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	<title>HIPHOPMAKERS.COM &#187; Interviews</title>
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	<link>http://hiphopmakers.com</link>
	<description>Music Production Blog to Learn Everything About Making Music, Graphic Design, and Promoting Music.</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:45:04 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Interview with DIGGA - Contributed to Over 20 Million Records Sold</title>
		<link>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-digga</link>
		<comments>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-digga#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:09:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hiphopmakers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Producing Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-digga</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Digga has worked with Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Cam’ron, Jennifer Lopez and many more. He has contributed to over 20 million records sold. Digga shares some of his insight on the music industry.


How long have you been making music?
Man, since I was about 9 years old. I started out rapping and then DJing and  then [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Digga has worked with Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Cam’ron, Jennifer Lopez and many more. He has contributed to over 20 million records sold. Digga shares some of his insight on the music industry.</p>
<p><span id="more-172"></span></p>
<p><img src='http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/diggaheadline.jpg' alt='Digga' /></p>
<p><strong>How long have you been making music?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Man, since I was about 9 years old. I started out rapping and then DJing and  then producing.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What equipment are you using?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>MPC 4000, Reason 4.0, Pro Tools with plug ins. That’s pretty much it.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>You said you use  reason too, how do you use it with your MPC set up?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I use the MPC as a contoller to trigger the Reason sounds. I have a Midi controller connected to the MPC so I pretty much do  all the sequencing in the MPC. I don&#8217;t like the sequencer in reason but I love  having easy access to the sound modules.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you have a preference with hardware or software?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I’m a MPC guy. I look at the MPC as an instrument so I need to play it to feel  the music. Its hard to get use to the mouse and the midi keyboard. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How much time do you spend making music?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Lately, not that much time. Maybe about three days a week. I’m at the point  where I can work on beats that I will keep instead of making a bunch of beats  that are wack and unusable.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you have a manager? If so and if so, how has it helped you in getting heard?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>No, I don’t have a manager. I had a few managers, but most managers are  motivated by money. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>So you have had a couple managers, but you don’t now. Did you have some bad  experiences with them?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I wouldn&#8217;t say bad experiences. They just weren&#8217;t a benefit to me. If you&#8217;re  paying someone to perform a service, you expect certain things. I didn&#8217;t get  that. I&#8217;m writing a book called &quot;The Beat Game&quot; coming out sometime  this summer about my whole experience with managers, lawyers, accountants, and  the business in general. I think it would help a lot of aspiring producers.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What is your beat making process?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I usually make the beats in my head. If its an original idea, I hear the sounds  in my head and try to duplicate it on my set up. If I hear a sample, I try to  figure out how I can chop it and create something unique. I never force it  though.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How do you know when a beat is done?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Honestly, Its never done until you create a song. If you’re a good producer,  you will know when you need to add or subtract elements from a beat. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How do you describe your style?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> I called me style “The Feeling”. No matter what kind of track I’m producing, it  has to move you in some sort of way. If you play any of my tracks without  vocals, the production can stand by itself. You would be amazed at how many  tracks out there that don’t give you that.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How many beats do you make a day?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>It varies. On a good day, I could start about four beats that could turn into  something I will keep.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What are some accomplishments that you are most proud of in the production  game?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> I have to say my work on Cam’Ron’s first album “Confessions Of Fire”. That was  my first piece of work released commercially and it went gold. I co-executive  produced that album and produced 9 songs for that album. I had just graduated  from college.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you sell your beats online, face-to-face or both? And do you have a  preference?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> I try to get face to face contact with the artist and/or managers. You can get  a better idea if people are bullshitting you or not. For the most part, artist  are usually willing to check out the music but some managers are more Hollywood  than the artist. I have some tracks on pmpworldwide.  com and some on mybeatshop.com.  I decided to put some beats on mybeatshop after a conversation with the owner.  I really like what he’s doing over there.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>You have produced for some big artist, do you usually work in the studio with them,  or do you just send them  beats?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> A little bit of both. I’ve worked with Jennifer Lopez in the studio. 50 and Jay  ran my records by me before they were released. The majority of artist record  to my music and then we talk about making changes later. Nowadays, artist don’t  want to record with producers anyway. That’s part of the reason why music is  not that great today.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>When you were starting out, what methods did you use to get your beats heard by  these big name artist?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Well, in this business its all about who you know. Every placement is a stepping stone. When I was working on Cam’Ron’s first album, I built a few relationships with different camps and industry people. I pretty much just showed people how serious I was about shopping my tracks. You have to figure out what people can help you and connect you with an opportunity. I still deal with it because the times have changed. You’re as good as your last hot beat.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>When you submit beats, do you submit hooks too? Or suggestion on what kind of  lyrics you imagined on your beat?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>If I make a beat and I come up with a hot hook, I&#8217;ll submit it. Nowadays, you  can&#8217;t make any suggestions because you&#8217;re not in the studio while its being  recorded. If I send beats to A-list artist like Jay-Z, etc, I don&#8217;t worry about  that too much. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>In your opinion, what types of things should the new/young producer concentrate  on most to develop thier skills?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Developing an understanding of music. Don’t be scared to be different. To many  young producers are satisfied with making beats that sound like other people.  