PAID & POPULAR

Music: Wale + Danja Interviews

2008-05-08T19:11:00.003-04:00

Rhapsody seems to have it together when it comes to showcasing music. They've even got commercials dontchaknow. Partake.

WALE

Uptown Roamers needs to be a bonus track on Wale's album. He makes a GREAT point in regards to the "360" deal.

DANJA

Keri Hilson album needs to come YESTERDAY.

Peanut Butter Wolf Interview

2008-04-24T10:06:00.005-04:00

Stone Throw owner/DJ/Producer, Peanut Butter Wolf, gave me the privelage of interviewing him

on The Mission Radio Show this past Monday. During this brief 17 minute interview we got a little Stones Throw history, The story behind the 'Peanut Butter Wolf' and how Charizma and Peanut Butter Wolf were suppose to be on Sister Act 2. The entire interview is available for stream below so click play and enjoy. Also sign up for my podcast to here past interviews. Just Click Here and your computer will take care of the rest.

PxP Interview with D.W.I

2008-04-21T01:23:00.010-04:00

If you're a serious up and coming artist and have set foot in the NYC, chances are you've probably been in some shape or form, affiliated with this multi-tasked gentleman. D.W.I has been running his side of town for quite some years now and has had a heavy impact in the underground world, along with up and coming artist, labels, producers and anything else that is associated with the industry. Is he an Up and Coming producer/engineer/radio host? You be the Judge...

CHECK OUT AN EXCLUSIVE PXP INTERVIEW WITH D.W.I BY CHRIS KREDIBLE

Say hello to Teddy Ruck-Spin and Friends!!!

2008-04-14T16:48:00.007-04:00

DJ Teddy Ruck-Spin put together a birthday bash for him, himself and him. If you didn't attend yourself, here are some of the highlights. ROLL 'EM!!!!

Gist aka The Essence performs "Young, Gifted & Black" with J.A.M.E.S. WATTS at "Teddy Ruck-Spin and Friends Birthday Celebration."

The show featured sets from Invincible, Angela Davis, and DJ Graffiti. Also, world-famous clothing store Motivation gave out a $25 gift certificate to the best dressed audience member. No pets were harmed in the making of this video.

MUSIC: MIX DROP!!!! Black Chiney/DJ Lissa Monét/ DJ Private Ryan/Walshy Fire

2008-04-13T12:19:00.007-04:00

As a collector of music and a fan of these deejays, I'm going to hook it up with the ENTIRE Black Chiney / DJ Lissa Monét mix series' (Black Chiney & Fresh Out The Box respectively).

(Black Chiney 1 - Enter the Dragon)

(Black Chiney 2 - The Return of the Dragon)

(Black Chiney 3 - The Revenge of the Dragon)

(Black Chiney 4 - The Last Dragon)

(Black Chiney - Cd Killer Vol. 5)

(Black Chiney 6 - Mixology)

(Black Chiney 7 - Black a Chino)

(Black Chiney 8)

(Black Chiney 8.5 - Hurricane Aftermath)

(The Black Chiney Show - Black Chiney Vol. 8.9)

(Black Chiney Present Supa Dups Unplugged)

(Black Chiney and Tony Matterhorn)
-------------------------------------------------

fresh out the box_001

fresh out the box_002

fresh out the box_003

fresh out the box_004

fresh out the box_005

fresh out the box_006

fresh out the box_007

fresh out the box_008

fresh out the box_009

fresh out the box_010

fresh out the box_011

fresh out the box_012

*side note: if someone can hook up lovestoned vol: 001 let me know ASAP!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

BONUS: Miami FCSA Conference party live @ Club Element. The best party I've ever had the good fortune of attending.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Segment 1 Selecta AJ & Private Ryan Early Warm

Segment 2 Prodigy Movements

Segment 3 Private Ryan & Giselle D Wassi One

Segment 4 Walshy Fire of Black Chiney

Segment 5 Private Ryan & Walshy Fire In the Rain (the best part of the party)

I'll let you bask in the afterglow of all this music.

for all of you....

2008-04-11T09:02:00.002-04:00

environmentally friendly folks, Barney's and Loomstate are giving you a discount for doing something good for our earth.

Barney's has a promotion going on with Loomstate, to give you 20% off your purchase of "Loomstate for Barney's Green" and "Men's Loomstate" products when you donate your old tees to Barney's.

I bought this Loomstate coat from a Barney's sale earlier this year. Before buying it, I knew nothing about the company.

