally, I'm from B.K....Now I live in Brickz (NJ). I rep both to the fullest.


MTP - When and Why did you start producing?

M - I've been a Dj for 10+ years spinning here and there. I started making beats around 95'. I got serious around 99'. It was a natural progression. I played music for so long, I just wanted to start making my own. I wanted to be like the greats you know....Premo, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Diamond D, Large Pro, etc. People heard my beats and wanted more, so I never looked back once I started.


MTP - Do you scratch and do tricks?

M - Yes sir, I cut, scratch & trick mix...My partner Dj Priority and I are known as "FREEHAND". We've done our part in keeping turntablism part of this culture in Jersey. "What is a DJ if he can't scratch??"...hahaha.


MTP - How do you feel about the digital turntables and there effect on the "Hip Hop" dj?

M - In my opinion, its just a natural stage in the evolution of Dj'in as a whole. Serato ,for example, helps a Dj with thousands of records bring his entire collection anywhere he does a set without having to lug around those heavy ass crates. I can testify to that; 10+ years of doing that I paid my dues. If there is an easier way, I'm all for it. But don't let it take the place of learning the fundamentals. Learn analog as well. You might have to do a set on analog turntables. Trust me its close but its not the same....so don't get fooled. You just might get thrown out of a party you're supposed to be spinning at..haha.


MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?

M - Ha..wow, my first pieces were a Boss Dr. Rhythm drum machine and a Gemini scratch master mixer/ 8-12sec sampler (With my turntables of course). I'd use 2 tape decks to put beats together. I only wish I could find those old beat tapes. haha.

As for now, I'm using an akai MPC 2000xl, Reason 3.0,
EMU MP-7 sound module, an akai DPS-12 (for effects and cuts), DIGI 002 (tracking with protools), korg ms 2000, a snare drum, microkorg and a shit load of records. And I'm still using my 1200 tech turntables till this day.


MTP - Do you collect records? How do you feel about the diggin culture?

M - Yes I have a couple of records..haha. You got to have that. I'm a Dj who just happens to be a producer. So naturally the records just fit in my way of life. It's not like i collect them just as a hobby, its part of my sound. Either for inspiration or sampling.

I fully support the digging culture because I am a part of that culture. If you are a "real" Dj who spins breaks as well as cuts or rocks a party, you already know!


MTP - What type of records do you collect?

M - Some old some new...really great sounding stuff ya know. I don't stick to just one genre I'm all over the place when it comes to diggin. Thats all I'll say..ha.


MTP - What should up and coming diggers know about collecting?

M - Listen before you buy. Theres always a place that has the record you bought for $40 that sells it for less so shop around!!!! If you see Dj Kaos with a crate of records for sale you better cop them sh-ts EARLY!! Big shouts to the Art Of Diggin Crew.ha. Don't just buy for the hell of it you better know about what records you buy do research. You never know where that dope break will pop up.


MTP - Whats it like being in a beat battle?

M - It is what it is.....a learning experience for any up and coming button pusher trying to make his or her mark; and most importantly MOVE THE CROWD (and the judges). I've been in just about every beat battle in the tri-state area except for that "fight club : beat club" joint...but i'm comin...haha. But I've paid dues and won a title in all of them. In my last beat battle "just blaze" told me keep searching for my sound....even though he he said, "I had madd skills"...so I have what the people want, I just have to focus a little more. Eventually my time will come. Thats what its like taking constant criticism from your peers. You have to learn its what the people want....move the crowd!!! (and the judges)


MTP - How can it help a producer?

M - It teaches a producer how to pay dues. Producers are also exposed to other ways of making music. And how to perform using what you made at the crib to entertain the masses. You might think your hot; your boys might tell you that ya beats are fiyah...ha.. even your moms might say you nice. But once you get in front of that crowd, "they" are your audience. And trust me if the crowd don't like your beats it will be known.


MTP - Who are the AKAI PROS?

M - J.S Krillz, Def Dom, Copicoo, Trindezzle, Dj Priority, And myself; we make good music. Producers who've just about won every beat battle there is as well as have releases you can cop in stores! We have many different styles & "we" move the crowd (and the judges..ha). If you go to a beat battle and one of us is performing, be sure to purchase a neck brace..ha



MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

M - I'm a sample based producer. But wait a minute, I also make keyboard based tracks as well....i even incorporate the two at times. As a producer, you shouldn't limit yourself to just one genre. Just use what you have because as a producer, you will eventually get to a point where you want to try something new. That will make you just like the greats. Being able to make a dope joint with just about anything....a sampler, keyboard, whatever!!!!


MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

M - Some of its good; some of it is horrible...I don't even listen to the radio anymore...its a shame...cats are f-cking up the game and they know it. But its that money you know. I'm just gonna play my position to the fullest and make good music....That is timeless. I want my great great grand kids to be bumpin my sh-t!! haha!!


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

M - Back in 2000 before I started to engineer my own stuff i use to track my stuff at a big studio in East Orange. My old engineer...lets call him bob, use to fall asleep during sessions!!! I was paying like $40 an hour!!! I just saved up and bought my own recording equipment to save money and aggravation.


MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

M - Working on my solo instrumental album....Kice of Course's 2nd album....Mentalcase's album.....A couple of joints with BullyMouth. This new stuff should make Mr. Len very happy. I'm also doing some Delinquent Soundz joints also. You'll be able to hear cuts provided by your truly with my homie Dj Priority on the next Written on your Psyche album. All due out later this year or the next who knows. Oh yeah maybe a couple of beat battles..haha!!


MTP - Whats going on with Smacks Records?

M - Smacks records is my home and where: BullyMouth, Kice of Course, Mentalcase, the Dix and Dj Porno are the artists. We make good music. The work I've done with Kice has been featured in the Vibe and Elemental magazine. If you don't know the label is owned by Mr. Len; and if your a real hip hopper you should already know who he is. Our Label manager Dj Phillie Blunt takes care of all the details and makes sure everything runs accordingly. We stick with the formula to bring timeless music to the masses. Just make sure you buy two copies of our ish when we drop single or albums!!!


MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

M - The song "miracles" by Kice Of Course produced by Mentplus was just featured in a soccer commercial over seas...crazy!!!! I just found out this past weekend.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

M - For beats!!!! mentplus@gmail.com or mentplus@comcast.net
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!


MTP - Any last words?

M - Like to give a huge shout-out to God for blessing me with all i have.... and without him i would be nothing!!!


DJ MENTPLUS (El Da Sensei "Frontline" Remix)

Alchemist - The Making Of "Hold You Down"

*******BONUS VIDEO********
Prodigy "Stuck On You" Produced By Alchemist

S1ncere Interview (July 2007 MTP Beat Battle Champ)

******* PICTURES COMING SOON *******

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

Sincere - Union City, NJ


MTP - When and Why did you start producing?

S - I started making beats Dec. of ’02. For Christmas, one of my cousins gave me a copy of this program Reason. Thats what really opened my mind to sampling.


MTP - What was your first piece of equipmenmt and what do you use now?

S - Technics SL BD1 was my first piece (big shout to Unusual and Cassius). We copped it at the Salvation Army for 20 bucks. lol. I just bought a Mac G5 now, so....


MTP - What software do you use?

S - Fruityloops. In a week, it's all gonna change.


MTP - Do you collect records? How do you feel about the diggin culture?

S - Yea, I got a few gems. Diggin laid the foundation for the classic hip hop records we listen to. Even the records out now use some of those pop breaks. There’s an r&b song out now on the radio with the "Juicy Fruit" drums over the beat, so there it is. Even if hip hop dies, diggin’ll still be here just ‘cause people love discovering those rare joints they know not too many people have.


MTP - There are several videos out now talking about legendary diggers. Who are your top diggers?

S - My top diggers are Mark the 45 King, Diamond D, Biz Markie and Madlib.


MTP - Whats it like being in a beat battle?

S - For me, there’s nothing like it, really. Its a better feeling than getting high or nice. When the crowd is feeling your shit, it’s definitely fulfilling and surreal. And nerve racking, I’m not gonna front. I was a lil nervous lol.


MTP - How can it help a producer?

S - Since I’m not a DJ, beat battles are like the next best thing to knowing what the crowd is into, you know? What catches their attention, what makes them wild out. That’s why for DJ’s, producing becomes 2nd nature to them just because…they know the beginning of “this record” gets the crowd going nuts, and the bridge for “that record” got people singing the melody and all that. So yea, I’m learning a couple things.


