Folk Musik Productionz

The Neptunes: In The Studio (Chad & Pharrell)

2012-01-19T05:03:00.001-05:00

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Song I Produced 4 Rocko mentioned on MTV Mixtape Daily ----> Rocko Shows Gift Of Gab On New Mixtape

2012-01-17T17:42:00.005-05:00

Rocko Shows Gift Of Gab On New Mixtape
DJ Scream, Future and Verse Simmonds team up with Atlanta MC, who tells Mixtape Daily, 'I was put here to be great.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by FLX

Representing: Atlanta

Mixtape: G.O.G. (Gift of Gab)

Real Spit: Rocko got that gift of gab. The "Umma Do Me" rapper first made his name with his 2007 single and then went on to release his major-label debut, Self Made, a year later. There have been some hiccups along the way, but through it all the Atlanta rapper has remained one of his city's most-beloved figures. The A1 Entertainment CEO has been instrumental in Future's burgeoning career, but is still focused on his music as well. Need proof? Just check his latest, G.O.G.

CLICK ON TITLE FOR THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Throughout the mixtape, Rocko crafts bouncy tracks with hit potential, while at the same time sharing his real-life experiences. On "Balance," Rocko teams with Verse Simmonds, and together they sing and rap about the tightrope walk they conduct when mixing business with their personal lives. The Zaytoven-produced "The Choice is Yours" is equally as enlightening. Rocko raps about moving from an illegal life to the legal music business.

Future appears on "Take U Away," "Squares Out Your Circle" and "Power of That P," on which he and Rocko employ tons of alliteration, using the letter "p" to speak about the many ways in which power manifest.

Over the course of 19 tracks, Rocko provides an even-keeled listen; with no noticeable dips, the DJ Scream-helmed mixtape bangs throughout. Then again, we expected nothing less.

Joints to Check For
» "Good Enough" - "One of my joints on there is that, 'Good just ain't good enough.' I always say that because that's just how I feel, that's how I inspire myself. I wake up, first thing I do is I fall on my knees and pray, then I get up and I hit the ground running because God keeps me in his favor. I'm good, but at the same time, I ain't good enough because I know I can be better. I was put here to be great, so yeah, I'm good but I ain't good enough."

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677315/rocko-gift-of-gab-mixtape.jhtml

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily

This how i been creating lately ----> Jim Jonsin explains his creative process

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

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Exclusive interview with Producer/Engineer Suthernfolk with ThaDailyPursuit

2011-12-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

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Dolla Boy (Feat. Lil Scrappy & Wingo) - Everything She Ask "Offical Video"

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

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SUTHERNFOLK Beat-making video... "in the yo episode #3"

2011-12-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

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Offical Video: Watch me stay down - Dolla Boy Feat OJ The Juiceman

2011-11-26T18:05:00.003-05:00

Produced by me
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Rocko feat Verse Simmonds - Balance

2011-11-25T01:47:00.001-05:00

Rocko, Verse Simmonds, me on da beat. HEAT!!!
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Dolla Boy feat Oj The Juiceman - Watch me stay down

2011-11-25T01:45:00.001-05:00

Produced by me chek this out.
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Dolla Boy feat Lil Scrappy - Everything she ask

2011-11-25T01:44:00.001-05:00

Dolla Boy feat Lil Scrappy - everything she ask 4 produced by me.
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Cap1 aka Richie Rozay - Freakum Dress

2011-11-25T01:42:00.001-05:00

Chek out Freakum Dress from Cap1 produced by me.
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Pressure - Bigg feat Wingo (Jagged Edge), Ron C, Mr Biggtyme, Playboi

2011-10-08T14:27:00.002-04:00

Chek out this Worldstar video i produced called "Pressure". Off Bigg's mixtape "Life Situations" available at Livemixtapes.com And here is the rest of it.

2chainz Rooftop Affair

2011-10-08T14:21:00.004-04:00

Me and a couple of my homies kicking it at 2chainz Rooftop Affair. Included with a live band i got to see the music that i recorded played live. Great nite!!!