In case you don't know about the company either, here's a snippet from their site.

"Loomstate was founded as a casual brand dedicated to creating demand for certified organic cotton using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production."

The "Loomstate for Barney's Green" items on the Barney's site aren't so interesting to me. A bunch of cotton tees, thermals, and some jeans. I did find a cute jacket though. Kind of expensive but you know.... whatever. To view the jacket, click here. If you want to participate, act fast. The discount will only be available for use between Sunday, April 13, 2008 and Sunday, April 27, 2008.

And for the UK bretheren...

2008-03-27T14:02:00.006-04:00

LONDON’S FIRST AND ONLY R’N’B AND HIP HOP KARAOKE PARTY

Come down and have fun at London’s Premiere R'n'B and HIP HOP Karaoke Night in 2008!!!!
Since launching in the Spring of 2007 Breaking The Ice has drawn in the Karaoke masses and has enabled many to graduate from singing to their Hairbrush to the Microphone to unleash her Soul Diva and his Rap Star within...From Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross to Beyonce and Jay Z - For one night you could be them!!! (Even if the birds scream when you sing!!).

Held at the renowned venue that is Favela Chic in London’s trendy Shoreditch, as well as the Karaoke you can come and enjoy the delicious Contemporary Brazilian Food and get Jiggy or chill in one of the City’s best and most eclectic Venues.

THIS APRIL WEDNESDAY 16TH
WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO OUR

1ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

ITS BEEN AN AMAZING YEAR OF FUN, MADNESS AND ENDLESS JOKES ON OUR KARAOKE STAGE AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE OUR JOY AT STILL BEING ABLE TO ENTERTAIN THE MASSES BY GIVING YOU A BIRTHDAY KARAOKE PARTY TO REMEMBER!

YOUR HOSTS WITH THE MOST ANNIKA AND NATALIE WILL BE DRESSING UP AS OUR FAVOURITE R’N’B AND HIP HOP STARS!

SO IF YOU DARE, THEN COME JOIN US DRESSED UP AS YOUR FAVOURITE STARS & THE BEST ONES WILL GET A PRIZE!

Since our beginnings a year ago, Breaking the Ice has seen some familiar faces pass through and grace our stage too…Everyone from Big Brother Stars, Kojo the Comedian to last months Daniel Bedingfield have enjoyed and made our monthly event the place to be!

An enjoyabe night is ALWAYS had at Breaking the Ice Karaoke – whether if it’s just your after work event of choice, a birthday celebration or just your excuse to have some uninhibited, unadulterated shameless fun with likeminded people…we can assure you a night to remember!

And as always, our Resident DJs Ashinel and DJ Cozie will be in the house!

So come along after work, shake off your City suit, Take off your apron, Put down those Uni books and Jam and bring some life to the tradition of Boring Wednesday Nights!!!!

VENUE:
FAVELA CHIC
91-93 GREAT EASTERN STREET
EC2A 2HZ
(Nr Tube: Old Street)

FREE ENTRY!
DOORS OPEN 6PM!

Sign up for the karaoke will be between 7pm and 8pm so come early if you want to perform.

For further info please contact:
Annika/Natalie@breakingtheiceevents.co.uk
www.breakingtheiceevents.co.uk

If you're in Miami in April...

2008-03-27T14:02:00.003-04:00

FIU students release Album for Class Project!

Florida International University's Business of Music class is acting as a mock record label to create a compilation album entitled "All Rights Reserved." All Rights Reserved will include various styles of genres, from rock to Hip Hop to soft ballads and cover songs; all chosen by FIU Music Business students in Professor Oswaldo Rossi's class.

The project brings awareness to the "indie" local music scene, whilst serving as hands-on experience for the students involved, to fully understand the processes involved in releasing an album to the marketplace. "All Rights Reserved" will be a non commercial release, endorsed by many of today's community supporters such as Rock The Vote and Epiphone/Gibson.

Professor Rossi brings a fresh business perspective to FIU students entering the music industry. As acting director for the legal and business affairs division for EMI Televisa Music, Rossi brings real world applications to the classroom helping students understand the day-to-day operations of a successful record company.

"While I was putting together my syllabus, I asked myself, 'what kind of approach would I appreciate if I were a student longing to work in the music industry?' I figured this would give the students real insight on what goes behind producing, marketing and promoting an album," Rossi said.