MTP - You've just won the July MTP Beat Battle. What are you expecting for the finals?

S - Stiff Comp.


MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

S - It’s all on how you use it. Me personally, I love taking a record and just molding it to something else. But I also like using keyboards like the Microkorg, to add a different vibe to my beats.


MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

S - My boys put me on to these new-ish producers out now like Oddisee, Black Milk, Illmind. Madlib is the most inventive out right now. Their shit is hot, they keep it alive for me as far as beats, besides the legends of course.


MTP - How about the more commercial producers such as Swizz, Kayne or Timbaland?

S - Timbaland is on my legends list. His boy Danjahandz is dope too. I like Swizz and Kanye but The Neptunes are on my top 3. They could make a classic punk album like "In Search Of", then switch to 80's r&b like "In My Mind", and still go hard for Clipse's last album. Dre, Hi Tek, Nottz, Organized Noise, and the list goes on.


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

S - It was the summer of ’03 when I decided to lay down vocals. Bad move. lol.


MTP - What projects are you currently working on?

S - Nothing’s etched in stone yet. We’ll see. There’s some real talented groups coming out of Jersey that I want to work with tho. Definitely. I'm tryin to break ground.


MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

S - I used to bag up groceries at FINE FARE for school gear, ask about me.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

S - www.myspace.com/s1ncere87
R_rod12@hotmail.com


MTP - Any last words?

S - My boys make beats also...Cassius and Unusual. Check for them at www.myspace.com/cassius86music and www.myspace.com/unusualbeatz . Thanks to MTP for the interview, and shout to everyone who's in grind mode tryin to find their niche, peace.


SINCERE TRACK

Pritt Interview (King Of The Beats DVD Creator)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

Pritt - I'm from Birmingham City, UK.


MTP - Describe the music scene out there?

P - Well to be honest, I don’t really follow the scene here to much. Im more into the whole Hip Hop scene. So I just look for things that interest me.


MTP - How long have you been involved in HIP HOP?

P - Ive been involved in Hip Hop since 1983. I was really into art and Kung Fu back then, so seeing Graffiti blew me away. It was natural for me to get into it. My older brother, who is well into his 40’s, was into comic books very deeply. I was up on characters like Lizard Zen back then, because I seen the original. Being also into Kung Fu and watching Breakin, I thought wow, that’s right out of a kung fu film. And all the older guys were doing it. So I got into it to be part of the crowd and plus it was free. You didn’t have to go anywhere because you could practice anywhere. I got into music later. Back then, hip hop music was just the soundtrack to breakin. It was only after the electro era that I really got more interested in music.


MTP - Tell me about "King Of The Beats"..

P - Haha, I slept on that for a minute. In 97, I met up with Legendary Graff Artist the Artful Dodger. Now hes someone I looked up too. We talked. I had already been filming Jams for some time but, he kind of inspired me to make a film. So at that time I was really digging hard, running all over the country. Lots of people I met ,via record buying, had now become respected producers. So one day I was at Juliano’s crib (Record King - the guy out of the Creators) and we were filming. He’s a real confident guy and was like "you can take me anywhere and I can find records." It sparked an idea in my head. Which gave birth to my concept of King of the Beats.

Now to get a few things straight, I come from the B-boy attitude. KEN SWIFT and I have to come correct.. So when I did it.. I made sure that the idea had to be the best and most hardcore concept out there. So that’s why the format is the way it is. Now at that point, there was no beat battles, producer battles, etc. What happened was, I let one magazine write about it and they wrote a real brief article. So people new about the film but didn’t get the whole concept. Its only when they see it do they like go fuck?! In 2002, I heard they even started an event in NYC called the same thing. Its funny because, all the 3 judges were people I actually gave the original film too when I was out there the year before.

My mistake was, I never got onto forums because I didn’t know how much it was talked about. People have found out how to contact me have I found out. There are few factors why I'm coming back doing it though.

#1 - My film "THE MEN & THEIR MUSIC" is taking so long

#2 - I seen so many copies (Biters) of it

#3 - Just because I think really the scene needs it


MTP - Do you make beats? If so, what was your first piece of equipmenmt and what do you use now?