With today’s technology, it makes it easier to sound like you know what you’re  doing. If you are given all the sounds in a program and then you copy Lil Jon’s  programming, that’s not making beats, that’s duplicating.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>You don’t have to name a amount, but has dealing with the music industry paid  you well? Like are the checks your getting these big name artist leaving you  set for months, or do you have to hustle hard for that next beat sale? </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>You always have to hustle because one hit track won’t make you rich. I have  sold over 20 millions records over the course of my career. But a lot of the  artist I have worked with are unrecouped. The only artist I receive checks from  are Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Jennifer Lopez. Right now, its hard to consistently get  placements so you have to find others ways to generate income.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How much time do you spend digging for samples?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Not much. Sometimes if I get a block, I’ll go out and record shop. For the most  part, I go through records I already have because I have thousands of them. I  usually hear things differently on different days.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How do you feel about the music that’s on the radio today?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> I’m not upset about it anymore because radio as we know it is about to go down.  There are too many ways for people can get music now. We don’t have to be held  hostage to the radio anymore. The music on the radio is made for the radio.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>You have worked with a lot of big names, so is it easier to get placement on a  big albums now, or is a struggle to still get heard by some of these artist?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Its still a struggle because there is more competition now.<br />
  Artist can afford to have 100 producers submit tracks until they’re ready to  pick something. Its more about timing now.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>I think I read in another article, your first major placements were with  camron, are you guys still working together nowadays?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Nah</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Tell me about your website PSKill University?</strong> ( <strong><a href="http://pskilluniversity.com/" target="_blank" class="red_underline">www.pskilluniversity.com</a> </strong>)</p>
<blockquote><p> Man, I’m so exited about it. Pskill   University is a Online  school I’m starting for beatmakers and producers. I wanted to start a more  organize way to share knowledge about production. I still emails from aspiring  producers asking me questions because they can’t find the answer. I have  nothing against Music schools but I feel like there is a lot of information  they can’t teach you. At Pskill, all of the instructors have first hand  knowledge about production and industry experience. Students wil be able to  take courses on sampling, beat shopping, producers income, etc.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>When can we expect Pskill   University to launch?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>We&#8217;re shooting for sometime in May. The response has been great.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Can you tell me about Six Figga Entertainment?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Six Figga Entertainment is the parent company to everything I’m doing right  now. I have <a href="http://diggatalkradio.podomatic.com/" target="_blank" class="red_underline">Digga Talk Radio</a>, ProducersSkill.com, Pskill University  and the record label. I have my artist Fab Nickel and Thonio along with a staff  of producers too.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What made you start a podcast?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> I wanted to communicate with an audience that understands where I’m coming  from. I think there is much more to a producer than turning knobs or dancing in  videos. I’m trying to start a movement that’s an alternative to that. I think  we should talk about politics, technology and other issues that relate to music  production. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Can I have the direct url to your podcast?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Check me at <a href="http://www.DiggaTalkRadio.com" target="_blank" class="red_underline">www.DiggaTalkRadio.com</a>. I&#8217;m actually in the process of doing a deal with a  large internet radio network too.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>I have seen a couple of your Youtube videos. What made you do them?</strong> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/sixfigga" target="_blank" class="red_underline">youtube.com/user/sixfigga</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p>To be honest, I just did one for pmpworldwide.com. After that, people just started emailing to do more, so I said why not. I was already thinking about teaching some classes at a few high schools in New York. That idea eventually lead to me forming Pskill University.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Here is one of Digga&#8217;s videos</strong>
</p>
</p>
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</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What is your going rate for beats, and how do you determine what a beat is worth?</strong>
</p>
<blockquote><p> They can go from $2500 to $20,000. Every situation is different though. If the  relationship is worth me lowering my price, I will. For me, the up front  advance is not what’s important. Most artist don’t recoup but they still sell  records. To make a long story short, your publishing splits have to be right so  you can always receive royalties. Check out Pskill University  for more lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What tips do you have for new producers?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> Develop your production skills like a sport. Work on your chopping skills, drum  programming, arranging, etc. You gotta master your lay ups and jumpshots.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What  artist do you really want to work with right now?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I’m still trying to land something on Jadakiss and Ludacris. To be honest, I  just want to hear it for myself.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What up coming projects do you have?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I’m working on some stuff with the Clipse and Re-up gang, Killa Mike and Lil  Kim. I also got Fab Nickel’s “How To R.O.B” and Thonio’s “The Life Of Anthonio  Ray Williams” dropping this summer on Six Figga Entertainment,Inc. Don’t forget  about <a href="http://producersskill.com/" target="_blank" class="red_underline">ProducersSkill.com</a> and <a href="http://pskilluniversity.com/" target="_blank" class="red_underline">PskillUniversity.com</a> launch soon!</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How can people get in contact with you?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Hit me up on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sixfiggaentertainment" target="_blank" class="red_underline">myspace.com/sixfiggaentertainment</a> or <a href="mailto:digga@sixfigga.com" class="red_underline">digga@sixfigga.com</a></p></blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Interview with Boon Doc - The MPC Pad Killer</title>
		<link>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-boon-doc-the-mpc-pad-killer</link>
		<comments>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-boon-doc-the-mpc-pad-killer#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:32:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hiphopmakers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Boon Doc]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[MPC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-boon-doc-the-mpc-pad-killer</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Boon Doc has made a name for himself on Youtube with over 400,000 views of him making one hardest beats I’ve heard on a MPC in a while. Boon Doc shares some of his knowledge on beat making, the music industry, and some of his upcoming projects.