The purpose of the album is to take the skills learned in the classroom and directly apply them to their work. The students are responsible for selecting the songs to be put on the album, securing licenses, designing the cover, choosing a title, allocating funds, and marketing their product.

"All Rights Reserved" is set to be released April 11, this Red Carpet event will be held in its honor at Flavour Nightclub in Coconut Grove beginning at 9pm. The Album release party will host live musical performances by artists featured on the album. The event is free and open to the public, must be eighteen years or over.

-FIU-

Media Contact:
Professor Oswaldo Rossi, (305) 978-3674, Oswaldo.Rossi@emicap.com

Skyzoo Interview On the Mission Radio Show

2008-03-25T18:04:00.006-04:00

Skyzoo has built quite a name for himself.

A full length 12 track album in 3 days, former contestant on 106th and Park's freestyle friday, and productions from hip hop greats, DJ Premier; 9th Wonder; Black Milk, are just a few notches on his belt. Being a huge Skyzoo fan I had to get him on the show so here's a brief interview with "The one and only S-K-Y-Z-O-O"

Since Imeem seems to have a 30 second limitation if you're not a memeber CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview.

Q+A with Dot Da Genius

2008-03-24T00:05:00.001-04:00

In true PxP style, we had to sit down with up and coming producer Dot Da Genius. Showcasing fresh talent and watching them grow into future hitmakers and industry movers is part of what being Paid & Popular is about.

Watch and learn.

L-R: Dot Da Genius, Kid Cudi
1. Out of everything you could've been doing, why choose a crowded field like music production?

I love music, and my dad loves music just as much. He always wanted to play an instrument but didn't have the opportunity to, so he just made me and my siblings go to music school. I didn't really get into making my own music until freshman year in engineering school. My roommate actually produced techno music and he gave me the cracked version of fruity loops. Since then it's just really become an obsession.

2. Breakdown your current production setup.

I have the Korg Triton LE workstation, Yamaha motif, MV 8000 and the Novation synthesizer. I sometimes use fruity loops and reason too. I also have various virtual synthesizers.

3. How did you meet Kid Cudi?

We were introduced to each other through a mutual friend. He came to my studio and we worked on a couple of joints and the chemistry was crazy. We've been working on music ever since.

4. "Day & Night" is picking up steam single-wise yet it doesn't sound like the usual NYC mixtape track or southern club banger. Why go for a "stoner" feel instead of going straight pop?

Whenever me and Cudi get in the studio we try to make our own sound. Cudi especially is conscience of the music he makes, he tries not to listen to what's current so his ideas are all his. He came to me with the idea of the track and I just put the beat together.

5. Sampling in 2008. Good move or bad idea?

I do both, but I really try and chop the sample up so it isn't really recognizable. The majority of my beats are original though. I would say making original beats is a lot more rewarding and it also shows more creativity. I don't knock any producer that samples though; sometimes the only way to get a certain feel to a track is to use a sample.

6. Getting back to Kid Cudi, how does Fool's Gold and G.O.O.D. Music play a role in both his and your careers?

Fools Gold is the label ran by A-Trak who is Kanye's DJ. It just so happens that Cudi's manager is Plain Pat, who is Kanye's A&R. So there definitely is a G.O.O.D. Music affiliation. The affiliation definitely helps Cudi and Pat having the industry affiliations he has gives me the heads up on possible album placements.

7. As long as we're talking about careers, what's the next move for Dot Da Genius? Are we only going to hear your work on Kid Cudi songs or can we expect Mariah Cary duets and co-production duties with Akon featuring T-Pain?

Well I'm handling a major portion of production responsibilities on Cudi's album, but I'm also getting my music heard by the right people who have taken interest. So definitely expect major placements this year.

8. Take us through the beatmaking process Dot-style.

I would definitely say I'm more melody based then percussion, but that changes depending on how I feel. Usually I like to come up with a solid melody or an interesting sound and build my drums around it. If I sample, I start with the sample and build around it. I like to make a track so that if I remove the sample the track still feels complete, so I tend to do a lot of layering on my sampled tracks.

9. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be "Paid and Popular" like you?

When I first started making music seriously I thought it would be an overnight success story. That is the story for some producers but to be a complete producer it takes years of working and perfecting your craft. I've been doing this for about 5 years and things are now just starting to pick up. Don't feel the rush to be successful right away. Take your time and make sure you really understand the art of making music and making a solid record. Most importantly keep yourself surrounded by people that believe in you and that have positive energy. There are so many people that destroy people's dreams with their words. Get those kind of people out of your circle cause that can only bring you down.