P - Well, when I started making beats I used tape to tape on my sisters Hi-fi. Then in 88, I used to go to my friends place who had a crappy computer and we were able to sample and loop stuff on it. Then my friend ,DJ Sparra (DMC Champ), taught me the AKAI 900-950. You can see all the pics on my www.nu-skratch.com site. So with that and a tascam 4 track, I was able to make beats. Listening back, I thought I was hot stuff but really its embarrassing. There wack but its all part of the learning curve.


MTP - Do you collect records?

P - I live to buy and collect records. I'm not a collector like Jay or Biz, who pretty much do it full time. I love to collect records. There was a time when all my school dinner money and every penny I earned went to records. I still like to get out there when I can every month. I'm caught up in films and family now. I like to buy music with grooves, samples and loops. I'm into all sorts of old music. To me rock, west coast, funk, soul, world, jazz, is hip hop.




MTP - How do you feel about the diggin culture?

P - I love digging and I think if you want to be a respected hip hop producer you got to dig. It’s a beautiful thing to find a record and hear a beat or groove that makes you go damn!!!!!. One of the reasons I do King of the Beats is to encourage it. Over here a lot of record shops are closing, so we got to encourage people to by vinyl and keep the artform alive. I personally don’t like being shown stuff by people who sell records for diggers. It takes the fun out of it. Plus, its just the way I am. I like to think I found it and be the first to find it. Even though people might already have it. But to know that I found it /discovered it. Its pure right.


MTP - Have you ever been in/to a beat battle before?

P - No, Ive never been in a beat battle before. Im in King of the Beats 2 to show that I can do it. Thats the only time you will see me in one. The beat battle format thats out there really doesn’t do much for me.. with no disrespect. I'm more into the whole digging scene, the looking and the task of making. Ive checked some stuff on youtube and you got guys who do what I call MPC gymnastics. Playing a MPC like a piano with super fast fingers. To me, its about the finished piece. It rare you hear someone come with a beat that can match the quality of large Professor, Premo, Pete or Marley Marl. Good music stands the test of time. And Ive just not heard any one match that.


MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

P - I'm into samples. No keyboard music. I know and accept that, in the studio Keyboards are used to enhance the track. That’s cool. But as for making a hip hop record with no samples, I'm not into those keyboard beats.


MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

P - There are producers out there doing it. I don’t like to follow trends. I like people because there good. For instance, DJ Spinna ,for a minute, was hot stuff. People were all like Spinna, Spinna buy anything Spinna. Now people don’t talk so much about him because the next producer has come along. Well Spinna is still just as hot today as he was when we first heard of him. I think people got into the culture of making beats for the sake of it. Or because its cool. I want to see people who put there heart and soul into their music and feel it.


MTP - Do they play a variety of Hip Hop on the radio in the UK?

P - They do ,but to be honest, I don’t listen to much on the radio. I used to back in the 80’s and 90’s. its just not the same here as it was. But there are some good quality shows going on.


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

P - Honestly not with anyone famous. But with my friends band, in Wolverhampton. It dragged on and nothing got done. I was pissed !!!


MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

P - I'm Currently finishing King of the Beats 2 and already got the illest line up for part 3. And I'm getting the last bits of footage completed for "THE MEN & THEIR MUSIC" DVD. Now, how many people you know work on a film or record for 10 years these days? I promise this to not disappoint. I'm also working on "The EN4CERS" DVD. Its a look at 3 of the most important people in UK Hip Hop history. DJ Pogo, Cutmaster Swift & DJ Billy Biznezz.


MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

P - Well, I did everything -- making films with no money while working on minimum wage for 7 years. Doing 60 hour weeks. You don’t see lists of names in the production credits. Nothing like that. It’s the hardest and the most guerrilla tactics in hip hop.

I was behind the HIJACK film, the first ever hip hop film to look at a serious artist. Disregarding the bling and fabulous bullshit that’s poisoned our culture.

That there was a time I almost joined ultra but I couldn’t afford to leave the country.

That I'm always looking for people who want to take part in my films.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

P - www.myspace.com/keyfigures


MTP - Any last words?

P - Don’t follow trends. Keep Hip Hop alive and pure. And BUY KING OF THE BEATS 2 when I drop it. I need the cash to make part 3 and 4. you know how it is!!

KING OF THE BEATS 2 TRAILER! (featuring DJ Priority)