Check out the video below and you&#8217;ll see why [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Boon Doc has made a name for himself on Youtube with over 400,000 views of him making one hardest beats I’ve heard on a MPC in a while. Boon Doc shares some of his knowledge on beat making, the music industry, and some of his upcoming projects.<br />
<span id="more-159"></span><br />
Check out the video below and you&#8217;ll see why I called him the MPC Pad killer, and why he has over 1.1 Million views spread amongst his 18 videos on Youtube.</p>
<p><img src='http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/boondocheader.jpg' alt='Boon Doc' /></p>
<p><strong>How is life?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p> It&#8217;s great, I can&#8217;t complain at all.&nbsp; Just been working hard  as usual, and trying to maintain.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How long have you been making music? </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>About 9 years now.&nbsp; I started out strictly as an MC  first. But while I was recording back then, I involved myself a lot on the production  side before I was navigating with the machines fully on my own. </p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What equipment are you using?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Right now, the MPC 1000, Motif ES Rack, Powerbook G4,  Roland SH-201, Technics SL-1200 and of course, Pro Tools.&nbsp; The rest of the  stuff is the obvious&#8230; monitors, mixers, etc.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you have a preference with hardware  or software?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I first started out with software&#8230;but, I personally prefer  hardware.&nbsp; There&#8217;s absolutely nothing wrong with using software.&nbsp;  But, when it comes to getting the sound and groove that I want, I execute it  best with the machines.&nbsp; I like it all hands on; hitting pads and keys,  turning knobs etc.&nbsp; ALSO, I don&#8217;t know about everybody else&#8230; but for  me&#8230;&nbsp; I&#8217;ve had less headaches ever since I switched to hardware,  lol.&nbsp; I was constantly getting headaches from staring at the computer  screen all the time.&nbsp; But, I kinda have bad eyes, so maybe it&#8217;s just me,  lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Are you pursuing music full time or is  it just a hobby?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I&#8217;ve been doing music full-time for 2 years now, and that&#8217;s  something I&#8217;ve been reaching for since I was 16.&nbsp; It&#8217;s not JUST a hobby  for me&#8230; but, it IS a hobby that I take seriously, not only as a craft, but  also a career.&nbsp; I mean&#8230;&nbsp; I&#8217;d rather get paid doing something that I  love rather than doing something I hate.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Since your prusing  music production full time. What kind of problems have you encountered so far?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Being self-employed is a challenge, period.&nbsp; Business can  be boomin&#8217; one minute, and then the next minute there could be a serious  drought.&nbsp; And having creative blocks effects me more.&nbsp; Before,  it was like&#8230; if I had a creative block, I&#8217;d just give it a rest and be coo  with it.&nbsp; But now it&#8217;s like&#8230; If I don&#8217;t make a beat&#8230; I don&#8217;t eat  lol.&nbsp; I get really stressed out when I have a block. Besides that, I  haven&#8217;t encountered any serious problems as of yet, and I hope I never  do.&nbsp; Sometimes I come across hard-headed artists. As a producer, most  things have been running smooth.&nbsp; Now&#8230; if you asked me what kind of  problems I&#8217;ve encountered as an ARTIST (emcee)&#8230; THAT would take up a whole  book full of pages.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How much time do you spend making music?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>ALL THE TIME! lol.&nbsp; To me&#8230; making music isn&#8217;t just being  behind the machines and arranging sounds physically.&nbsp; There&#8217;s more to it  than that for me.&nbsp; I&#8217;m &quot;making music&quot; even while I&#8217;m just listening  to other music.&nbsp; I&#8217;m &quot;making music&quot; when I&#8217;m watching movies or  playing a video game&#8230; or even grocery shopping, lol.&nbsp; When I&#8217;m in the  shower I&#8217;m coming up with melodies or drum patterns in my head. My brain never  seems to shut off when it comes to music.&nbsp; There&#8217;s always something that  I&#8217;m doing either physically, socially or mentally to get more inspiration and  ideas.&nbsp; So, I guess you can say it&#8217;s just about 24/7 for me, lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you have a manager? If so and if so,  how has it helped you in getting heard?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>At this moment, no.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve been down that road before, and  I&#8217;m very cautious about that now.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve had a few offers, but none that  have made me say &quot;yeah, this is it right here.