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"Keep it on the Low" Beat- making video feat Ludacris

2011-09-13T14:08:00.001-04:00

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Chek out my "Behind the Production" promo video

2011-08-29T16:07:00.001-04:00

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2chainz Vlad Tv interview Mentions working with @suthernFOLK

2011-07-26T13:20:00.001-04:00

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Richie Rozay aka Cap 1 "Freakum Dress" - uncut Worldstar video

2011-07-24T13:07:00.002-04:00

Check out this uncut video from Worldstar to the song i produced called "Freakum Dress" by my homie Cap 1 aka Richie Rozay. And here is the rest of it.

Who is Kevin Mccall??? (Chris Brown's Producer)

2011-06-29T03:06:00.001-04:00

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The Making of 2chainz "Cowboy" beat produced by @suthernFOLK

2011-06-13T18:23:00.002-04:00

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VIDEO: Lyor Cohen On The Future Of The Music Business

2011-06-05T11:32:00.000-04:00

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In the Studio wit Dr. Luke

2011-05-23T00:35:00.000-04:00

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Daron Jones(112) shares some hit making secrets

2011-05-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

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2chainz aka Tity Boi "Goodnite"

2011-04-28T23:00:00.001-04:00

Check me out in 2chainz aka Tity Boi's new video "Goodnite". I recording this song so 2chainz gave me a shot out and a cameo on the 2nd verse. And here is the rest of it.

CunninLynguists - "Behind The Dream: Volume One" // Finis "KY" White

2011-04-01T01:46:00.001-04:00

Check out my homie KY's interview about how he got started as an engineer for Lil Wayne.

JERMAINE DUPRI - LTL (BEAT THANG DRUM MACHINE)

2011-04-01T01:43:00.000-04:00

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Pusha T in the Studio With Bangladesh

2011-02-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

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Licensing Music for Video Games

2011-01-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

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VIDEO: Songwriting Tuition - Part 2: The relationship between topline and bottomline writing

2010-12-26T12:07:00.001-05:00

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Dave Audé - Producer/Remixer/ DJ Interview

2010-11-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

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Avid Pro Tools 9 Is Now Standalone & Other New Features

2010-11-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

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20/20 report on music video from 1980

2010-10-21T12:29:00.002-04:00

Almost 30 years ago they thought the music industry was dying. It went on a decade later to gross more revenue than ever before. Clive Davis gives a statement in this video saying that consumers will never want to watch video combined with music. Today this revenue is becoming more consistent and profitable then traditional ways of receiving music. This shows you that music executives have no idea what they are talking about most of the time.
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David Banner Interview at the Music & Advertising Conference

2010-09-29T11:51:00.002-04:00

Everybody who follows my career knows that i am just as much involved in the tv/film/advertising side of things as i am involved in the music industry. The video below assures me that i am headed in the right direction. David Banner discusses his new ads that he has scored music for and the future of his music career. Anyone who makes music could definitely learn something from the video!!!

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Tity Boi (Feat. Cap) - Doin Me + Interview [12 Min]

2010-09-04T20:24:00.001-04:00

Another song i recorded off of Tity Boy's new mixtape, "Trapevelli 2". Check out my short cameo in the video @ the 10:51 time mark.

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VIDEO: SESAC’s Songwriters Bootcamp 2010

2010-08-31T19:35:00.000-04:00

SESAC hosted the third annual Songwriters Bootcamp on August 6, at LA’s Skirball Cultural Center. The event is a no-cost symposium devoted to offering information on all aspects of the music industry to artists, songwriters and publishers, offering panel lectures and discussions courtesy of an array of established writers, producers, lawyers and industry insiders. The Bootcamp featured such high-caliber industry professionals as keynote speaker Ted Cohen of Tag Strategic, J.P. Shub from X-Play, Woody Jackson from Red Dead Redemption and Maddie Madsen from 5 Alarm Music Gail among many others. The event also featured “Speed Dating” a rotating panel of music executives giving feedback to a variety of questions on creating, publishing, managing and marketing music. (excerpt from http://musicindustryreport.org/?p=25191)

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Interview with Zach Katz about Placing Records

2010-08-23T17:26:00.000-04:00

Super Manager interviews Producer manager Zach Katz about placing records on label projects. Very informative interview.

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Producer Lee Major (of The Inkredibles) Talks “Free Mason” Beat

2010-08-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

BTS: Rick Ross - Free Mason feat. Jay-Z & John Legend from Duy Nguyen on Vimeo.

