In The Boardroom: BKS

Hip hop has grown to a universe that goes past all boundaries. There are now places you wouldn't think there would be Hip-Hop. My friend is a DJ in Alaska. After Punjabi you see this culture in India. One place that Hip hop has taken over is in Paris, France. Europe is filled with people eager to absorb all their is in our culture that started in New York. Some people even take it further and join the culture themselves. This Boardman is close to the Champ-Elysee. But his sound can be riding in DC. I had to go cross-Atlantic to discover this beat assassin (Shoutout to Certified good lookin!). This man has a track record, working with Akon, Dirty Money, Melanie Fiona! So mes amis, garcons et mademoiselles, C'est le producer de Universial Records BKS (yes let me drop my french. in English, people, here's BKS)

1. Bonjour, BKS, Ca va? Introduce yourself to the rest of the world.

Wass goin on world, I go by James BKS, Music producer under G Prod / SRC

2. So tell me where you from. What part of France? You still live in France right?

I was born and raised in Paris, France. I moved to the U.S. (D.M.V. area) in 2002. I am currently in Paris for a few months, but I’ll be back to the states in September.

3. The difference between Hip hop in France and the States.

I’d say that we embrace Hip Hop culture and can relate to some extent, to what rappers are talking about. But when it comes to the music itself, we usually follow whatever it’s out; not to say that French rappers ain’t original, but for instance when Crunk music popped off in the US, it took us a little time to get familiar with it. Then, when French rappers started following that trend, it was already on to the next one in the U.S.

That’s because these trends come from a cultural background that we don’t have; we just gonna feel the vibe, the whole energy around it and we’ll copy it.

4. The impact US Hip hop have on music in Europe:

The Hip Hop movement is pretty big out here. We’re actually the largest consumer of rap music after the US in Europe, with Germany and England. It affects the way we speak, the way we dress, etc.

5. When did you start producing? Why did you get hooked on it?

I started making beats in 05. I been a music fan ever since I can remember but I didn’t take it seriously until I met this dude named Liban, who became my manager and a close friend. He was the first to believe I had potential to make it in the music industry. We ended up working together and we put out a mixtape in 06 with local acts from the DMV spitin over my beats. The mixtape was called “All we ask is trust”.

Liban was booking showcases and concerts all over the world for artists like Akon, Sean Paul, Fat Joe, etc... He did even set up one of the biggest show in Africa with Jay-z and Beyonce, with the help of Gibson, who was working with Akon closely at the time. Gibson and I became good friends, which led to a business relationship later on. He’s the one who took my career to the next level.



6. What is your style of production?

I’d like to think I’m all around. I listen to all kinds of music from alternative rock to music scores. I wannabe able to create without being stuck in the same box.

7. Talk about the production you did on the french hip hop scale like "King" album and "Pour que tu restes"

The “King” song was my first major placement in Europe. It was on Booba’s album which went gold with over 80 000 units. I particularly like that song because of Rock City’s performance on it. It was also my first collabo of many with Rock City who are, in my opinion, the hottest songwriters in the game right now.

“Pour que tu restes” should have been the first single of Vitaa’s latest album but ended up being the second one. The whole move went kind of bad business wise. I’m not gonna get into details but let’s just say that I won’t work with that kind of artist anymore.

With that being said, this was still a good look for me because she’s one of the biggest Rn’b act in my country and she usually moves good units so let’s see how it turns out.

8. Talk about your other collaborations in the states. You did a lot...You were involved in projects with Melanie Fiona? Asher Roth? how was working with them?

I’ve had the chance to work with numerous songwriters like Kalenna (from Dirty Money), Rock City, Verse Simmonds, dre Meritt or Chasity, who I think are dope.

I also produced a song called “What’s a love affair” for Raheem Devaughn, two songs for Shontelle “Fairy Tale”, “Heart breaker”, but the best is yet to come.. . as far as Asher Roth and Melanie Fiona, I am actually signed under the same label as those two recording artist (S.R.C.), I am currently working on submissions for their coming projects.



9. How did you react when you got signed to Universal?

Man, my team and I (G Prod) have been working hard to get to that level. The recent placements we had in Europe, with “Groove On” which I produced for Timati and Snoop Dogg, as well as “Something like a party”, that my label mate, Jordan, produced for the group called school gyrl in the states (reached top 5 of the dance charts), really got us the attention from the labels.

We ended up signing with S.R.C / Universal which has been a great look for us.



10. Business-wise is it better for a producer to be signed to a major label? Why or why not?

I’d say it really depends on the network and A&R’s that you are working with. Plus you wanna make sure that the label who signs you, really has projects which will get release. Otherwise you gonna get stuck in a deal that does not allow you to work outside of the camp, and you won’t get no placements because the artists that are under your label don’t get their work released.