10. Plugs, shout-outs?

Shouts to my whole Headbanga Family, JR, Lex, Eva. Cudi's EP dropped on itunes on Feb 5th so go out and support it, look out for the album which should be dropping this year fourth quarter. Also stop by myspace.com/headbangamuzikgroup any artists that are tryna get their career moving holla at me!

Lifestyles: Welcome to the Goodlife!

2008-03-21T00:14:00.003-04:00

I don't know about y'all, but a complaint I hear on a regular basis is that a job doesn't pay you what you feel you're worth. Luckily (with some help from Seth Godin) I have found something that can help you (yes, you reading this text wondering 'what's he on about now?')!

Indeed! is a search engine for jobs - with a radically different approach to job search. In one simple search, Indeed gives job seekers free access to millions of employment opportunities from thousands of websites. Indeed.com includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages - and continue to add new sites every day."

What I like about this site is the Salary Search function. That's where the "getting paid what you're worth" comes in. It lets you compare average salaries from different companies in different areas of the U.S. AND overseas as well as new opportunities. We @ Paid & Popular LIKE opportunity. Make it or take it.

Try it today, leave your thoughts in the comment section or email: ant.live@paidandpopular.com

FASHION: And I Stay On Track Like A Box of...

2008-03-19T16:31:00.003-04:00

PUMAS! In my quest to get the f**k out of Niketown (meaning diversify my closet), I came upon this little gem @ High Snobiety.

It's a very clean shoe. I'd wear it on a date or formal function with the right gear (gettin' dressed up to get messed up!) on a clear day because there is no way I'd get these water damaged. Chalk it up to the curse of white shoes. Instinct says "get the matching tracksuit SON!!!" but my conscience tells me "keep it simple my yute". Release in April!

Best For: Beach, Country Club, Bashment Party (for those who run THROUGH shoes like track).

- Ant!™

BAROMETER MIX: MARCH

2008-03-18T12:00:00.005-04:00

"The Barometer Mix is a monthly mix series comprised of the newest house, electro, and club tracks and remixes from around the world, seamlessly blended, edited, and remixed exclusively for P&P by our in house dj, Savile."

Savile returns! Another month, another half an hour of the latest club goodies. Enjoy.

P&P Barometer Mix: March
http://www.zshare.net/audio/913374327f3a9d/
(tracklist after the jump)

And if you missed last month's mix;
P&P Barometer Mix: December
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5992512aaf0ea6/

Lifehack: Alltop

2008-03-13T11:59:00.004-04:00

The keys to the "blogging game" is getting the newest information exposed the fastest or having the most valuable information exclusively. That being said,THERE IS WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION ON THESE BLOGS! However, there is a solution...

DLM put me onto this new website called Alltop. Rather than subscribe to 1000+ feeds and bookmarks and never get through them all, Alltop gives you the headlines for everything you're into. You can think of an Alltop site as a “dashboard,” “table of contents,” or even a “digital magazine rack” of the Internet.It also updates itself every 10 minutes keeping you in the know wherever you go (No I did NOT intend to rhyme that).

Pros:
-Makes life easier than whatever you're currently using. (hence the "Lifehack" tag)
-So fresh, so clean.

Cons:
-It might not have EVERY kind of niche you're looking for even though it covers the major ones.

-One of those ideas you slap yourself for because you didn't come up with it first.

- Ant!

Mixtape Menace: Black Chiney 8.9

2008-03-10T00:35:00.006-04:00

Riddle me this: what do you get when you mix blazin' hip-hop beats with the ruggedest vocals out of Jamaican dancehall?

If you answered either "Black Chiney mixes" or "I don't know but it sounds reeeeeeal niiiice" you'd be correct. Mixed by Willy Chin, the deejay/production unit comes out the gate full blast throughout the 80 track compilation. Beat jacks and re-fixes of hits like Shawty Lo's "Dey Know" and Kanye West's (I'm STILL trying to figure the video out!) "Flashing Lights" show how and more importantly WHY Black Chiney is among the greats in dancehall selection. Even the (some might say crass) skits contribute to the madness providing about 30 seconds of rest while bringing in the next part of the mix. DJ's and DVS huggers take note, THIS is a blueprint as to how a mixtape should sound.

