Ski Beatz-No Reason To Doubt

Producers Skill.com hit you with another interview with a producer with undeniable skills. Sometimes we overlook the contributions that producers make towards an artist career but I’ll be the first to say that SKI should have some stock in billion dollar JAY-Z!

What up Ski?

What up. I’m chilling.

I want to present you with the PHD award. This award goes to producers that have demonstrated Production at the Highest Degree. How do you feel about that?

Definitely a honor to get the PHD award always feels good when your work is appreciated.

What type of skills do you think a great producer should have?

I think great producer should be skilled in all areas of music production, from knowing the latest in production technology to being able to work with artist and musician and creating quality material.

How do you rate your production skills on a scale from 1 to 10?

Wow lol i guess this is when i get to toot my own horn huh. If i had to rate myself i would have to say 7 theres still so much to learn. i feel like I’m just scratching the surface.

When was the moment you knew you graduated from being a beatmaker to being a full-fledged producer?

My first group the Bizzie Boyz that’s where i got my production diploma from. We did a lot of records in the early 80s and 90s that where really big in our small town of Greensboro N.C

Some people might not know that you started out as an MC?

Yeah that’s my first love.

Now, were you actually producing while you were in Original Flavor?

Yeah i was making all the tracks and writing.

How did being an artist help with your production skills?

Well being and mc you kind of know what another mc would want to rap to so i basically made tracks that i would rap too.

As a producer, what is your approach in trying to bring the best out of an MC?

Don’t really have and approach i just use my ears and listen to how the records make me feel theres a certain feeling i get when i hear a hot record.

You worked closely with Jay-Z during the beginning of his career. I’m not talking about just Reasonable Doubt. I’m talking about before the album, when it was just you, him and the music. Can you talk about the importance of working directly with an artist during this critical time?

Well when you work that closely with and artist you can almost read there minds you kind of get in there head and paint the pictures they see with your music.

In my opinion, you are largely responsible for helping build the foundation for Rocafella records. I remember the cassette single with “My Lifetime”. They were selling it out of the trunk. Do you think the role of the producer gets left out of history sometimes?

The game was kind of different back then producer i don’t think producer where so much worried about being in the spot light as much as they are today it was more about the art of production and mastering the craft.

Do you feel that it’s common for an artist that reaches a certain level of success or recognition to look at a producer differently, even though they may have had success with that same producer in the past?

You got to remember its a business in order for and artist to last he has to reinvent himself constantly so he has to stay fresh and current with the times if the producer not bringing the heat he needs then hey its business.

You’re one of few producers that can say you have produced an entire album or the majority. What type of skills do you need to accomplish a task like that?

The love for the music.

What producer has the hottest drum programming?

Timberland hands down that’s the hottest producer out right now he’s incredible (pause)

What about sample chopping?

Just Blaze is crazy with the chops but its this new kid that’s on youtube named Boon Doc. he’s nasty wit it!

Let’s talk about the technical side. What was your first set up?

a turntable and sp1200

What do you use now?

Now i use Roland Mv 8800 Abelton live, Reasons, Fantom x6, and a gang of plug ins

With today’s technology, beats can be created with software with unlimited features and options. Did your old setup enhance your production because of its technical limitations?

Definitely I had to come up with creative ways to make certain things sound the way they did

What do you think is the biggest difference between being a producer now in the digital music age, versus when you first started?

Not as much Hardware anymore which is fine with me i love new technology i embrace change

You have utilized the filtering technique on some of your beats in the past. For example, “Dead Presidents” by Jay-Z and “Luchini” by Camp Lo. Can you talk about that process compared to now?

Well I only filtered back then because I could play keys at that time so filtering was a way to isolate the bass line of a sample by cutting the hi end, but now I can play or i can hire someone to play the Bass for me.

Your style is real melodic and yet hard at the same time. You can go from Rock samples to smooth jazz. Without giving your secrets away, how do you make that combination work?

I have no idea i just feel my way around it when it feels right its right.

What keeps you motivated to continue producing?

Hearing other hot producer that’s my motivation.

As a veteran in the field, what attribute do you think is most important for any producer to have?

An open mind to learn and not to get stuck in your ways when making tracks just being able to step out the box.

How has the business changed for you? Shopping beats? Promoting yourself, etc?

The major change for me is the beat shopping process, now a days artist like to 2 track your music which slows up the check cutting. Sometimes they don’t even use the track which is really crazy when you got another artist who might wants the same beat. Ain’t like back in the day artist hear a track they like then bam!!! next day or two your getting a check.

What are you working on now?

Well I’m started my website ,Beattalk.ning.com for up and coming producer who want info on making beats and learning the latest in hardware and software production. I’m working on a new “CAMP LO” project along with my partner “THE APPLE JUICE KID”working on my artist “PITTSBURGH SLIMS” new LP. I got my own Project in the works”HALF MAN HALF AMAZING” Doing work with ring tone company”TONE MAKER” you can check out what I’m doing with them at myspace.com/tonemaker. Its really hot and of course I’m always shopping beats.

In a personal note, I just wanted to tell you that you along with Teddy Riley were personal inspirations to me. When I first started, I remember going to your crib and to Teddy’s crib. I saw how you were on the grind and it made me continue pursuing a career in production. Do you think producers should help the next generation?

Yes sir each one teach one. That’s what will help the game.

Any last words

Thank you
And if producer want a cool place to talk about production they can join my site beattalk.ning.com.

Interviewed by Darrell”Digga”Branch