Shoutouts to Cali on this one!
So what/who inspired you to do music?
I've been around Hip Hop all of my life, honestly. Whenever we had school projects in elementary school, I would always try and incorporate some kind of rap. The first time I heard Timbaland in '97, it blew my mind. It was "I Can't Stand the Rain" by Missy. I went out and got the Timbaland and Magoo album after that. I don't know if I've ever played a CD so much in my life! I knew that whatever he was doing, I wanted to do when I got older.
How long have you been in the game?
I don't really think of myself as being in "the game" yet. Still paying dues. But I started dabbling with production in 2002 on FL Studio 3, the pirated demo version. After a computer crash, I decided to actually purchase the program online in 2005 and take a more serious approach to my craft. So I'd say I've been focused on this career path a little over 3 years.
What do you think the new direction of Hip Hop will be in 09?
I may come off as a homer, but I really see LA as being the next region to blow. I think the scene here is like a hip hop renaissance, and I'm fortunate to be apart of it. With artists like Pac Div, U-N-I, Dom Kennedy, Blu, the whole FCC, & Shawn Jackson on the comeup, I think we're gonna see a return of fun hip hop with lyricism included. LA isn't all gangbang music! I think that'll be seen in '09.
Anyone that you want to work with in the future?
Any artist that takes their craft seriously and is very talented. In a business sense, creatively, the full spectrum. I take pride in working with artists who I feel like are gonna blow up eventually and have an actual career in this Hip Hop game. That's how and why I've networked with artists like Prophit, Philthy, Hawdwerk, etc.
What would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love to do an EP with Lil Wayne. Yea, stone me if you want. I think if Wayne were paired with a producer who gave him a specific vision and direction for a project, it would be incredible. The guy is talented. I'd love to work with Common and Lupe. Of course, nobody would deny a Jay-Z collab either. It'd also be dope to get Blu on a reissue of "The 2 AM Tape"...rhyming over each track! I should work on that.
Any new projects in the works?
There is always a new project in the works. Up next on deck is an EP with Philthy called "LoveSongs For Losers & Ballads for Ballers". That should be out by February or March. Also at work on a mixtape with my group called The Bench Mob. That's my rapping outlet, with my partners LabCat & BE.water. End of 09, Hawdwerk and I will be working on an album. All of that plus some outside production on other albums. Hopefully 09 will bring even greater success.
What would you define your sound as?
Im often told that I have a very soul & mellow sound.I definitely think that's a style I possess. However, with The Bench Mob album and some outside production on the way, I'll be able to show versatility, and you'll notice by some of the artists that are featured on the production. I'd like to think that regardless of the style, my production comes off authentic and honest...that it allows for the artists to simply do themselves on the track.
Last thoughts? Shoutouts?
Yes...support good FREE music. Go download "The Carry-On Experience" and "The 2 AM Tape". Hit me on my myspace page and twitter...say waddup! I ALWAYS respond, unless you're asking for free beats. Shout out to The Bench Mob, The 189, everybody making dope music in LA, and everybody in the Cov'. Cov' is on its way! But you can hear more about that through my blog.
www.myspace.com/jansportj
www.twitter.com/jansportj
www.the189.com/author/jansportj
-De'
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