Searching 4 The Perfect Beat

The Purple Pack

2009-11-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Purple Pack is a full collection of drum and fx samples inspired by musical 'royalty.' An expertly programmed NI Battery kit is also included to get you going in no time.All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with Logic, FL, Reason, MPC, and all other production formats.

R. Kelly Cover and Tracklisting

2009-08-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Congrats to my boy Chris "Deep" Henderson for landing 2 tracks on the album! In stores September 29th.
1. Crazy Night (feat. Rock City) [Prod. by Lil’ Ronnie]
2. Outta Tha Game [Prod. by Chris “Deep” Henderson]
3. Exit [Prod. by Jazze Pha]
4. Echo [Prod. by Infinity]
5. Like I Do [Prod. by Carlos “Los Da Mystro” McKinney]
6. Fallen From The Sky [Prod. by T-Town]
7. Elsewhere [Prod. by Chris “Deep” Henderson]
8. Number One (feat. Keri Hilson) [Prod. by Roy Hamilton]
9. Religious [Prod. by Todd Dickson]
10. #1 Fan [Prod. by Carlos “Los Da Mystro” McKinney]
11. Be My #2 [Prod. by Jack Splash]
12. Supaman High (feat. OJ Da Juiceman) [Prod. by Willy Will]
13. Pregnant (feat. Tyrese, Robin Thicke, The-Dream & Maxwell)
14. Text Me

Apple Releases Logic Studio 9

2009-07-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

L9 comes from out of nowhere with over 200 plus new features including Flex Time and Drum Replacer. Apple can keep the extras, just give me the royalty free jampacks. -yawn-
Check out Macworld for more info.

The Business Of The Music Business College Tour & Student Showcase

2009-04-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Singleton Entertainment Corp presents
"Music & Its Future"
Learn about the fundamentals in music production
from celebrity Producers & DJs
Wednesday April 8, 2009 6-9pm.
@ The Bank of America Auditorium Leadership Center on the campus of Morehouse College (830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 31304)

Featured invited panelists include Maestro, Tha Bizness, Needlz, Greg Street, Canton Jones, Tree Anchrum, and more TBA. Pasts guests include B Cox, Orlando McGhee, & Capriccio Skates
The Business Of The Music Business College Tour & Student Showcase (B.O.M.B) is an educational forum committed to empowering students by offering coveted industry knowledge. Each informative session will include a panel discussion, Q&A and talent music showcase.

The Electronic Stimulus Package

2009-04-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Create your signature sound with this huge collection of high quality transition effects, synth rizes, and swells.
Click Pic for More...
All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with Logic, FL, Reason, MPC, and all other production formats.

The Game x Maestro...Coming Soon!

2009-04-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

'The Red Album' is gonna be a problem. Game says next to Just Blaze I have one of the illest tags in the game. Maestro FTW.

Hit Music Producers Sound Off

2009-03-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

By Moe Arora via MakingtheMogul.com...Click the Pic to Read the Interview!

Maestro x ATL Beat Battle!

2009-03-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Twitter.com/ATLBeatBattle For More Info!

Photo Opp: Maestro x Bangladesh x Alchemist x Dre

2009-03-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

(L-R; Dre, Alchemist, Maestro, Bangladesh)Lot's of talent in this pic...Snapped after we WON.

Jamie Foxx "Blame It" Video

2009-03-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Dope Song, Wack Video. Shout out to Chris 'Deep' Henderson, you got one homey!

Maestro x RPS!

2009-03-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

My boy Hugh @ BlogsIsWatching put me on to Chik @ RPS (Rocks Paper Scissors) and it was a wrap...THANKS!

Featured Producers...Illfonics

2009-03-03T03:49:00.000-08:00

Matt & Jed are on their way...Congrats Toshi!
-Read their latest interview on Illroots.com
-Listen to their new single Jim Jones - "Na Na Nana Na Na"
-Check out my Illroots interview too!

Jim Jones - New Music - More Music Videos

Tha Bizness Behind the Boards

2009-02-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

Click the Pic to Watch the VideoMuch respect to Dow and Hen for the name drop. I almost thought y'all forgot ;)

Grammy Award Winning Producer Vaushaun "Maestro" Brooks

2009-02-19T01:01:00.000-08:00

51st Annual Grammy AwardsTha Carter III...Best Rap AlbumCongrats to all of the winners!