I think it’s crucial for music producers in this game to have a few good placements by themselves before approaching a major. You don’t want to look for a deal, you wanna have labels and major looking to sign you.


11. What you working with in the studio? like the board, drum machine, etc?



I work with fruity loops and a couple of VST’s. I own a Quosmio Laptop but I’m thinking about getting a Mac…I got teased so many times lately because I was bringing my “huge portable PC” at the studio, while everyone else were using Mac’s…so we’ll see.. lol.


12. How important it is to gain an education in this industry? How big of an advantage a producer or an artist got when they have a degree?

Well first of all, the industry is constantly changing and evolving, it is really important to be up to date with what’s going on, and to have a good understanding of the business behind the music. Plus we all witness how the record sales went down this past few years…it is so important to have a plan B nowadays because you might be hot one months and the next one not getting any work done nor placements..

13. The artists you would love to work with.

I am huge Jay-Z fan so I would say Jigga, but Rick Ross is getting better and better, his last mixtape is hot. I hope to get a chance to work with him one day. “I Think I’m big Meeech” lol

14. Be honest. How is Tony Parker as a rapper? Lol

Well…I hope he’s not taking it too seriously! Let’s just say he is a great Ball player! How about kobe bryant’s music career? lol

15. What are your future projects we should look out for?

Jordan and I just did that crazy song for Tiffany Evans, I can’t wait for this one to get released. You can also look forward to the next Ja Rule projects, he’s coming back hard. We got other few good placements coming, I can’t really talk about it right now but it’s gonna be a good year!

16. What motivates you?

My team, my close friends and family, music in general.



17. Contact info:

Right now you can follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/James_BKS (I just started getting my twitter on!), youtube: bksakadannye


http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_BKS

http://www.myspace.com/bksyess

18. Any Shoutouts?

Shoutouts to DJ Benz, G Prod, SRC, Gary, Brams, Matt I see you!








Listenin session with Ja Rule at Irv Gotti Studio 2 months ago





Check out his beats. I put the snippets together for one mix. BKS

BKS snippets

In The Boardroom: Ice (A.I.)

In this issue of "In The Boardroom" I decided to take it to the south. Everyone knows Miami has their own Rico Suave/2 live crew freak nasty sound. That sound became a premier sound in the game. Call it how you want but try to name one artist that steered clear from the whole sound altogether, not even one track. You can't. And the good thing about the game is that newcomers are up to play.
I decide to interview this beatman because I see a lot of potential in him but not a lot of promo. As you know I'm the person to bring out new faces first. Just like the past producers he has a distinct sound with a desire to evolve into a frontrunner. So today's "In The Boardroom" I present to you a contradiction to the 305's weather: Ice(or you can call him A.I.)

Introduce yourself to the world homie:

What up world, this ya boy producer "A.I", always known as "Ice".

You are another boardman from the 305 with great sound. Talk about the sound of Miami and how far it has come in the hip hop game.

I definitely appreciate the love from everyone who is supporting me. As far as the sound of Miami, its incredible and shouldn't expect nothing but bigger and better things from the MIA. I think the sound of the south and particularly Miami has come a long way. I feel a good example is Rick Ross. Ross makes music for the streets but he also makes that "good music" to sell albums. I believe we all as artist and producers from Miami is raising the bar and pushing each other to be the best.

What made you want to become a producer and how long have you been laying down the snares and 808s?

I became a producer because I felt that it was something that came natural to me. I personally feel that I came a long way. The beats I made in 02 which is when I started is no where near to who I am now. I also believe as well as a few others that can cosign, is that every month or every year, they have seen some major improvement and sicker beats you know.

Who influenced you in hip hop?

I believe its pretty common to use a pro's as an example which would be Kanye West, Timbaland and Swizz Beats and ect. To be honest, I would have to give all the credit to Quest. When I was young my mother would keep me from listening to a lot of hip hop and mostly rap music.. I never heard about the beef between Jay-z and Nas until I was in high school. When I was in 12th grade I took Quest Ipod and I got exposed to all the classic hip hop that I needed to hear to figure what it was all about. Also working with

Quest in the studio got me caught up to speed lol.

What you think caused the difference with the sound of rap in the 90s and now?

I figure at the end of the day its about making money. Whatever is making the money is whats going to sell and be sold in stores. Its about making the people move and satisfying the needs of our listeners. Sometimes certain artist set trends and set standards and we as artist or producers have to fit those needs. I think the most important thing is that we all be ourselves and make the best of our opportunity.