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OLE-E (Original FieldMob Producer) INTERVIEW ON MOBILE TRAPPIN TV w/ LIL RUDY

2010-07-22T15:27:00.002-04:00

whats up ppl. Check out this interview of the guy that made me want 2 be a producer. 1st person from my area who i saw on stage and made me feel like i could do that too. He style has been borrowed by artists in the game and he has written and produced on many major projects. Check out the video!!!

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COOL AND DRE IN THE STUDIO WITH GAME AND DRAKE

2010-07-05T19:17:00.001-04:00

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

A Day In The Life of Ken Lewis-Mix Engineer for the Stars

2010-06-28T12:43:00.001-04:00

Jimmy HenneC feat G Fresh - "Please Ur Girl" Produced by suthernFOLK

2010-06-20T14:29:00.002-04:00

Kanye making a beat in the Studio For his new album "Good ass Job"

2010-06-19T17:32:00.002-04:00

Check out this video of a musician who makes 5 figures a month off Youtube!!!

2010-06-09T12:38:00.003-04:00

Timbaland’s Tour Bus w/ Mobile Recording Studio

2010-05-22T10:28:00.003-04:00

Check out Timberland's new tour bus with a full mobile studio. I need one of these bad boys.

MAKING ICE CUBE'S "I REP THAT WEST"- Jiggolo

2010-05-07T16:53:00.002-04:00

Shouts 2 my homie Jiggolo for producing and writing Ice Cube's 1st single "I rep that west". Check out the video below 2 see how he did it!!

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Herbie Hancock jams with his Fairlight CMI

2010-05-02T17:40:00.003-04:00

Classic video of Herbie Hancock making a beat on his vintage Fairlight IIx. Legendary gear and a legendary keys man. Watch up till when he starts sequencing a beat on his Fairlight IIx about a minute in.

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VIDEO: Before the Music Dies

2010-05-02T17:23:00.004-04:00

Here is an oldie but goodie. This documentary explores the reason why so few companies currently control the music played on the radio and for sale at retail stores, and whether corporations really have the power to silence musical innovation.
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Istandard sits down with Chase N. Cashe

2010-04-17T15:28:00.000-04:00

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In The Studio with "DarkChild"

2010-04-11T11:55:00.001-04:00

Check out producer Darkchild as he gives a tour of his studio and reveals how he gets his signature sound.

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Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine talking about the future of music and Beats Headphones

2010-04-09T20:32:00.001-04:00

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Votte- "Super" Produced by suthernFOLK

2010-04-09T14:53:00.003-04:00

Check out my homie Votte new single "Super" produced by me @suthernfolk. Something for all my thick women all there.

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Buckwild Warns against ghost producing

2010-03-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

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Just Blaze shares how he got started Producing!!!

2010-03-17T12:36:00.003-04:00

Even though i woke up one morning to find out i was being verbally assaulted by Just Blaze via twitter(for a comment i made publicly about him months b4), i still have much respect for this guy as a producer. One of the best of our time. Check out as he discusses how he got started and how he was the 1st producer using a producer tag!!!

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Giorgio Moroder composing with Computers in the 70's

2010-03-08T00:02:00.002-05:00

Check out this producer from the 70's and 80's name Giorgio Moroder. He made beats and jingles with computers and synths in the early 70's. At that time he was one of the only ones composing like this while now it is the preferred way to compose.

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Ther.i.p.y.-Kaboom "In Studio Performance" Video

2010-03-04T13:35:00.006-05:00

Check out the "in studio performance" video for Ther.i.p.y's new single "Kaboom" produced by me. "Yo boy where u get dem tunes from". Also check out Ther.i.p.y's site for more music and updates @ http://itstheripyyall.ning.com.

Find more videos like this on THER.I.P.Y.
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Advice from Producer Bryan Michael Cox on Getting Paid Quickly as a Producer, Songwriter or Musician

2010-02-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

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Fredwreck Reveals Vintage Synth & Guitar Collection

2010-02-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

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DJ Toomp Talks Hardware vs Software

2010-02-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

DJ TOOMP Hardware vs. Software |BLVDST.com from Blvd St on Vimeo.

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Drumma Boy Whips A Beat From Scratch

2010-01-21T15:26:00.001-05:00

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Super Producer Danja talks about his hit making process!!