Pros: "Very, VERY well mixed." - Old, Rich White People
"Everything exclusive!!!" - Your Local Mixtape DJ That Screams Over Every Song

Cons: "Whey de BLOODCLAT TRACKLISTIN?!?!?!?!!" - An Angry Reggae Fan

Catch this episode of the Black Chiney Show here.

*If this link should NOT work for any reason, email me @ ant.live@paidandpopular.com for a re-up.

For all of you.....

2008-03-05T07:50:00.003-05:00

fashionistas, Rachel Roy is holding her New York Sample Sale today!

I wish I could go but I'm DEFINITELY not going to make it. No it's not the timing... it's the pricing! I hear garments that were originally around $1,000 will be marked down to around $500. Garments that were $500 will be around $250. That's a pretty good deal considering.

Rachel Roy Sample Sale
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 – Friday, March 7, 2008
12pm – 7pm
148 West 37th Street
2nd Floor
btwn 7th Avenue & B'way
New York, NY
Cash, Amex, Visa, and MasterCard all accepted

FEEDBACK LOOP: Maybach Music

2008-03-02T21:38:00.005-05:00

One of the better tracks I've heard thus far off of Rick Ross' sophomore album "Trilla", this is called "Maybach Music" featuring a Brooklyn legend known as...

Jay-Z. Everything about this song screams "welcome to the goodlife". The production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League is top-notch with a laidback feel coming from the keys and congos. Lyrically, Ross swings for the fences and hits while former President Carter gets some fire back in his stomach with witty one-liners like "my closet is like 2 stories" that really give the track's title credibility.

The goodlife can be heard here

Enjoy!

If you're looking for....

2008-02-29T10:15:00.004-05:00

a good deal this weekend, hit up the Kid Robot Warehouse Sale.

It's coming to Miami, San Francisco, and LA this weekend.

Friday, February 29, 2008 - Sunday, March 9, 2008
1512 Haight Street in San Francisco
7972 Melrose Avenue in LA
638 Collins Avenue in Miami
You can also shop online at KidRobot.com.
HAPPY SHOPPING!

HIP HOPe Benefit Concert

2008-02-27T17:45:00.008-05:00

HIP HOPe Benefit Concert

Featuring the The Five Elements of Hip Hop

Musical Performance:
* Kidz in the Hall,
* Butta Verses,
* Sevenstar,
* ARTOFFICIAL,
* Laguardia
* Major League

Disk Jockeys:
DJ MainEvent and Gravy Master

Live Graffiti: Crave & Chrome

Breaking: Street Stylez Ent.

Knowledge: Take Back the Land Project & New Orleans Project

***Donations Highly Appreciated***

Location:
FIU South Campus 11200 S.W. 8th Street Miami, Florida 33199

Graham Center Ballrooms

@ 7:00 PM

Contact: Voicefiu@yahoo.com

ALL DONATIONS WILL BE BENEFITING THE HOMELESS IN MIAMI DADE IMPACTED BY THE HOUSING CRISIS AND KATRINA VICTIMS

Projects: Take Back the Land

VIDEO: Count of Monte Cristal feat. Kid Sister - Beeper

2008-02-24T20:22:00.005-05:00

Chi-town up and comer Kid Sister (with an assist from her brother J2K of Flosstradamus) teams up with DJ's Herve and Sinden for the first single off of their "Count of Monte Cristal" EP.

I remember this song back when they were looping up Pharrell's vocals to guide it. The re-make is more club-friendly thanks to KS's rapping and the video itself keeps a grimey yet light-hearted feel throughout.

Pros: Kid Sister's raps > looping up 3 Pharrell bars for 3 minutes
Choreography was on point.
I wouldn't mind having the song as a ringtone.

Cons: On the fence when it comes to J2K's chorus.
The video isn't that clean, don't know whether that's a UK thing or a budget thing.

If you're looking for....

2008-02-18T11:48:00.004-05:00

something to do tomorrow evening, you can check out Cheri Dennis at the Apple Store.

Cheri Dennis of Bad Boy Entertainment will be performing live at the Apple Store in Soho New York tomorrow evening. In case you forgot who she is, click here or here.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
8pm
Apple Store Soho
103 Prince Street
btwn Mercer and Greene Street
New York, NY

The event is free but you MUST RSVP at BadBoyRSVP@wmg.com.

It's Valentine's Day and We Love Music (Mini-Mixtape Series)

2008-02-14T15:46:00.023-05:00

What do you get when a blog full of DJ's realize it's Valentine's Day but also realize we don't have enough time to make a full mixtape????