Tha Carter III is 2009's Best Rap Album

2009-02-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

Please say the Grammy!

Young Jeezy "My President is Black" Video

2009-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

Produced by my homies Tha Bizness. Holla at me when ya'll get back from DC.

Apogee x Pro Tools HD 8

2009-01-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

Step your conversion game up! Apogee has just announced compatibility of all X-HD hardware with Digidesign’s Pro Tools HD 8.
(via Crate Kings)
Apogee X-HD hardware such as AD-16X, DA-16X, Rosetta 800 and Rosetta 200 have been approved for Pro Tools HD 8 systems using Mac OS X 10.5.5 and Windows XP SP 2.
More info @ Apogee's website.

iTunes Changes Song Prices!

2009-01-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

This changes the game...R.I.P. to the CD...
(via theLIFEFiles)
Yesterday at the Macworld conference Apple Vice President Philip Schiller announced that songs from it’s iTunes music store that helped shut down your favorite retailer will now be available for 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. This time around record companies will choose the prices - Apple gave the record labels that flexibility on pricing as it got them to agree to sell all songs free of “digital rights management,” technology that limits people’s ability to copy songs or move them to multiple computers. Apple had been offering a limited selection of songs without DRM, but by the end of this quarter, the company said, all 10 million songs in its library will be available that way.

Lil Wayne on ESPN 'First Take'

2009-01-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Lil Wayne vs. Skip Bayless...3 Peat in the background...CHA CHING!

'Notorious' Soundtrack Cover and Tracklisting

2009-01-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Movie in stores 1/16/09
Click Pic for More!

Tracklist
1. "Notorious Thugs" (featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
2. "Hypnotize"
3. "Notorious"
4. "Juicy"
5. "Party & Bullsh--"
6. "Warning"
7. "One More Chance" remix (featuring Faith Evans)
8. "Brooklyn Go Hard" (Jay-Z featuring Santogold)
9. "Letter to B.I.G." (Jadakiss featuring Faith Evans)
10. "Kick in the Door"
11. "What's Beef"
12. "World Is Filled"
13. "One More Chance" (featuring CJ)
14. "The Notorious Theme" (composed by Danny Elfman)
15. "Microphone Murderer" (previously unreleased demo)
16. "Guaranteed Raw" (previously unreleased demo)
17. "Love No Ho" (previously unreleased demo)

(from MTV.com by Shyheem Reid)
Some of Notorious B.I.G.'s greatest hits and early, little-known recordings fill out the soundtrack to "Notorious," the forthcoming biopic about the legendary Brooklyn rapper. Slated for release on January 13 on Bad Boy/ Atlantic, the soundtrack features hit singles that endeared Biggie to the masses as well as some of his demos, appearances from his family and brand-new records some of his closest peers, including Jay-Z and Jadakiss. (The movie is slated for release January 16 through Fox Searchlight Pictures.)

Jay, who teamed up with Big for such classics as "Brooklyn's Finest," "I Love the Dough" and Puff Daddy & the Family's "Young G's," comes with "Brooklyn Go Hard," as previously reported by MTV News. The Kanye West-produced track features Santogold. Although an official video is still being discussed, an unsanctioned clip — featuring Hov in animated form — has already hit the Internet.

Jadakiss appears on "A Letter to B.I.G." The track was originally recorded for Jada's Last Kiss LP, and the filmmakers thought it was perfect to include on the "Notorious" project. Obviously, Jada and Big were not strangers: The Biggie/ LOX collaborations during the Bad Boy dynasty years were legendary. The title of 'Kiss' record is self-explanatory: He speaks directly to his deceased friend, who died in a still-unsolved murder in 1997.

Bad Boy has also confirmed that Biggie's son, Christopher "CJ" Wallace Jr., will be performing on a new version of "One More Chance." It's being labeled as "a duet" by Bad Boy. CJ's mom, Faith Evans, sings on a remix of the song, also featured on the album.

Early records "Microphone Murderer" and "Guaranteed Raw" — which never made it onto an album but garnered Big a neighborhood buzz during his early years — are also included, along with his first-ever officially released track (from the 1993 "Who's the Man?" soundtrack), "Party & Bullsh--."

Tha Carter III is 08's Top-Selling Album!