2010-01-19T11:22:00.001-05:00

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Drumma Boy On The Importance of Artist Relationships

2010-01-18T09:45:00.001-05:00

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Meet the OTHER half of DRUM SQUAD! Super Producer Ensayne Wayne on The Raw Report NETWORK!

2010-01-12T21:45:00.000-05:00

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Gamble and Huff advice 2 new producers!!!

2010-01-02T05:16:00.001-05:00

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Dj Khalil and The Bizness Discuss their Production Techniques

2009-12-19T15:25:00.001-05:00

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Chad Hugo talks about the Neptunes Production Techniques

2009-12-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

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Producer 9th Wonder talks about his Production Techniques

2009-12-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

Maestro Knows - Episode 1 (9th Wonder) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

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Bangladesh and Sean Garrett in the studio!!!

2009-10-28T00:04:00.000-04:00

Sean Garrett - MTV Shows

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DJ Khalil shows the making of "Kinda Like a Big Deal" by The Clispe

2009-08-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

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Chevy P's new Video "Chevy Boi" Produced by Folk

2009-07-25T18:42:00.003-04:00

Check out Chevy P's new video called "Chevy Boi" produced by me. Also Remember 2 check out my beats on over there ------------->>>>>>>>>And here is the rest of it.

No ID Reveals The Making of Jay Z’s “D.O.A.”

2009-07-20T12:30:00.001-04:00

Let The Story Begin - Making Of D.O.A. from zachwolfe.com/live on Vimeo.

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Folk Musik Productionz and Mr. Cope Production Spotlight!!

2009-05-11T16:06:00.001-04:00

Check out my production on Rolling Out Tv's new epidsode "What is Keyshia Cole's Sister, Neffe talking about????" It features production by me and my homie Mr. Cope. And here is the rest of it.

Polow Da Don and Justin Timberlake making “Outta Here”.

2009-05-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

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Propellerheads New Recording Software "RECORD"

2009-05-11T08:56:00.000-04:00

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Consequence, Kanye, No I.D., Q-Tip In The Studio

2009-04-26T17:57:00.002-04:00

Check out Q tip in the studio, looping a sample with just the needle and a turntable. I'm sure they are about 2 make some classic music because he is also in the lab with Kanye West, No ID, and Consequence!!

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

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4:20 Why do smokers celebrate this day???

2009-04-20T12:42:00.007-04:00

I always wondered why smokers celebrate this day every year. I know i definitely get into the festivities...lol. But check out this article i found. It gives a brief history on this "holiday" that has been going on 4 the last 30 yrs.

On April 20th at 4:20, marijuana smokers around the world will be joining together to light up a joint or take a bong hit. They will share their solidarity by "toking up," knowing that someone, somewhere, is doing the same thing simultaneously. April 20th has been dubbed the "Hippie New Year" and is known to be the date many pro-marijuana organizations host their rallies and lectures. But what's so special about the number 420?

Click Read More 4 the rest of the Article.

420 has become an iconic symbol in the marijuana culture. For many years, it was an underground term that eventually leaked out into the mainstream and has since become commercialized. You may have noticed people around school sporting 420 on clothing or other merchandise. Even though it is becoming more prominent in the teen culture, most adults and even some teens don't know about the meaning behind 420.

There are varying theories on the origin of the 420 marijuana culture trend. Some say that 420 originated from a police code that announces marijuana use is taking place. Others believe there are 420 chemical components in marijuana (there are, in fact, more than 400 chemical components—making marijuana smoke at least 4 times as harmful as cigarette smoke). Yet another story is that a group of guys in the 1970's made 4:20 their official meeting time to smoke marijuana after school. Whatever the real story is, 420 has been an important part of the marijuana culture since the 1970's. The significance of 420 has been kept underground and is mostly known only among marijuana smokers. Many adults aren't aware of the symbolism when they see a teenager wearing a T-shirt or baseball cap that says 420 across the front.

When the 420 icon is somehow discreetly worked into a mainstream product like a film, marijuana users take notice. The film Pulp Fiction is rumored to have had all clocks throughout the movie set to 4:20. Marijuana smokers familiar with the symbol picked up on it—most people, however, did not.