&nbsp; this is  perfect.&quot; So, I&#8217;m still just focusing on myself right now and getting my  own business together.&nbsp; Truth is&#8230; you have to make sure you find the right  manager for you.&nbsp; The wrong person representing you can seriously ruin  some chances or hurt your progress.&nbsp; Having a manager is VERY important,  but you can&#8217;t just settle for anybody.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Whats your beat making process?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>It depends.&nbsp; If I&#8217;m sampling;&nbsp; I dig through records  until I find something that grabs me, I record the sample, drop it into my MPC,  chop it and arrange the pieces how want them to be.&nbsp; If it&#8217;s from  scratch&#8230; I just turn on the machines and start looking for sounds randomly,  or something specifically for a melody I have playing in my head.&nbsp; I&#8217;d say  99% of the time, I start with my drums first&#8230;. the drum sequence is the most  important part for me.&nbsp; I put a lot of focus on the layering, rhythm, feel  and timing of every drum sound. Once I&#8217;m satisfied with the drums, I&#8217;ll either  start recording my sample arrangements&#8230; or if I&#8217;m not sampling, I&#8217;ll start  messing around with chords and melodies.&nbsp; The rest just continues from  there.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you just produce or do you rap or  sing too?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I still do rap as well&#8230;. I&#8217;m currently working on my album.&nbsp;  I can&#8217;t really sing.&nbsp; I mean, I can do some smooth, funky Bootsy Collins  style falsetto choruses, but that&#8217;s about it, lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How many beats do you make a day?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Now that really varies.&nbsp; I could have a day where I produce  five or more beats&#8230;. but then there are days where I just knock out one or  two.&nbsp; And of course, there comes a time when I go through &quot;producer&#8217;s  block&quot; and can&#8217;t come up with anything for a week, lol.&nbsp; It all  depends.&nbsp; My arsenal is huge though.&nbsp; One thing I don&#8217;t do is force  my creativity.&nbsp; You can tell when a person&#8217;s beat was just made for the  sheer fact that they &quot;needed&quot; to make a beat for the day.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What are some accomplishments that you  are most proud of in the production game?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Man, I&#8217;m just happy that I continue to grow musically. I&#8217;ve  been gaining attention and respect.&nbsp; My name is circulating, and  I feel blessed to have such a buzz starting to spark up.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve been contacted  by major producers showing love.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve been able to survive  and keep myself fed, doing this full-time.&nbsp; I may not be in the big leagues  yet&#8230; but, everything comes in due time.&nbsp; God is good&#8230;. I&#8217;m thankful.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Have you worked with any names we might  recognize?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Not as of yet.&nbsp; Well.. besides Cam&#8217;Ron jacking one of my beats for his latest mix-tape, lol.&nbsp; I&#8217;m still shopping tracks around,  getting connects and networking.&nbsp; It all takes time.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve been  contacted by one of the members of Lord of the Underground.&nbsp; So, who  knows&#8230; I just may get a slot on Funke&#8217;s upcoming solo album.&nbsp; Just  stay tuned&#8230;.&nbsp; my name will be found on linear notes eventually, lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>So Camron took one of  you beats, how did he get a hold of it?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>I&#8217;m not quite sure exactly.&nbsp; But, I have some  ideas.&nbsp; I was personally shopping beats to J Bezel (Juelz Santana&#8217;s  protege) back in late 2006.&nbsp; Cam might&#8217;ve  had access to the folder of beats I sent&#8230; and just decided to use it.&nbsp;  Like I said, I&#8217;m not exactly sure.&nbsp; If not, he must&#8217;ve just downloaded it  or something.&nbsp; I contacted Bezel about it, but he said they haven&#8217;t spoke  to nor seen  Cam in a while.&nbsp; It ain&#8217;t just some  rumor&#8230; Cam&#8217;s really been a ghost  lately, lol.&nbsp; Hardly anybody knows where the hell he&#8217;s at or what he&#8217;s  doing right now.&nbsp; Chances are&#8230; he probably didn&#8217;t even know who  produced the beat.&nbsp; He might&#8217;ve just heard it in some older and  grabbed it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>How did that make you feel?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I was somewhat surprised, but I really didn&#8217;t care all    that much.&nbsp; I laughed about it and went about my day.&nbsp; A shoutout    would&#8217;ve been nice lol, but oh well.&nbsp; I mean&#8230; what the hell could I    do about it???&nbsp; It&#8217;s on a mix-tape&#8230;. a mix-tape&#8230;. a &quot;for    promotional use only&quot; mix-tape.&nbsp; Big deal.&nbsp; I&#8217;m not going to try  to    hunt him down for using my beat on a mix-tape.&nbsp; I normally charge just    $50 for leasing rights to use a beat on a demo or mix-tape.&nbsp; So, I&#8217;m    not gonna cry over a $50 loss, lol.&nbsp; He recorded over an mp3 2-track    stereo version of the beat, and you can tell that just by listening to    it.&nbsp; Now, if that joint would&#8217;ve been on an official album&#8230; THEN I    would&#8217;ve been taking legal action or hunting him down for credits and    compensation.&nbsp; Bottomline&#8230; he doesn&#8217;t own the rights nor the    separated tracks to that beat. </p>
