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"