artists? It’s very important because if you have your have your own artist you can create your magic and build them up. It’s easier when you work with an artist you have faith in; you can mold and nurture that artist to create hit records. A lot of times labels aren’t even letting you in the door. If you have a history of building an artist and creating songs everyone loves, it’s an easier sell. With all the artists out there, how do you find one to focus on? What are the qualities you look for in a new artist? I definitely look for consistency, drive, and motivation; someone that believes in themselves and isn’t afraid to take on challenges and think outside the box. Nowadays everybody’s trying to be real trendy and that’s not gonna get you nowhere. Known for producing numerous Miami-based hit records like The Iconz’ “Get Crunked Up,” Jacki-O’s “Nookie,” BallGreezy’s “Shone,” and Grind Mode’s “I’m So High,” Gorilla Tek has produced for some of the biggest names in southern rap music. Here he talks about how he got his sound, how he stays relevant, and why it’s important to think outside the box. Who are you working with at the moment? I’m working with French Montana, B.o.B., and Diego Cash. The latest production I did is for a new local artist called Natural on the song “Tore Up.” I’m working on Pleasure P’s new project. We got a song that’s crazy. It’s not the usual Pleasure P, it’s still R&B but more rhythmic. And [the movie] Bloodline 2 is coming soon. You have an impressive resume. What have been some of your biggest records so far? Some of the biggest work I’ve done is with The Iconz “Crunked Up.” Besides that, I did a couple joints for Diddy. When 8Ball & MJG was signed to his label I did 2 joints on their album. I broke a lot of new artists in Miami – Jacki-O, BallGreezy’s, Grind Mode, the list is extensive. How important is it for a producer to work with new artists rather than just well-known A-18 // OZONE MAG
How do you stay relevant when musical sounds and trends change every few years? I keep my ears tuned. I listen to a lot of stuff that’s out now and try not to mimic it. If it’s hot right now, I’m not gonna create that vibe, because by the time it comes out that sound will be dead already. If anything I’ll follow the same groove patterns but add my elements to it. I always try to think ahead. I hear a lot of producers now doing what Pharrell did a long time ago or the sound Drumma Boy used or Just Blaze. You lose your identity like that. Who are some of the artists you enjoy listening to, new or old? My musical taste has always been more of the old school cats – Bob Marley, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Barry White, a lot of old school merengue. I’m Latino so my background is very versatile. As far as new cats, I listen to Timbaland a lot, Drake, Kanye, Talib Kweli. I like the elements of original Hip Hop. I feel like a lot of music now is dumbed down. I try not to follow that pattern, although that’s what the labels are looking for. Is there anything else you want to mention? Shouts out to Iconz Music, Suthun Boy, Jay R 305, Bone, Fatboi DJs. Put God first, believe in yourself, and everybody else will follow. //