<p>And it was called &quot;Chitty  Chitty Bang Bang&quot; or somethin&#8217; like that on    his Public Enemy mix-tape that came out last year.&nbsp; I honestly    listened to the song only once half-way through.&nbsp; That&#8217;s NOT a diss.    I just didn&#8217;t listen to the rest of the song.<br />
  <object width="300" height="80"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/QMV0t0PG7f/aus=false/"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/QMV0t0PG7f/aus=false/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="110" wmode="transparent"></embed></object></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you sell beats? If yes, how do you  promote and sell them?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Yeah, that&#8217;s how I keep my bills paid.&nbsp; In a sense, I  think I was one of the lucky people.&nbsp; I started my online beat hustle  a little bit BEFORE the net started becoming overly saturated with  everybody trying to make beats and claim they&#8217;re the &quot;hottest producer  in the game&quot;.&nbsp; My former partner and I started off on soundclick, and  we didn&#8217;t even think it was going be as successful as it was.&nbsp; We were  getting millions of plays at first without even promoting a damn  thing, lol.&nbsp; No banners, no &quot;v.i.p. account&quot;&#8230;. just beats with  famous rappers&#8217; faces on them. We just uploaded beats and hoped for  the best.&nbsp; Soon as we knew it&#8230; we were constantly on the charts.  So, at the end of the day&#8230; I think in SOME cases, the music will  just speak for itself.&nbsp; Nowadays, I&#8217;m still using avenues like  soundclick, rocbattle, myspace and of course, Youtube.&nbsp; I have a  business phone, so I take calls and sell beats through the use of  paypal or western union.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Do you sell your beats online,  face-to-face or both? And do you have a<br />
  preference? Why?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Both.&nbsp; But to be honest&#8230; my clients and fan base are  every where BUT my hometown, lol.&nbsp; There&#8217;s really not that many artists  here in Colorado that are going in the same direction as I am  musically.&nbsp; There is a serious lack of &quot;soulful&quot; artists in this  area.  You have no clue just how hard they are to find, lol.&nbsp; So, as of<br />
  right now, I do most of my beat selling online.&nbsp; Do I prefer it that  way?&nbsp; Honestly, No.&nbsp; Selling is always executed better  face-to-face&#8230;. or at least speaking to the person vocally.&nbsp; That&#8217;s  why I activated a business phone, because it makes things a lot more  comfortable on both ends.&nbsp; But, I&#8217;d prefer face-to-face.&nbsp; You could  get someone a lot more excited about your beats if they were in the  presence of you&#8230;. sharing ideas and snapping your neck to the rhythm  like it&#8217;s nobody&#8217;s business lol.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How do you determine what a beat is worth?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>When it&#8217;s a track that I know in my heart could be a hit  or a album classic if the right person copped it.&nbsp; How much work I put  into it.&nbsp; Also, the reaction of other people who DON&#8217;T produce or make  music.&nbsp; They&#8217;re the most important listeners to me.&nbsp; Because they&#8217;re  going to judge it off the entire track and the feeling it gives them.<br />
  They&#8217;re not paying attention specifically to the snare, or the  bassline, or the kick drum, or a sample like us musicians do.&nbsp; They  don&#8217;t understand all that jargon about the EQ, mix, reverb, delay and  compression, lol.&nbsp; Some of them can&#8217;t even decipher whether it&#8217;s a  brass section, strings or a synth&#8230; whether it&#8217;s an acoustic or an  electric bass.&nbsp; They don&#8217;t care which instrument it is.&nbsp; They want  good music.&nbsp; They &quot;understand&quot; WITHOUT understanding.&nbsp; If  the mix is  terrible, or the sounds are weak, or some of the notes are off-key&#8230;.  it&#8217;ll make them cringe without them even knowing exactly why.  They&#8217;ll just know that SOMETHING is wrong.&nbsp; There&#8217;s a reason they&#8217;re  not feeling it.&nbsp; I like letting people like THAT listen to my beats&#8230;  &#8217;cause it&#8217;s as simple as, &quot;they either like it or&#8230; they don&#8217;t&quot;.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How has Youtube helped you get exposure?