You get the first two volumes of our Mini-Mixtape Series. DJ Louie Arson and LE Beats get down on the 1's and 2's to bring you a mix of some of their favorite tracks dealing with what we call "love" The first set is by Louie Arson featuring a more personal relationship feel something for you and that significant person to listen to togther the tracklisting and the links are below.

DJ Louie Arson AKA DJ Matches Presents: Heartburn Vol. 1

1.Lauryn Hill - Ex Factor
2.Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill - Turn The Lights Down
3.Common & Mary J Blige - Come Close
4.Guru & Erykah Badu - Plenty
5.Dwele & Kanye - Hold On REMIX
6.A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita AppleBUM
7.T.I & Pharell - FreakThough
8.Q-tip - Ride
9.Common, Pharell, Erykah Badu, Q-Tip - Come Close REMIX
10.Common - The Light
11.Common - I Want You

If you have no time to stream the full 22 minutes have no fear a download link is here.

Download Heartburn Vol. 1

Now for you guys who don't have a significant other to share that mix with we have something for you guys. LE Beats unfinished When Did You Fall In Love With Hip Hop Vol. 1 Mixtape features some of our favorite hip hop love songs the rest of the mixtape will be posted next week but a imeem preview is featured below tracklisting is also below.

1. Intro - When Did You Fall In Love With Hip Hop
2. Erykah Badu - Love of My Life (Ode to Hip Hop)
3. The Roots - You Got Me
4. Ghostface Killah - Love Session
5. The Pharcyde - Passin Me By
6. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - I Got A Love

Download When Did You Fall In Love With Hip Hop Vol. 1

Hope you all enjoy these mix's that we put together and feel free to comment.

Happy Valentines Day,

LE Beats
AKA
Mr. Supra Dance
AKA
Pikaso
AKA
The Resident Hater

Random Hot Sh!t Vol. 3

2008-02-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time again! Random heat for music, fashion and the world featuring one half of the Cool Kids, Adidas new ventures, Art Thieves and... a new headquarters?!?!?!!

Mikey Rocks of the Cool Kids talks inspiration.

Very surprised that he'd put Public Enemy up there though that would explain the new song on the Cool Kids myspace page called "Action Figures".

Adidas cookgear?!?!?!?

And in the "making a resurgence" category: Art Thieves. Because tech crimes and wars are sooooo 2007.

Last but not least, a preview of the Paid & Popular HQ.

For more interviews, updates and features click + subscribe to the Paid & Popular RSS feed.

For all of you lovebirds.....

2008-02-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

and those who will be treating the 14th like a normal day, Jesse Boykins III will be performing in Miami.

Jesse Boykins III will be hitting the stage along with Eric Roberson (who is headlining btw). Just in case you don't know what Jesse sounds like, take a look....

What a voice...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
7pm - 12am
Joseph Caleb Auditorium
5400 NW 22nd Avenue
Miami, Florida
Tickets are $25

Q+A with Super-Engineer Exit

2008-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

We recently caught up with Akon's go-to engineer and ATLien Exit for a glimpse into the life of an engineer, working with legends and the benefits of having... no record labels in Atlanta?!?!

1. Let us know who you are, where you're from, accomplishments, etc.

Me? I'm Exit. That's short for DJ Exit. I used to spin, and that's how I got down. Everyone left the floor when I spun. Real talk! Now I'm a freelance engineer with Milk Money Consulting based in Atlanta. I've worked on a lot of big projects, so as far as accomplishments, you can say I've been around the block and done it all.

2. Coming up, what made you want to pursue engineering rather than more publicized roles (ie: vocals, production, staying with the dj thing)?

Engineering was really my calling. I'm a nerd at heart, and a very logical thinker, so the problem solving and methods revolving engineering were more attractive to me. I'm a behind the scenes person. I don't hop in videos, I don't get involved with hype. I'm about being involved with good music. I left DJing for engineering cuz DJing became too much of a hustle in a very saturated market. I was never really that happy doing it. Plus I was on the underground scene, and all the elite attitudes in that backpacker world dragged my positivity down. I fell into a strong camp at D.A.R.P. Studios (Dallas Austin Recording Projects) and never looked back.

3. What's the difference between coming up when you did as opposed to 2008 where everything is ProTools'ed and AutoTuned out?