2009-01-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Click Pic for the full story!Weezy F. beat out artists in all genres with nearly 3 million sold of his album...3 Peat Baby!

(via HipHopDX)
Just in time for the new year, Nielsen Soundscan shared their annual report with select industry and media. This year's results of retail and digital music sales included many Hip Hop stars such as Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Flo Rida.

For Wayne, the Cash Money Records veteran rapper had the top-selling album in any genre in his Tha Carter III. His sixth studio album, which included hits "A Milli" , "Lollipop" and "Mrs. Officer," sold, according to the chart service, approximately 2,874,000 units this year. The effort, released June 10, edged out Coldplay's Viva La Vida, by over 700,000 units.

T.I.'s Paper Trail came in at #8, selling 1,522,000 units, as Beyonce's I Am...Sasha Fierce, released late this year, drew 1,459,000 units. The trio were the only urban artists in the Top 10, a list consisting of Country sensation Taylor Swift, veteran rockers AC/DC and Metallica, and the onetime Jive Records Rap artist-turned-Rock sensation, Kid Rock.

Despite Tha Carter III being the best-selling album, it was Taylor Swift, who had two Top 10-selling albums, that led all artist-sales, with over four million units from her entire catalog this year. Sampled by Boogie Down Productions in the '80s, AC/DC also topped Wayne, putting the New Orleans rapper at third, selling 3,382,000 of total catalog in the last year. He was the only Hip Hop artist to make the Top 10.

Quincy Jones on Success

2009-01-02T06:27:00.001-08:00

Quincy drops knowledge...From Bob Baker's Indie Music Promotion Blog
There's a great interview with music legend Quincy Jones in the January issue of Success magazine. As you may know, Jones is an American music impresario, conductor, record producer, arranger, film composer, and trumpeter. In the article he shares some timeless keys to success.

During five decades in the entertainment industry, Jones has earned a record 79 Grammy Award nominations (with 27 Grammy wins). He is perhaps best known as the producer of Michael Jackson's Thriller album, which has sold 104 million copies, and as the producer and conductor of the charity song "We Are the World."

Here are three gems on success from the article:

1) Combine your emotional passion with concrete work and education

Jones points out that the dictionary is the only place where "success" precedes "work" -- because it's alphabetical. "You have to get off your butt and do it," he says. "You have to have a core skill and study all aspects of it. The emotional side will drive you, but the science is what will prepare you."

2) Let obstacles become your inspiration

Like most success stories, Jones has had his share of challenges -- financial failures, a near-fatal cerebral aneurysm, etc. He says when faced with such dilemmas, everyone has a choice in how to deal with them.

"You can see darkness or light," he says. "I've always chosen light."

3) Success is sweetest if it expands over a lifetime

Jones has immersed himself in a wide variety of roles and styles within music. And at age 75, he has no plans of slowing down. Don't limit yourself to one area of expertise, he suggests. Expand, grow and explore throughout your entire life and career.

Wise lessons from a music industry veteran!

-Bob

About.com's "Top 100 Rap Songs of 2008"

2009-01-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

I'M ON IT!
"Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It" Remix
Ice Cube (Feat. Scarface & Nas)For the full list...
(Source)Other rappers would be eager to bury their sordid past after becoming Hollywood bigwigs, but Ice Cube is not one to bite his tongue. Cube teams up with Nas and Scarface to defend hip-hop from its harshest critics.

Go See the full countdown...Top 100 Rap Songs of 2008!!

Jamie Foxx’s "Intuition" Tracklist and Cover

2008-12-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

Click Pic for More"Intuition" is set to drop 12/16/08. My good friend Chris 'Deep' Henderson produced #5 "Blame It" featuring T-Pain. Congrats!