What is your resume looking like? (The artists you have worked with)

I mostly worked with Quest. I did a record with Smitty "Where dey at" but it really didn't get pushed out. Well for some those who are fans, its probably a shame I haven't worked with many people. I guess that's the reason for doing this interview.

Currently you are working with underground artist Quest (i spin him on radio a lot recently) What about him has drawn yourself to his style?

That is a good question. Basically Quest and I we have been on the same page since day 1. For whatever reason what I produce is what he likes to rap on. What most people don't know is that me and Quest went to the same high school. We've been working together since. I came in the school studio one day and brought some instrumentals.Quest digged into the composition book and did a song in 20 minutes. We both developed our skills working together and that's why we are at where we are today.

You are also working with Breeze from 24HourHipHop. When that mixtape coming out?

I have no idea to keep it real. I just know I have a few bangers on there and i hope everyone enjoys it.

What makes a perfect blend of an artist and a producer? example would be Drake and 40/Boi-1da

I believe you have me stuck I can't answer that question (just kidding). I feel like you gotta have a similar personality and taste in music.

Talk about your style of beats:

To keep it simple, I am pretty balanced. I am open to all music and whatever comes to mind I will do. I mostly make rap music and soulful singers can do the hooks.

What you working with in the studio? like the board, drum machine, etc?

That's another interesting question. I basically have a midi keyboard with a sound module Roland 2080. I record my samples that I play into cubase and export it.I use Magix Music Maker which I cut, copy and paste my drums. Then placed the samples I played into the same Magix arrangement. That's how I started and I am raised to make beats that way.

What are your future projects about? One of them is Quest's album "The Reason"

Yes sir, Quest "The Reason" is the first album that I am working on. There is going to be a lot of familiar sounds you may heard before and then some new sounds but its definitely refreshing. I basically reference from some of the biggest producers but I put my twist to it to make it A.I production.

How important is maintain good working relationships?

I feel that in this world its about who you know and not what you know or what you can do. A lot of people may have connects but because of the way they may conduct themselves, they can really throw a lot of opportunity. I feel most people take criticism about their music to heart and give off a negative response to others which I don't. I personally would rather work with people that have good character and some talent vs all the talent in the world and don't want to be around them. I feel that I am the type of person that you can take to your house and the money you have on the table won't come up missing lol.

The one thing that motivates you?

I would say people believing in me.

What is the top potential you see in your production style?

I believe when you listen to my music the drum patterns you hear is what stands out.

Contact info

Email: Ice.Conglomerates@gmail.com

Twitter: @Mr32aice

myspace: http://www.myspace.com/yientertainment

Any shoutouts?

First of all shout out to Breeze for hooking me up with all this and spreading the word about me..... Shout outs to DJ Benz for interviewing me.... Shoutouts to Quest and @thisisclarity with the "Poppin rose'" record I made for him...Shout outs to all the artist doing their thing and everyone who is trying to make the world a better place!!!!!!!

Check out his arsenal

Poppin Rose' (snippet)



Never the Same (snippet)


Sober (snippet)

In The Boardroom: Mr. Mig

This isn't underground. This guy has worked with the best of them. Usher, Beyonce, Diddy, Wyclef, Britney Spears, John Legend, and many more. He has gold and platinum plaques on the wall for working with them and major record labels demands his services. Some of you may have never heard of him. Some of you heard of him very well. Today I'll let him explain his footnote in the music industry. Warrior DJ Capo GiGi Capone help set this interview up as I go one on one with: Mr. Mig.

P.S. Major Studio sessions. Pay attention:

To the people that don't know you, introduce yourself to the world and where you represent.

My name is Steve Migliore aka Mr. Mig. SInce 1998 I've been producing, remixing, writing, etc. professionally in the music business. I represent the world of music...lol.

Explain everything you do. You are not just a producer, right?

I produce , write songs,sing, remix, engineer, arrange,teach production, etc..pretty much everything.

What does it takes to be a great remixer?

I feel it's important to retain the song's integrity and give it a whole new life so that the record can impact a separate market than what it was originally intended for.

Your first #1 record was LeAnn Rimes' How Do I Live remix. It went 3x PLATINUM. How did it feel to make that accomplishment? And the feeling of every major artist coming to you to make an official remix?

It was a surreal experience..I worked very hard to get a record like that and when it finally popped it was a relief to know I was starting to get somewhere and that people were recognizing me as a professional. It ended up hitting #1 on the dance and singles sales charts in Billboard..I left a copy open on my dining room table for a week to see my name when I walked by..It was a crazy time..very exciting.