&nbsp; Has it help you get any industry connections?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Youtube is a BLESSING lol.&nbsp; That avenue  is what truly got  my name circulating outside of just music sites like soundclick.&nbsp; It  had helped tremendously with exposure.&nbsp; People are posting and  discussing my videos all over the place at websites and forums that  I&#8217;ve never even seen or heard of before.&nbsp; I&#8217;d have to say that  youtube established my favorite form of promotion&#8230; &quot;word of mouth&quot;.  And yes, it has helped with industry connections.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve been  contacted by the likes of Ryan Leslie (who is also huge on Youtube)  and others.&nbsp; Just about all my industry connections have came from my  vids.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Your &quot;Boon Doc on MPC-Pt.2&quot; video on Youtube ( Video Below )  got over 400,000 views. How does that make you feel? And did you sell that beat?</strong> </p>
<p> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P6OLnpMT0W0&#038;rel=0&#038;hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P6OLnpMT0W0&#038;rel=0&#038;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I&#8217;m still amazed to this day.&nbsp; I mean&#8230; there&#8217;s people    out there who have MILLIONS of views out there&#8230; but I feel blessed    to have even over 100,000.&nbsp; I have to thank this cat Jeremy for that.    He contacted me last summer because he was getting the &#8216;Guest Editor&#8217;    spot for July 2007 on youtube.&nbsp; He asked if he could feature one of my    videos on the front page, and I was like &quot;HELL YEAH!&quot; lol.&nbsp; I  was    getting a decent amount of views before then&#8230; but that front page    spot is what REALLY set it off.&nbsp; &nbsp; Surprisingly&#8230; I have NOT sold    that beat yet lol.&nbsp; Some people have inquired about it though.&nbsp; I    don&#8217;t want to sell that one to just anybody though&#8230; so my price on it isn&#8217;t exactly cheap. </p>
<p>But, for real&#8230;. I&#8217;ll tell you this&#8230;. artists are WEIRD!!!&nbsp; The<br />
    beats that they usually want to get are the one&#8217;s that the producer<br />
    didn&#8217;t like initially.&nbsp; Ask any producer that&#8230; and they&#8217;ll probably<br />
    tell you the same thing.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>What should up and coming producers do to get better?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>First of all, stop trying to worry about what everybody  else is doing all the damn time.&nbsp; Too many cats dig around trying to  find out what equipment Timbaland is using, which MPC J Dilla used,  where Pete Rock got his drums from,&nbsp; which record Primo sampled from,  which synth The Neptunes used in &quot;(put song title  here)&quot;.&nbsp; There&#8217;s  nothing wrong with doing that kind of research sometimes&#8230; but for  goodness sakes, focus on YOU!&nbsp; Find the equipment that makes YOU feel  more comfortable.&nbsp; Start building your OWN drum arsenal and tweak them  to your liking.&nbsp; If you&#8217;re a sampler, don&#8217;t just grab samples just for  the sake of them being hot samples.&nbsp; PAY ATTENTION to those samples!  Listen thoroughly to how the instruments in the sample are being  played&#8230; the way the strings are being played, the octave of the  piano, the way the bass is moving&#8230; that little one-note pluck of a  guitar that gives the entire composition a boost of funk or soul.  That way, you&#8217;ll be able to have a keen sense of how you arrange your  music when you&#8217;re NOT using samples.&nbsp; Also, understand how to leave  space for a vocalist to shine&#8230; learning how to not throw in too many  melodies and sounds at one time.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How do you stay inspired? </strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Become a fan of different musical genres.&nbsp; Don&#8217;t just&quot;listen&quot;&#8230; become an actual FAN.&nbsp; Work with people that will  inspire  you and challenge you beyond your comfort zone, whether it&#8217;s with  other producers or artists.&nbsp; Stay away from the people that you don&#8217;t  have chemistry with.&nbsp; What I mean is&#8230;. if you&#8217;re working with  someone, and you realize that you get bored quick or your creative  energy drops when you&#8217;re around them&#8230;. you probably shouldn&#8217;t waste  anymore time forcing yourself to make music with them.&nbsp; And most  importantly&#8230; don&#8217;t think so hard, lol!&nbsp; Making music is supposed to  make you feel free.&nbsp; It&#8217;s supposed to be fun.&nbsp; Don&#8217;t stress yourself  out trying to be the best producer in the universe in one day.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How much time do you spend digging for samples?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Hours upon hours upon hours.&nbsp; I&#8217;m always digging.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What tips do you have for new producers?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Be patient.&nbsp; Producing is a way of life, and it takes  time  to understand the art.