DJ | Producer | Audio Director

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I have a few projects that I'm extremely proud to say that I worked on: Step Back - ft. Chuck D & Kris Payne Ready or Not Duplate ft. Wyclef Jean & The Fugees Grind Stone ft. Sadat X & Shades of Culture If I had to pick one that stands out for me is having played multiple roles in 1 production. It was when I was hired to be the Sr. Sound Designer for BET's Love & Hip Hop The Game. I was able to bring all of my worlds together as I was the Sound Designer for the game, as well as the music producer (38 tracks produced) as well as worked as a scratch DJ, and both mixing and mastering engineer for the entire game. I was very proud of the fact that I was able to impress the people at BET who allowed me to create 38 original instrumentals for their game while adding my complete touch to the entire soundscape and audio design of the game. I can honestly say that everything audio in the game, is 100% me.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on several projects to be released later this year!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: The question I get asked most is who have I worked with. I've produced beats most notably for Chuck D (Public Enemy), Wyclef (The Fugees), Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and a host of other artists. I've also toured with: Eminem | KRS1 | Public Enemy | Gangstarr | House of Pain | Backstreet Boys | Ben Harper Gaming Credits include: Assassin's Creed | Love & Hip Hop The Game | Far Cry | Splinter Cell " Michael Jackson The Game | Game of Thrones: Beyond The Wall....etc...

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I started out as a rock drummer (Rush is still my favorite band of all time) which then lead me to dj'ing. From there, after touring the world and performing for decades, I then became interested in production, mixing and mastering. Also being a Sr. Sound Designer in the gaming industry for over 17+ years, there was also that aspect that brought me further into the pre & post production aspect of music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring 30+ years of experience to a track. I've been an active dj for almost 3 decades, having played and toured all over the world. I have a good understanding of what makes a track standout from the rest and try to accentuate the best of the artist I'm working with. It's a collaboration, so I always make sure that the artist and I agree on direction and result. I like to share my perspective and I believe being a DJ, Drummer, Producer and even a Sr. Sound Designer help bring a creative perspective to the song process.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Often I produce a track using Maschine Studio, Maschine Jam + S49 in combination based on either an idea I've thought of or from something that's inspired me. Inspiration can come from anything...I've been known to wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and produce a rough draft of a track in about 20 minutes and then return to bed. Once I wake up the next day, I will return later that evening to further develop what I already started. In working with specific artists, I will listen to some of their previous work to get an idea of what they like to do, when it comes to flows, approach, ideas and influences. From there, I will then try to produce a track in their style or perhaps something completely different to what they're used to, in case they're looking to try something new. Either way, I tend to lean towards the boom bap style of hip hop as for me, it's what I think is missing in today's hip hop.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a full setup available for pre-production with Native Instruments Maschine (Studio & Jam in combination) + S49. That is my main setup for all of my production. Once the creative process is completed, I then move over to Pro Tools where I then mix and master, as well as either record vocals and/or scratches. In my "bag of tricks" I use a host of different plugins from Fabfilter, Izotope, Soundtoys & Waves.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: The answer is both. I prefer analog as it's a truer sound, but in today's day and age, digital is how most things are done.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I'm hired for various reasons, but most commonly is to compose, produce, mix, master and perform scratching on full hip hop projects.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I'm fairly new to the platform so I haven't had a chance to do any research as of yet.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music is in the blood and has been since an early age...therefore, what I'm doing isn't considered a job. It's my passion.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I think that since I prefer Boom Bap / Golden Age hip hop beats, that I'm not able to work in different genre's or styles, but that's not true at all. I just prefer working in a style that I love.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Depending on the type of project - because I work both in the music and gaming industry full time - I need to know what they're looking for? what is their target audience? and timeline? From there, that gives a pretty good indication as to if I'm the right person for the job. I certainly don't want to promise something I can deliver and I know that clients want to get the most for their budget. I want to be certain that we're both on the same page.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: As I advise all of my clients. Make sure that you know what you're looking for. The reason I ask, is so that we're certain that I'm the right person for the job. I can certainly help shape and refine the details, but the initial idea must be fairly clear, so that we get on the same page and can move forward from there.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: - Maschine Studio - Laptop - Drumset - 1200 Technics turntables - Z2 Mixer

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As mentioned before, I'm partial to the Golden Era Boom Bap style of Hip Hop. I will sometimes use samples otherwise, I'll create something original and then chop it up myself to give it that "sample" feel that's synonymous with 90's hip hop.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to produce a track for one of my all time favorite MC's: Redman. I just think it would be an honor and privilege to work with an artist who is still relevant today and has the ability to shine on any type of production.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be unique as well as experimental in what you produce. Don't try to be what everyone else is, as you should aim to be the best of you and not a lesser version of someone else!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I tend to prefer Boom Bap Hip Hop, as it's what I like most and don't think there's enough of in the music market currently.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: People skills is probably my strongest skill, because I believe the relationship you create with the artist is what helps produce a satisfying result. Everything else is subjective.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I'm inspired by the golden era of hip hop and the people I look up to most in regards to production are: Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Diamond D, Large Professor etc...I'm also heavily influenced by these dj's: DJ Qbert, DStylez and the late legendary Neil Peart.