During A3C, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Hip-Hop super producer, Ski Beatz, who is best known for his work on Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt (Politics as Usual, Feelin’ It, 22 Twos & Dead Presidents) as well as the timeless Camp Lo song, Lucchini and a host of other joints that have contributed to the soundtrack of my life. Ski is currently touring with WestCoast MC, Murs, who just dropped an album, Love & Rockets, which he produced and has quite a few other things in the oven. We got a chance to see Ski Beatz rock out during Tabi Bonney’s set, with a live band and was straight up blown away when he started to rock joints that he had produced. This cat is Hip-Hop royalty. So without further adieu, check out TLP’s interview with the incomparable, Ski Beatz.
Nakia: First off, introduce yourself to my readers.
Ski Beatz: What’s the deal readers? My name is Ski Beatz and I’m a Hip-Hop producer.
Nakia: Which showcase are you on?
Ski Beatz: I’m on the iHipHop stage.
Nakia: Ok, so you’ll be on the stage in the back, where Dead Prez will be performing.
Ski Beatz: Yep.
Nakia: Ok, we’ll be back there, definitely.
Ski Beatz: You’re gonna have fun, it’s going to be a good show.
Nakia: And who have you worked with?
Ski Beatz: Oh wow! Uh, well I’m most known for Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Camp Lo, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, Nas, Raekwon, AZ…
Nakia: Just a few. (Laughter)
Ski Beatz: Curren$y, Cool Kids, Stalley, bunch of stuff.
Nakia: Yeah, yeah, that’s impressive.
(Laughter)
Ski Beatz: Thank you!
Nakia: And what do you have coming up?
Ski Beatz: Well, I got a few things. I’m on tour right now with Murs, I just finished his album, entitled Love & Rockets. Tabi Bonney, I just did his album, it’s entitled The Summer Years. My album is out now, 24 Hour Karate School Pt 2. I’m working on an album called Twilight, I got an album coming out with (Dame) Dash. I got 24 Hour Karate School Japan, 24 Hour Karate School UK and 24 Hour Karate School Spain coming out. So we’re working.
Nakia: Ok, do you have any words of wisdom for producers who want to get in the game?
Ski Beatz: Yeah, just be original, be yourself. It’s cool to be inspired, but don’t bite. Have your own style.
Nakia: And where can we find more information on you?
Ski Beatz: Go to www.24hourkarateschool.com or www.skibeatz.blogspot.com and you can find out more about me.
Nakia: And what’s your Twitter?
Ski Beatz: @skibeatz
Nakia: Word up.