&nbsp; Martial Arts isn&#8217;t just about kicking,  punching and yelling &quot;HEE-YAH!&quot;.&nbsp; Therefore, producing ain&#8217;t  just  about sequencing a drum pattern and throwing in some extra  instruments.&nbsp; Always remain a student, and you&#8217;ll continue to grow.  Don&#8217;t expect to be making all-time classic material in just the first  few months or years.&nbsp; Just have fun and make mistakes.&nbsp; Yes&#8230;  MISTAKES!!!&nbsp; You&#8217;re going to make some wack ass beats for a little  while lol&#8230;. we all have to go through that process.&nbsp; As long as you  keep studying and working hard towards getting better&#8230; you&#8217;ll stay  on the right path.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>What up coming projects do you have?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Boon Doc:&nbsp; I&#8217;m working on my album as an emcee and producer, titled &#8216;Doc  U Meant it&#8217;.&nbsp; It&#8217;ll feature some artists and producers I&#8217;ve been collaborating  with.&nbsp; Classic Blue, Young Burna, Uzoy, Naaem Oba, Fabe and my protege&#8217;,  Fat Trak, will all be making an appearance.&nbsp; That&#8217;ll be coming out  sometime in 2008.&nbsp; Classic Blue is a really soulful production/artist team  that I&#8217;m a part of with Shawn Keith, Kells, Kirk and Sahada&#8230;&nbsp; and we&#8217;ll  be working on a project as well.&nbsp; Fat Trak and I will be putting together  an instrumental project together after my album is released.&nbsp; Young Burna  and I are currently preparing to work on his mix-tape, and it&#8217;s going to be  insane!&nbsp; Burna is going to make a HUGE impact in the hip-hop  industry.&nbsp; A lot of these so-called &quot;rappers&quot;/&quot;emcees&quot;  are really going to have to step their game up once they see what this kid has  to offer.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>How can people get in contact with you?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Just hit me up on myspace at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/booniemayfieldmusic" target="_blank" class="red_underline"><strong>myspace.com/booniemayfieldmusic</strong></a>.&nbsp;  You can also visit my Youtube station at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/blacktuezday" target="_blank" class="red_underline"><strong>youtube.com/blacktuezday</strong></a>.&nbsp;  If you&#8217;re trying to purchase<br />
  beats, you can call my business-line, <span id="lw_1207101801_9">(720)  244-8221</span>.&nbsp; That number is ONLY for people buying or  inquiring about beats for sale.</p></blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Meet Eyetel - Video Interview - Part #2</title>
		<link>http://hiphopmakers.com/meet-eyetel-video-interview-part-2</link>
		<comments>http://hiphopmakers.com/meet-eyetel-video-interview-part-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hiphopmakers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Eyetel]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Reason]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hiphopmakers.com/meet-eyetel-video-interview-part-2</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here is part 2 of meeting Eyetel. He tells us how Crooked I got one of his beats, how he promotes his beats, and some good tips.

Eyetel info:
Website: http://www.mceyetel.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eyetel
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here is part 2 of meeting Eyetel. He tells us how <strong>Crooked I</strong> got one of his beats, how he promotes his beats, and some good tips.<span id="more-81"></span></p>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u9oWkhon0dc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u9oWkhon0dc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<p><strong>Eyetel info:</strong><br />
<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.mceyetel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mceyetel.com/</a><br />
<strong>Myspace:</strong> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/eyetel" target="_blank">http://www.myspace.com/eyetel</a></p>
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		<title>Interview with NFX, Creator of Warbeats.com</title>
		<link>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-nfx-creator-of-warbeatscom</link>
		<comments>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-nfx-creator-of-warbeatscom#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:21:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hiphopmakers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[FL Studio]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[NFX]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Warbeats]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-with-nfx-creator-of-warbeatscom</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Find out how NFX got into creating music, and how he started a community of over 45,000 FL Studio users.



&#160;





&#160;


How long have you been making music?
Longer than I care to remember! I&#8217;ve always wanted to do thing musically, but I think I started consciously trying to make songs back in the early 1990&#8217;s.