While some marijuana smokers are using 420 as a code that enables them to openly speak about marijuana in front of parents or teachers, adults are starting to catch on to the phenomenon. Adults are starting to realize the meaning of what has been, to some, a sacred symbol for nearly 30 years. Article taken from: http://www.phantasytour.com/phish/boards_thread.cgi?threadID=991081

Studio Watch: 9th Wonder x David Banner

2009-04-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

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In the Yo...ep 2 with Rocko Da Don!! Working on his new album!!

2009-04-10T21:28:00.005-04:00

Check out me and my homie Paul D(Ther.i.p.y.)in Patchwerk Studios working with Rocko Da Don on a new STUPID HOT RECORD!!! Couldn't play any of the record during this footage for obvious reasons but you can check out some footage and an interview with Rocko about his new project.
In the Yo...ep 2. with Rocko Da Don from Folk Musik Productionz on Vimeo. And here is the rest of it.

The Dream In The Studio Making 'My Love' & 'Putting It Down'

2009-03-30T11:42:00.001-04:00

This dude is SUPER TALENTED. 2 hits in 2 hrs. AMAZING!!!!

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

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Video and Download of "Watchin You" by Esso and Donny Goines produced by Folk Musik Productionz!!

2009-02-26T13:35:00.002-05:00

Check out this video of Esso and Donny Goines digging the youtube (crates) to figure out which song Folk used to produce their new record "Watchin You".
Download Here!!!
http://www.zshare.net/audio/561351383ee6bc70/

ESSO & Donny Goines in the Studio Recording from stupid GENIUS on Vimeo. And here is the rest of it.

T.I. and B.O.B. in the studio making a beat!!!

2009-01-08T21:38:00.001-05:00

Check out first time footage of T.I. making a beat in his studio(Echo)in the ATL!!!
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T Pain in the Studio playing guitar!!! LIVE!!

2008-12-29T20:35:00.001-05:00

Check out multi Talented Music Producer, Songwriter, Artist, Engineer T-Pain and his BAND having a jam session in the yo.
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Field Mob Update!!!

2008-12-16T13:26:00.002-05:00

Check out the members of Field Mob updating the people on what they have been up to. They speak on the breakup of the group and their upcoming solo projects. Smoke's interview is live from "The Southern Chamber" where super music producer KEN JO and FOLK have been working on Smoke's new highly anticipated album.
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LIVE VIDEO BLOG!! "IN THE YO"

2008-12-15T16:43:00.000-05:00

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Toomp And Rhymefest Session. ATL

2008-12-12T07:47:00.002-05:00

Shout out 2 my homie D. Lavish(Toomp's Engineer) for sending this video over. This is classic ish. Superstar music producer D.J. Toomp gets it in with legendary Rap Star Rhymefest. Click play below 2 watch...........now!!!
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Diddy & T-Pain "Production Secrets"

2008-12-12T07:26:00.003-05:00

Check out T-Pain giving Diddy lessons on functions inside the Daw. I remember recording a session with Pain b4 he blew and he explaining "signal flow" to me. I dealt with this before without fully understanding the mechanics behind it but the way he explained it....at that very moment (I Understood). This was when he was using Sonar to compose/record with and days after he had made "Im Sprung" b4 the world heard it. This guy is hands down a genius and it is very inspiring seeing him go from teaching me concepts about music to now teaching "Diddy". HARD WORK PAYS OFF!!!

Just Blaze Logic Sample Editing Tutorial!!

2008-12-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

Check out super music producer Just Blaze as he shows Logic users how to easily incorporate samples into their workflow.
Just Blaze: www.mikechav.com chopping samples in Logic from Mike Chav on Vimeo. And here is the rest of it.

Black Boi (Trap Trax) Freestylin over Folk Musik Beatz!!

2008-12-01T12:26:00.002-05:00

Check out my homie Black Boi freestylin over one of my beatz. He goes HAM!!!
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Super Producer Shawty Redd Interview!!

2008-12-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

Check out this interview with music producer Shawty Redd as he talks about his influences and gives advice 2 upcoming producers.
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B.o.B & T.I.P. Go At It in the Booth

2008-11-28T09:29:00.002-05:00

XXL Top 10 Freshman pick B.O.B. is getting it in with Legendary artist T.I. This is a good look for B.O.B. He is really growing into a great artist!!! I have watched him grow over the years and T.J., B rich and company are doing a good job with this young man. Watch the video below!!!
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Can't We All Just Get Along?

