Behind The Boards w/ Monsta Muzak

Behind The Boards w/ Monsta Muzak

Govt Name : Kareem Galathe

Producer Name : Shaggy Reem

City of Origin : New Orleans

Current City : New Orleans

Software Running : Pro tools 8 and Alesis Adats

Equipment Currently Using : MPC 2500, ASR-10, E-MU Midi Controller

Producers Influences : Dr. Dre, T-Mix, EA SKI, Timbo, Just Blaze, Mannie Fresh and The Motown Machine

Described Producers Style : None in particular, we love everything!

Top Five of Your Fav Production Credits : Jay Electronica, Mr. Serv On, Jay Shine, Baddfellaz, and Saint Nick

Ja3mik3 : Whoa , thank you man for being the first producer highlighted on VisualCrack.Net Behind the Boards, Monsta Muzak, Whats Good Chief?

Monsta Muzak : It’s all good homie. Just staying passionate and positive about what I do.

Ja3mik3 : I feel that kid, so what’s your opinion on the current state of hip-hop and where it’s headed?

Monsta Muzak : To me Hip Hop is in a state of shock. I believe that we have two genres going at it. Cats like myself are not to crazy about the joints I hear on the radio or see on T.V. however the kids love it. Now when I was pumping N.W.A, Scarface, 2Pac and Biggy my moms and pops wasn’t feeling it and said rap is to wild but it was a way of life for me. I think the older genre is fed up with today’s music because there isn’t a strong connection for them. The right now genre; the 12-20 yr olds are living the type of main stream we are hearing now. I believe Hip Hop will be fine as long the genres respect each other’s era. I do believe Hip Hop is more universal than it has ever been and it will continue to grow.

Ja3mik3 : Your right the younger genre of hip-hop just needs to respect their elders and respect will be received as well; Do you prefer to use samples? ( Why/ Why Not? )

Monsta Muzak : Well I only don’t prefer to use samples because of how you will get taxed for using them. Besides that element, I like sampling and do use it sometimes.

Ja3mik3 : When did you start producing?

Monsta Muzak : I started producing around 1997, I couldn’t afford tracks so I started making them on a eps 16 plus and a Roland R-8 drum machine at a studio that I was paying $60 per hour. Where the hell was protools then?

Ja3mik3 : Lol Humbrah , What hip hop artist would you like to collaborate with the most?

Monsta Muzak : Too many to name but here are a few: Scarface, Eight ball, Spice 1, Nas, Jigga, and Juvenile.

Ja3mik3 : What local New Orleans artist are you feeling as of late?

Monsta Muzak : I like a lot of these cats in the N.O. right now. Of course Jay Electronica, there is Nesby Phips, Truth Universal, and etc. Shouts out to the cats I can’t name but I do believe the city is on fire right now.

Ja3mik3 : What tips can you give up-coming producers and rap artists?

Monsta Muzak : Learn the business. Do not let these so call managers sell you dreams. Game plan what you want and execute your game plan. Add a lot of love to what you ‘re doing because the money normally doesn’t come or take a very long time. One note though, the game now is for the HUSTLERS, so go get it.

Ja3mik3 : What new producing techniques that you like / Dislike?

Monsta Muzak : Well personally, Keyboards are for keys and drum machines are for drums, but that’s me. I’m cool with any technique besides mine as long as it’s bangin’.

Ja3mik3 : Who’s your top five producers in the game right now?

Monsta Muzak : 1. Timbo 2. Polo 3. Yuzo Kushiro (from Japan) 4. Just Blaze 5. Kanye West, damn that was a tough question. I’m still not sure about my answer.

Ja3mik3 : Do you think an artist can still get recognized or blow from New Orleans?

Monsta Muzak : Uhm, the million dollar question. We have a culture in New Orleans where we don’t push and or unite our local artist. Unsigned artist from New Orleans always seem not to have the local support most majors look for when the numbers aren’t there. But hey we have to stay positive and I do think we will blow, however GOD knows we have had our chances.

Ja3mik3 : What are the best beats heard these days, besides soundclick?

Monsta Muzak : I’m sorry but I don’t stream enough to know anywhere besides soundclick. I roam the studios and I tell you there some cats who aren’t known but they are so sick they probably will be denied health insurance.

Ja3mik3 : Do you think the Internet has helped or hurt hip-hop?

Monsta Muzak : It’s been hurtful and helpful. It’s been hurtful to the point where labels, artists, engineers, producers, and studios aren’t making ends meet. It’s been helpful because now any artist can reach the entire world. A new label can produce and promote artist, even shoot videos and have them played for free. Connects can be made all from you’re office or home. The Internet game is what you make it, but that’s the music game anyway. You have to adjust to some degree.

Ja3mik3 : Do you DJ? Do you think technology has ruined the art of DJ’in?

Monsta Muzak : I don’t DJ, at least not in public, lol. I don’t think the art is ruined, I mean football use to be played with no face mask, basketball with no 3 point line, and etc. The point is that you have to adjust. Deejays have to unite and make the transition with the world. It did ruin me getting into the clubs for free, I use to carry the crates of vinyl so I wouldn’t have to pay and now they don’t need me. It may be missing that hardcore scratching but there are some Deejays who still cut it up.

Ja3mik3 : Any last Comments/plugs/shoutouts/links that you want to leave to the site?

Monsta Muzak : To all engineers, producers, and artist. What ever you do please do not allow yourself to ever give up. Your purpose may be more than a record deal, more than a video on MTV, more than having a large studio with the lastest greastest equipment. Define your own success. I want to give some shots to my brother’s : Joe Millz, Marcel Joel, Tony-KC and D-Faulk, these cats have taught and inspired me consistently, one love homies. For any thoughts, questions, ideas and etc. holla 24/7-365 to MONSTAMUZAK@GMAIL.COM

Special Thanx to Visual Crack

Ja3mik3 : Stay on the lookout for Monsta Muzak he has two mixtapes dropping this summer and you know Vcrack gonna be behind them so stay tuned.

Tagged as: Interviews, Monsta Muzak