What equipment are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Find out how NFX got into creating music, and how he started a community of over 45,000 FL Studio users.</p>
<p><span id="more-108"></span></p>
<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
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<td><img src='http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/warbeats-big.jpg' alt='WarBeats.com' /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>How long have you been making music?</p>
<blockquote><p>Longer than I care to remember! I&#8217;ve always wanted to do thing musically, but I think I started consciously trying to make songs back in the early 1990&#8217;s.</p></blockquote>
<p>What equipment are using?</p>
<blockquote><p>
FL Studio as my main DAW. Loaded with various plug-ins . I have some outboard gear too but I rarely use it, other than my mic which I use for my tutorials.</p></blockquote>
<p> <!--more--></p>
<p>Do you have a preference with hardware or software?</p>
<blockquote><p>My preference is with software for two reasons.. 1) it&#8217;s usually more affordable and 2) It&#8217;s usually more portable. Things like an MPC are portable too but a loaded laptop can pretty much replace an entire studio full of gear to some extent. </p></blockquote>
<p>Are you pursuing music full time or is it just a hobby?</p>
<blockquote><p>
Strictly a hobby for me. I have had dreams of doing it big but my reality is that I&#8217;m not as highly motivated as the guys out there hustling.</p></blockquote>
<p>How much time to you spend making music.</p>
<blockquote><p>Not as much as I want. My website (<a href="http://www.warbeats.com" target="_blank">www.warbeats.com</a>) eats up a lot of my free time. On average I spend about 4 hours a week on just music. I respect what you are doing by the way. I think it will be a great resource.</p></blockquote>
<p>Do you just produce or do you rap or sing too?</p>
<blockquote><p>
I have rapped on some of my own productions but it was strictly as an exercise to get a new perspective on making music from a rappers view. it was a fun experience but I&#8217;m not sure I learned much. I am a lousy rapper and a worse singer. Even Auto-Tune can&#8217;t help me there.</p></blockquote>
<p>Do you sell beats?</p>
<blockquote><p>Not really. I have put my beats up for free non commercial use (with credit) so I have had a lot of people using my beats. Despite the offers I have received for buying my beats, I guess I&#8217;m asking too much because no one has taken me up on that yet. I do submit beats privately to various projects but as of today, none have been picked up.</p></blockquote>
<p>Can you please tell me about your Warbeats community and why did you start  the site?</p>
<blockquote><p>
Warbeats.com is a place I started back in July of 2005. I had purchased the domain with the intent to be a strictly beat battle site on par with a site like rocbattles.</p>
<p>Some time before that I recorded a tutorial on how to make the basic Reggaeton beat and posted it on another of my domains. The big problem was that it was a 90meg video and so many people viewed it, my account got shut down. So I used my Warbeats account as a backup.</p>
<p>It has been growing ever since. We currently have about 45,000 members and it features files (over 900 FL Projects, sound kits, drum kits, etc). It has articles and interviews. It also has forums. And while my forums do have a beat battle area, I never got around to making it the beat battle site I had planned on. Of course the main focus of the site now is the video tutorials I post there. Right now I am at about 60+ of my own tutorials, and many more from other people.</p></blockquote>
<p>Why did you pick FL studio as you main focus?</p>
<blockquote><p>FL was a software that I just connected with when I first tried it back at version 3. It never bothered me that it had a funny name or looked different than everything else. I recognized that this little application could do some serious things that nothing else could do - if you took the time to look under the hood. And to me the price was reasonable (plus lifetime free updates). As you and your readers know, music gear is expensive! Finding something affordable and powerful is rare and appreciated in my world of audio production.</p></blockquote>
<p>What tips do you have for new producers?</p>
<blockquote><p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to try and fail. You will learn a lot through your failures and those lessons will stay with you the longest. You might lose at your first 10 beat battles but don&#8217;t get discouraged. You will get a lot of feedback in those losses. If you are humble enough to take the feedback without thinking its hate, you can grow faster.</p></blockquote>
<p>What do have coming up in the future?</p>
<blockquote><p>My music production is going slow at the moment. I have been in contact with various projects and management companies but nothing concrete.</p>
<p>As for Warbeats, I plan to just keep doing my thing - making tutorials. A lot of people appreciate the free videos and the helpful community at Warbeats. I hope it stays around as a valuable resource and stepping stone for everyone out there.</p></blockquote>
<p>How can people get in contact with you?</p>
<blockquote><p>You can hit me up at  <a href="http://myspace.com/warbeatsmusic" target="_blank">http://myspace.com/warbeatsmusic</a> or via email nfx[at]warbeats.com</p></blockquote>
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		<title>Meet Eyetel - Video Interview - Part #1</title>
		<link>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-eyetel</link>
		<comments>http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-eyetel#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:30:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>hiphopmakers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Eyetel]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Inteview]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Reason]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hiphopmakers.com/interview-eyetel</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Check out Eyetel as he shows off his equipment, tips on producing and selling beats. He also runs us through his process of making beats.
Video

Eyetel Photos









&#160;


&#160;
&#160;
&#160;


Eyetel info:
Website: http://www.mceyetel.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eyetel
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Check out Eyetel as he shows off his equipment, tips on producing and selling beats. He also runs us through his process of making beats.<span id="more-31"></span></p>
<h2>Video</h2>
<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pLoa97qaIpY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pLoa97qaIpY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<h2>Eyetel Photos</h2>
<table border="0" width="550">
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<td><a href="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6267.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img src="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6267.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6269.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img src="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6269.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6292.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img src="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6292.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td><a href="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6290.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img src="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6290.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6287.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img src="http://hiphopmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/100_6287.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><strong>Eyetel info:</strong><br />
<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.mceyetel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mceyetel.com/</a><br />
<strong>Myspace:</strong> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/eyetel" target="_blank">http://www.myspace.com/eyetel</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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