2008-11-25T01:54:00.003-05:00

The battle between Bankhead finally came to heads today at the 4th annual "Dirty Awards". Grand Hustle and D4L gets to fighting. Lets stop the violence. Its enough paper out here for everybody. Plus these crackerz really own all this shit so niccaz be beefing over nothing. Check the video below!!!

Dirty Awards 2008 Battle Between T.I. and Shawty Lo from Gyant on Vimeo. And here is the rest of it.

Sneak Peek in the studio with Beyonce!!

2008-11-24T12:17:00.001-05:00

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STEVE PAGEOT TALKS 2 PMPWORLDWIDE.COM

2008-11-24T11:17:00.000-05:00

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Luda in the lab with D.J. Premeire!!

2008-11-20T18:15:00.003-05:00

Legendary Music producer, D.J. Premeire in the lab with Ludacris. I have had the opportunity to check out Luda's new album and it is hands down his best work yet.

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Red Bull Music Academy Interviews D.J. Toomp

2008-11-14T15:17:00.001-05:00

Check out this in depth interview with music producer D.J. Toomp as he goes through the making of all of his hits. He even plays you the samples that inspired these records.
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Shawn Jay(Field Mob) featuring Bev, Biv, Devoe "I Apologize"

2008-11-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Check out this new single that is getting alot of plays and gaining momentum in the south. This was produced by my homie Ken Jo and me Jack Brown aka Folk. Request on ur local station!!

i_apologize_clean.mp3 - Shawn Jay(Field Mob) And here is the rest of it.

Sha Money XL Music Producer Conference 2008 Video Recap!!

2008-11-12T12:24:00.003-05:00

Man i am so mad at myself for not making it to this years event. I am already arranging my flight info for next year's event and I suggest all of you 2 do the same. But in the meantime check out what went down and what we all missed!!

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How to get your music into Video Games!!

2008-11-10T13:43:00.001-05:00

Written by Scott Cairns,

The following information is aimed at those wanting to create audio for computer games and who may have little or no experience. This of course includes composers, sound-designers and voice actors. I guess some of the information could apply to other disciplines in game development too. Forgive me if some of the information is pretty basic or obvious, I've tried to keep it simple and to include a few things that I felt were important. You may not agree and thats fine too.

Just to be clear, when I use the term "audio guy" Im referring to both males and females in any of the roles mentioned above. Im not trying to be sexist, I just tend to use a lot of slang. (and Im probably lazy too)

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Start Small

I cant stress this enough. Even though it might not be that exciting to work on "Bills Circus Animals for PC", its still a paying gig and a credit in the industry. Also, it will teach you to create audio to a brief (whats a brief?) and to a deadline. Im constantly surprised how many audio guys approach companies like Ubisoft and EA Games with the belief they'll land a gig right off the bat. Perhaps some do, and I wish them all the best, but the odds are against you. You really need to work your way up and create a solid credit-list over time. This also demonstrates to future clients that you can get the job done. Which brings me to my next point...

Be Reliable

I know it sounds bleedin obvious, but gee have I worked with some nutters! Ive heard every excuse in the book too from sub-contractors. ALWAYS LOOK AFTER YOUR CLIENT. I cant stress this enough. Im not talking about sucking up to them, Im talking about customer service. If you're doing a job for a client (Im thinking more as an outside contractor) keep in regular touch with them. Email them everyday if you have to and report your progress. Something simple like; "Hi Mike, hope you had a nice weekend, just wanted to let you know that the sound effects are coming along nicely and Ill have them to you no later than Wednesday. Please let me know if you need anything else." - will appease Mike's frazzled nerves and let him concentrate on the other 1,000 items on his producer plate.

Visit conferences/trade shows/seminars etc

Again this seems obvious, but Im surprised how many guys wanting a start have never even been to GDC (GD what?) or any other computer-games related conference, seminar or trade show. A quick story... I once went to a one day talk on making music for computer games, it cost me $50. The information was pretty basic (Id already scored 2 or 3 games by then) but I hung around. Whilst there, I met an audio director and inhouse sound-designer (more about inhouse guys later) and to cut a long story short, I ended up finding out about, pitching for and ultimately landing my first major, multi-platform title. So, go to everyone of these things that you can. Also, take the time to meet other more established audio guys there. My first two gigs came from other audio guys who were too busy. I still get work like this occassionally, and believe it or not, the guys right at the top are farming work out too.