I see in your bio you use the Torq software to do your mixxes. (Same here I use Torq for DJin) Explain what Torq can do? If it's better than Serato, try to convince the Serato users. Lol

Honestly..I've done a liitle djing Torq and Xponent..I dont use Serato but I have friends who do and they are blown away when they see what Torq and Xponent can do.

What other equipment do you use?

My setups vary in the different rooms at the studio but I typically use a Mac Pro, Logic, Pro Tools,Ableton and lots of software goodies..I also have a bunch of MPC's and keyboards that I run through a Mackie Digital console.

State your resume: Your remixxes, the artists you work with, etc.

That would be pretty hard to do...it has become a pretty long list but some notable artists include Usher, Ciara, Jason Derulo, Beyonce, Diddy, Britney, and many more..

Your opinion on a remix with the same beat but just more features.

I have done a bunch of mixes where I keep the original production and then just add to the arrangement , change the tempo and fill it out and make it a little more interesting.

(Mr. Mig in the club remixing Michelle Williams "Break the Dawn" record)

Explain your style in music. What sound makes it easy to recognize you?

I really don't a have a completely recognizable style. I'm involved with everything from mainstream to club and R&B projects. One thing I try to keep consistent is a "pop" feel. I aim for my mixes and productions to have mass appeal. I use hooky parts and recognizable chord structures and blend rock with pop and urban.

How can producers/DJs get royalties off a remix?

There was a time when remixers took points on projects. That went away for awhile but recently I've been remixing records for publishing and points when there isn't a budget available. People seem to be willing to go outside of the box lately to make all kinds of deals.

Now you are about to launch AudioMaxx Studios , a brand new state of the art recording facility in Cherry Hill, NJ, just minutes from my home in Philadelphia. Tell me more about this. I seen the pictures and they are phenomenal!

Thanks...Yes AudioMaxx actually launched in April and it has been doing very well. We are a one stop shop and provide every service from songwriting, production to music video production, worldwide music distribution through Who?Mag Distribution and much more. Also, I believe our facility has the areas largest cycle wall/green screen.

What does AudioMaxx provide that sets apart from other studios?

First off,We are like a family Audiomaxx is run by Diana Delgado who was once a VP in corporate America and she handles all of the business.She's very detailed and runs a tight ship. There's nobody who can pull people, projects,and ideas together better than her in my opinion. She's the hub of the studio. Also, Between me and my production partner DJ Mike RIzzo we have over 400 major and indie label credits so when you come to us you're getting years of combined experience. Rizzo is a Global DJ and great producer as well. We recently combined forces and started Global Groove Productions. We also have an in-house team of some very talented and experienced producers. We offer all of the services necessary to launch your single or album project.Also, We have Who?Mag TV/Distribution which is independently owned and operated by Rob Schwartz.

(Audiomaxx Studios in Cherry Hill, NJ, not far from Philadelphia)

Do you prefer working with an established artist in the industry or a fresh up-and-coming talent. And why?

Either actually. I look for exceptional talent. Labels do the preliminary work and then hire people like myself which is nice because it pays the bills but it's out of my hands after my work is done. It's also nice when you discover the artist and are able to guide them and help them reach their goals.

The one thing you think about before you lay the first drum set to a beat:

Not much thought other than making sure what I do is commercially appealing. I might think about some of the current hits on the radio.

What are your future goals?

I would like to see Audiomaxx as a name in the studio business like Hit Factory, Sigma, The Plant, etc..I'm always trying to up my game as a producer, remixer and writer.Ultimately if I'm still working in this business in 20 years that would be awesome.

Contact info: gigicaponePR@gmail.com

(One of his many Gold and Platinum accomplishments)

More info on Mr. Mig: mrmigmusic.com

http://audiomaxxstudios.com/

In The Boardroom: Certified

What's music without the beat? You need a producer in the studio to make the song. Actually, a solid producer can stay in this industry longer than an artist. So I decided starting today and every Wednesday I'm going to go inside the musically intellectual mind of a solid producer.

The first producer I came across was thanks to DJ Beanz (DMV, the sexy voice that hosted SS6) First person she said was this man. Now I see why. He's a student of the game in front of the classroom, taking notes and using them to create success. He's basically what his name is: Certified.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Lets go in the Boardroom.

1. Introduce yourself to the world homie?

Whats Good DJ Benz??? I go by the name of Certified. I'm a producer/engineer for Fall Back Entertainment. I've been doing music now for 8 years, feels like I'm just getting started…

2. What made you decide to become a producer in this game?

When I first started really to make music, I started out as an engineer. Being in the studio with so many different types of artists with different sounds really inspired me to start composing music myself..when I felt I was ready, I started producing for artists who really needed beats, and liked what they heard.

