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I have a few highlights that come to mind. As far as production 7xve the Genius "Break Soul" was something I was pretty excited about and proud of. I also recorded "Bikini Bottom" by Ice Spice on the like..? album. I recorded and mixed a few songs on Conway the Machine "God Don't Make Mistakes", and the entire "Won't He Do It" album. I'm currently working on a bunch of records with Lola Brooke on her new project as well.
My primary roles are recording engineer and mixing engineer. I do occasionally get requests for my production but It totally depends on where the artist and their team is when they bring me in on a project.
I started as a part time computer tech for a well known producer. After I graduated from college I was visiting a studio with a friend and that day the studio happened to have a pretty major computer crash. I was able to help get the session back up and running quickly, and of course I was invited back, and shortly after was on call for any other issues they were experiencing. I always had an interest in hip-hop music since an early age, but that was my first time seeing records being created and I took a liking to the process. I spent the next few years of my life figuring how to make beats and learning how everything was connected; it became my passion.
I was fortunate enough to play college basketball at the division 1 level at Florida A&M University. I think that the entire process and experience has had a substantial influence on my approach on work ethic, handling adversity, taking and understanding criticism, and being able to thrive in a competitive industry.
What comes to mind is the frustration of convincing certain artists to fully trust my vision. Early on I didn't really understand perspective as well as I do now. I understand that they hired me for my expertise but they have to live with this art and perform it as well so I really have to keep that in mind. Something that may be "technically correct" still may not work with how the artists feel and what their vision is. At the end of the day we're all looking to get to a common goal, which is making the most fire record possible lol.
I love most of my outboard gear in general. Since I've been mixing a bunch lately, I'd have to go with my Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, and Manley Vari-Mu. Tracking I'd have to say the La-2a, Distressor, and I can't leave out the 1073's on our Neve Genesys console. Lastly production wise it has and always will be an MPC.
I think this is the best time to become a producer/engineer because most of the necessities are affordable, and you have so many options to choose from. There are so many resources to help a person build a solid lucrative career. I'd suggest finding a good mentor, stay away from learning everything from Instagram or Youtube, there tends to be too many conflicting theories and suggestions that could drive a person crazy. Lastly, consistency with determination is key.
Headphones are an important part of my mixing process. It depends on my availability, the deadlines and turnaround time on a project. I can't always be in front of my Genelec 1234a's or 1238a's so I need a solution that helps me make solid informed decisions and deliver changes that translate accurately.
My LCD-XC's are amazing! They've saved me so much time, and I can confidently make revisions while traveling and get confirmation from my main monitors once I get back to my studio. Just adding another solid perspective helps my efficiency. I used them to mix a few tracks on BreezyLYN's "Hood Mona Lisa" project and tracked most of Lola Brooke's "Dennis Daughter" album with them.