Get a Showreel

Showreels are a big topic. Ill try and keep it simple and short; if submitting music, try to focus on the one or two styles that you do best. Its no good trying to cover every style in the hope of landing more gigs. I dont really know of an established composer that can do everything. So, try to wow your client with what your really good at. Make sure you include your contact details on the CD ltself, in case the cover gets seperated.
If sending music, send links to your music in the email, not giant attachments. And try to be pragmatic, some peoples music will suit a particular game better than yours. Sometimes the reverse will be true. Try to think of landing a composing gig like an actor auditioning for a role. Obviously Daniel Radcliffe wont be too convincing playing the President of America. :-) Try to find out as much as you can about the game and assess honestly as you can whether you'll be able to do it. I've turned down gigs I knew weren't in my style but Ive also mentioned what I feel I am good at - just in case the client has something else on the burner.

If sending a sound-design showreel its usually more effective to couple your sounds to some ingame footage or to a trailer. It might be worth including a disclaimer that the footage used (if nots yours to begin with) is being used for self-promotion only. If in doubt, you might want to check if the client minds you using something of theirs first. If you do want to capture ingame footage and replace it with your own sound, I recommend Fraps; www.fraps.com

Research your Client

Again fairly obvious, but its no good sending jazz music demos to a developer that only produces war strategy games. Ive included some useful websites at the end of this page, some of which, list the many game companies out there.

Do your own press

Im surprised how many people dont do this - promote yourself and/or your business. Learn to write a press-release. (there's plenty of advice if you google; "how to write a press release".) If you've just landed a gig, or have some news you'd like to share, put it "on the wires" - fax or email your press release to local newspapers, tv stations and game-industry websites. It helps to keep your name in the public's perception, it also raises your profile in the industry too.

It may seem strange to do your own promotion at first, but often, journalists are looking for a story and eyeing their deadline. You may have just made their day by sending a press release. Try to have a hook; "Local Composer works in the multi-billion computer games industry - and he does it from home!" - has worked for me. :-)

I was once interviewed for a local paper, from there, it was seen by a major syndicated publication and they too approached me for a story. I ended up getting a two page spread. After that paper ran its story, I was then contacted by a tv station and did an interview for them. This all stemmed from one minor story in a paper I thought no one read. To date, Ive done radio interviews, TV, newspapers, magazines, websites and even appeared in a book. And no - its not an ego driven thing, I dont like hearing the sound of my voice. Its just great exposure for your career. (it helps to think of your work that way too - long term)

Think of yourself as a business

Developers are busy and often times think about the audio when the game is about to go gold (go what?) The last thing they want to do is deal with a bumbling muso who works from his lounge room. (you might work from there, and thats ok, just dont tell the client!)

Game company producers are often a frazzled lot - they're trying to keep all the aspects of the game from coding to design to your audio on budget and on schedule. Its enormously gratifying to them if you can present yourself as competent, courteous, professional and reliable. Believe me, if they think you've helped them out of a hole with your professionalism - and you've shown you can deliver top quality audio to a deadline - they'll hire you again.

By representing yourself as a business you can also do what every other business does - outsource. Perhaps you're busy already and a regular client needs some audio in a hurry? (which is not uncommon) If you've kept up contact with other audio professionals, you should know who is skilled in various styles of music and sound-design. Hire them as a sub-contractor and quality-check everything before it goes back to the client. (remember the client is technically hiring you or your company.)

Another advantage to outsourcing is utilising a skill that you dont have. Perhaps one of your clients is doing a Nintendo title? You might need a composer who is experienced in tracker formats. (Nintendo devices generally have very specific audio requirements.) If your client is planning to continue doing work for the Nintendo platform, it might be worth learning how to develop for it yourself.