3. In your bio, you stated you are also a songwriter. Talk about the importance of a producer to have knowledge in songwriting. This is how the right artist matches with the right track, right?

When you compose a beat, you should have an idea of who you're making it for, what type of beat it is (hip-hop,r&b,pop), and where the direction of the song is going to be. Nowadays record labels don't want to hear beats, they want to hear finished songs. Every producer should work together with a song-writer, and be willing to have different artists demo their tracks. You'd be surprised to find out how many industry musicians do not write their own lyrics, it was a shock to me to find out at least. I'm lucky to be surrounded by such talented song-writers. Neazee, my song-writing partner, has an incredible talent. Look out for him..

4. Who influenced you in Hip Hop?

Aw man, I can't list everyone. I will say this though, when I heard Big L's first album, I knew I had to do something in this music industry, that was the start of my obsession with this.

5. What you specifically learn in audio engineering in college? You went to Towson University.

Everything a good musician/audio engineer should know. I was blessed to have such talented teachers. I learned the craft primarily at my first internship. Mike Watert (Studio 8121 Chief Engineer), taught me 90% of what I know today. I used all my connections in school 100%… I advise anyone who wants to become an audio engineer or a producer to not take your opportunities lightly.. Do internships, extra credit..whatever. You should live in the studio. I know I do.

6. BKS & DJ ScotteeLP mentored you. How did they help you in your craft?

ScotteeLP was really the man who got me into making beats. I used to engineer for him back in school, he was sick with Reason, and a beast on the turn tables. We used to go record shopping and just sit in the studio all day and chop up samples. ScotteeLP's drum patterns and styles I still implement into my beats to this day.. I still have a drum kit he gave me from 2006 on my hard drive… I use it all the time. When I met BKS, thats when my production went to that second level. He really inspired me to start learning how to play the keyboard, and to get off sampling. I can't even begin to speak words on how talented of a music producer BKS is. All I'll say is this, we're great friends, and if you don't know about him, you will. Check him out http://www.myspace.com/bksyes

7. Talk to me about the DMV. This is your home court and you are involved with the sound of DC.

I can't say I'm heavily involved in the sound of DC. I'm from Maryland. DC is an amazing city, lot's of talent there. My sound is unique.. I can't compare it to anything I've heard in DC.

8. Who are your favorite artists out the DMV?

First on the list would have to be, Dealz, Codes, Brams, Blast, Bolds, Skeem…Other artists I'm feeling right now are WhiteFolkz, K-Beta, Midian &, Madom Madon. If you don't know who these artists are, get familiar.

9. What is Wale's perception in the DMV?

He's one of DMV's many talented MCs.

10. Talk about the Game 7 mixtape:

Game 7 was the first major downloadable release from our Fall Back Entertainment. We dropped that mixtape right after we dropped Codes album RUN DMV. A lot of people in the DMV don't really quite know Fall Back Ent yet, it's funny, I know you probably get flooded with e-mails from different artists asking you to play their music and tell them what you think, well one day DJ Beanz decided to give it a listen, and the feedback I got was "WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" lol. That said enough. We're working on a summer re-release of the mixtape.

11. Lately I've seen producers doing instrumental mixtapes. That's giving originals away. Is there any benefits to that?

It depends on what your trying to gain from doing that. I'd rather use 20 original beats for a mixtape than do an instrumental version, but thats just me. Like I said before, record labels don't want to hear beats anymore, they want to hear finished songs.




12. Describe your style, your beats.

I'm versatile. You have to be. I try to make every beat as best as it can be. A lot of producers are lazy, you gotta be on point with your production or you will never get noticed. It's all about the beat in this industry.

13. What you working with in the studio? like the board, drum machine, etc?

At my home studio for composing beats I use Pro Tools 8, Reason 3.0, & plenty of VSTs. When I record artists at the recording studio I normally use a Pro Tools rig, Its what I'm most comfortable with.

14. The one thing that motivates you:

I am motivated by other individuals, I feed off other people's energy. If your not grinding, don't bother me.

15. Your future goals:

Major record placements & success for everyone who I work with...

16. Contact info:

Gmail : CertifiedFBE@gmail.com
Twitter: @Certified_Music
myspace.com/certifiedmusicproducer
facebook.com/certifiedmusicproducer

Management: David Hamburg
Gmail: DwHamburg@gmail.com

17 Any shoutouts?

Special thanks to my DJ, DJ BEANZ!! Codes, Dealz, Blast, Brams.. Fall Back Entertainment! Let's Go!



Check out his beats people. Check out Certified sound!

Certified Beats-Hiphop snippets 2010