When I began we were doing everything on two-inch twenty track tape. If you needed more than 24 tracks, we had to make 2 tape machines play together. I think there were more fundamentals put to work back then. These days people think they are engineers because they know something about Protools. I ain't mad at anyone for knowing a little something, but to call yourself an engineer you better be able to do some shit: solder cables, splice tape, repair computers, understand mic placement, understand signal flow.... But the other side of the coin is that in the engineering world you aren't supposed to follow the rules. If you break rules, you innovate. And a lot of the new guys do shit cuz they don't know the "right" way, but they end up teaching me stuff. So, it's an interesting time.

4. Polow Da Don has stated that there are no major labels in Atlanta yet all of hip-hop and r&b's superstars are coming from that area. What gives?

I have a funny take on this: Since there are no major labels based in Atlanta, we have less politicians and industry types roaming around. Because of that I think creativity isn't stifled. People aren't worried about Ron Fair or somebody coming into a session to wave their magic wand of hype and change vibes. Also, Atlanta is real ass place. People do what they do and don't really trip on other people. I think in LA and NYC the industry people are busy trying to keep up with eachother. I may be completely wrong, but I just know in ATL we all love eachother but at the same time could give a flying fuck what the next person is doing.

The other thing is that we had a strong influx of talent come in around 1995 (like me!!) that kind of set a new trend after Dallas and Jermaine's runs. And this new crop kind of opened up the field for everyone. You could get hot tracks, hot songs, from a variety of places, and everyone jumped on board.

5. Your myspace blogs are rather detailed, when's the book coming out?

Oh, you mean my blogs at myspace.com/exit1200? Yeah, I really put some time into them. As far as a book, it's in the works but I think I would like to get a couple more years of blogs in first then take like the 25 strongest and rework them a little. A lot of the blog stuff I don't say names in, cuz it's too close to my projects. But one day, I'll let it all out fasho.

6. Name your weapons of choice when going into the studio.

Red Bull. I think I need rehab for it. Actually, all I need is a good internet connection, Waves SSL 4000 and Renaissance plugins, VocAlign, Autotune, and the temperature at about 80 degrees or above. And no hot beats bein made in cold weather yo!!!

7. You've been rocking with the Konvict Musik crew (Akon, Kardinal Offishall) lately. How'd that come about?

I've known Akon for over 10 years now. We go waaaaaay back to the D.A.R.P. days. He always came around as a producer and worked on stuff. Around that time he was also on Elektra and trying to make "Operations of Nature" pop off. A couple years ago we did a few sessions together while he was starting the "Konvicted" album and he basically said I need to be in all of his sessions. Since then we've worked all over the US, London, Paris, Amsterdam, all over Canada, and a ton of other places. Let me say this about dude: he's one of the nicest and realest people you'll ever meet. If he wasn't, I wouldn't work with him as much because luckily I have a strong enough rep and mgmt team to keep me busy. But I enjoy working with the Dark Prince (a nickname given to him by his DJ) and and happy that we've done so much hot shit the last couple years.

8. Anyone you want to work with that you haven't already?

I worked with some major folks this year, but I definitely would like to work with Lionel Richie again. I would also like to do a session with Quincy Jones. I've worked on stuff that was for him, but I want to work directly with dude. Otherwise I'm just as happy doing an strong indy artist as I am Mary J Blige. As long as the check clears and the cash is green!

9. Grand Groove. Explain.

Until all my legal paperwork is done I can't talk about it... Sorry!!! Believe me I'll hit you back on that!

10. Any future projects we should look out for?

Actually, I would love to plug the Constellations project my boy Ben Allen is doing. He's the guy that recorded and mixed the first Gnarls Barkley. He's a super talented producer that works on a lot of rock and indy stuff, but some of his projects cross into a more eclectic vibe. Constellations is kinda like a Southern US version of the Gorillaz. I can't wait for it to come out. Also, look out for my boy Novel. He's a real talented dude. His album should be coming out soon. And of course I can't forget my man Kardinal Offishall!!! I'm really proud of dude's perseverance. His album is hot to me.

11. Your perfect breakfast?

Breakfast slows me down, but if I must, Focus Vitamin Water and a Greens+ bar.

12. What would you tell someone who wants to be @ your level of prestige or @ least "Paid and Popular"?

Stay out of the hype, surround yourself with positive people, and realize that smart work is always rewarded. It just might not come on the schedule you hope for.

For more interviews, updates and features click + subscribe to the Paid & Popular RSS feed.