Broaden your job description

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a successful composer, but it can take years to get enough recognition and regular work to support yourself full-time as one. Some other avenues to consider are recording and overseeing voice over sessions and sound-design. Many composers have started this way and it beats waiting tables for a living. Besides, not only does sound-design hone your skills in audio (helping you to be a better composer) but as an audio professional, chances are you have the equipment and knowledge to create sound effects anyway. There are generally more sound-design positions available than composition ones too. (Sad but true.)

Inhouse Positions

If you can get a job inhouse as a composer or sound-designer Id probably recommend it. Not only will you learn the vagaries of game development first-hand, it will also stand you in good stead for other audio positions at other studios. Some potential drawbacks can be the regular "office hours" and the fact that you have to work on whatever your company is currently developing. The truth is, most contractors work long hours and dont often get the luxury to pick and choose their gigs anyway. A further point about inhouse - get friendly with the guys doing audio in these companies. They'll be able to tell you if their company is hiring, and if the audio department is busy and needs to outsource some of their work.

Glossary

Audio Brief - is generally the document sent to you that will desribe the desired list of sound effects, how many minutes of music, and the intention needed for the music. In short, the Audio Brief is the creative vision of how the audio should sound in the game. Its really important to read and understand the brief thoroughly. Its no good skimming through it and seeing word like; "egyptian ruins" and running off and writing an arabic style battle theme. Reading it thoroughly might also show that the player is exploring egyptian-style ruins and that the environment is generally eerie. This of course will dictate a different style of music altogether.

Game Design Document - is like the bible of the game. It should describe every level and every detail of the game (environment, physics, gameplay, styles, similar game references, etc) in great detail. The Audio Brief is generated from the G.D.D. Note, sometimes you might be called upon to create an audio brief of your own, particularly for a smaller client. They may have described an environment, but not given thought to exactly what sounds are needed in it. You might have to derive your own sfx list from the G.D.D. You may also need to be the one to suggest an appropiate style of music for a game too. (Its happened to me!)

GDC - stands for the Game Developers Conference. (www.gdconf.com) Arguably the largest computer games show on earth, it takes place in San Francisco around March each year. Be sure to come up and say hi if you see a guy with my name tag on. (Im pretty friendly if Ive had my morning coffee)

Going Gold - is the phase in development when the game gets burned onto a gold master disc. This is then used for pressing copies of the game.

Some useful sites:

www.gamasutra.com - (join up, its free and it has a jobs section)
www.garagegames.com
www.audiogang.org - (Game Audio Network Guild)
www.ign.com
www.igda.org
www.music4games.net
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Module_file - (information on Mods and the Tracker format)
www.gamedev.net

Rock City(Konvict Musik) - My Life As An Artist

2008-11-10T12:47:00.002-05:00

Watch as these Recording Artists/songwriters tell you what they are working on and Hit songz they have written.

Get your urban news at DimeWars.Com

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My name mentioned on All Hip Hop's Rumor Section!! "FIELD MOB IS WORKING"

2008-11-10T11:55:00.002-05:00

This is an excerpt from Allhiphop.com's Rumor section. It talks about the Field Mob project we have been working on. New studio footage of some of the sessions coming soon!!

Field Mob’s manager hit me up and gave me the scoop on what they are all working on! Here you go:

I wanted to confirm and clarify that rumor about The Field Mob album. Actually Smoke from Field Mob is working on a solo project. He has a solo deal with Sony through an independent named Empire Records out of AZ (DTP is still involved in the project). The album is shaping up to be CRAZY... Ken Jo is definitely the driving force musically behind the project with assistance from Jack Brown, and a possible single produced by Kanai Finch... As for Field Mob they are working on putting together a new project, also most of those tracks being done by Ken Jo, however, the solo project from Smoke seems to be coming first.

And here is the rest of it.

LIVING THE LIFE (JD MAKING A SONG 4 BOW WOW'S NEXT ALBUM)

2008-11-09T18:33:00.003-05:00

Watch music producer/Ceo/Mogul Jermain Durpri in the Studio cooking up some heat for Bow Wow's next project. He shows you the art of crate digging and finding the perfect sample.
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DJ Khalil, Rock City, And Dan Seef In Studio

2008-11-06T12:16:00.002-05:00

This is music producer DJ Khalil in the studio with his bass player. Khalil is infamous for working with 50 cent and other artists as well as using Properllerheadz Reason's software. Watch as they create magic!!
And here is the rest of it.