TRACKLIST
1. Just Like Me (featuring T.I.)
Produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart & Terius “The-Dream” Nash
2. I Don’t Need It (featuring Timbaland)
Produced by Timbaland & Jerome “JRoc” Harmon
3. Number One (featuring Lil Wayne)
Produced by Just Blaze
4. Digital Girl (featuring The-Dream)
Produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart & Terius “The-Dream” Nash
5. Blame It (featuring T-Pain)
Produced by Christopher “Deep” Henderson
6. She Got Her Own (featuring Ne-Yo & Fabolous)
Produced by Butter Beats
7. Intuition Interlude
Produced by LOS Da Mystro
8. I Don’t Know
Produced & Arranged by SALAAMREMI
9. Weekend Lover
Produced by Calvo Da Gr8
10. Why
Produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart for & Terius “The-Dream” Nash
11. Freak’in Me (featuring Marsha Ambrosius from Floetry)
Produced by Elvis “Blac Elvis” Williams
12. Slow
Produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart & Terius “The-Dream” Nash
13. Rainman
Produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart & Terius “The-Dream” Nash
14. Overdose
Produced by Tank
15. Love Brings Change [Bonus Track]
Produced by Jamie Foxx

Lil Wayne Hits the Road..."I Am Music" Tour

2008-12-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

The tour will also feature appearances from T Pain, Keri Hilson, Gym Class Heroes, Keisha Cole, Drake, my bro Lil Twist, and the rest of the Young Money roster!

December
14 - Miami, Fla. @ American Airlines Arena
18 - Houston, Texas @ Toyota Center
19 - Dallas, Texas @ American Airlines Center
21 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Gibson Amphitheatre
22 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Gibson Amphitheatre
23 - Oakland, Calif. @ Oracle Arena
26 - Detroit, Mich. @ Joe Louis Arena
27 - Chicago, Ill. @ United Center
28 - Philadelphia, Pa. @ Susquehanna Bank Center
29 - Greensboro, N.C. @ Greensboro Coliseum
30 - Washington, D.C. @ Verizon Center
31 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Philips Arena

January
2 - Charlotte, N.C. @ Bobcat Arena
3 - Hampton, Va. @ Hampton Coliseum
4 - Cleveland, Ohio @ Quicken Loans Arena
8 - St. Louis, Mo. @ Chaifetz Arena
9 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Sprint Center
11 - New Orleans, La. @ New Orleans Arena
14 - Montreal, Que. @ Bell Centre
15 - Toronto, Ont. @ Air Canada Centre
16 - Uniondale, N.Y. @ Nassau Coliseum
17 - Hartford, Conn. @ New England Dodge Music Center
18 - Atlantic City, N.J. @ Boardwalk Hall
19 - Worcester, Mass. @ DCU Center

Maestro Rocks with Rocktron

2008-12-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

Shout out to David Cowles at Rocktron for sending me this brand new Rocktron Banshee Talkbox! I've got some huge West Coast and R&B projects coming up and I'm definitely gonna pull this out. Not to be confused with Autotune, this is the REAL THING! Stay tuned for the Youtube video of me getting my Roger on!
While we're on the subject, be sure to check out my EXCLUSIVE ZAPP SAMPLE KIT!

BLOG WATCH...NEEDLZ.NET

2008-12-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Click the Image to enter Needlz.netCheck out Multi-Platinum Producer Needlz' newly redesigned website!

Just Blaze Chops it Up

2008-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Watch one of my favorite producers Just Blaze give a brief tutorial on the EXS24 sampler in Logic. Still foggy on the technique? Check out the next video after the jump.
(Related Posts)

'10 Things Everyone Recording Music Should Know'

2008-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Here are 10 great tips that all producers should know.
Enjoy!
Click PIC for the list.
(via Music Thing)

1. Keep cable runs short particularly low impedance I.e. guitars and mics. It WILL affect the sound. Having said that I don't believe expensive cables offer significant improvement.
2. Even the best instruments and recording equipment will probably sound like crap in the wrong hands. The reverse can also be true.
3. Don't suck the life out of a recording by overuse of limiting and compression.
4. Go for performance not perfection.
5. Log EVERYTHING on a recording so that anyone can pick up where you left off. Particularly tracks that should not be used - better still, get rid of them.
6. Always consolidate tracks (in other words all tracks should have the same start and finish times) so that they can be loaded onto a different platform. Give every track a meaningful name.
7. Even if your ideas are making all the difference, make the other person think they were theirs.
8. The two most important things on a great record are: 1. The Song. 2. The Song.
9. Never trust anyone in the music business with a vowel in their name.
10. The check is NOT in the mail.

The Carter Documentary @ Sundance

2008-12-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Brought to you by QD3 & Director Adam Bhala Lough. Trailer after the jump>>

B Cox in Remix Magazine

2008-12-05T00:08:00.000-08:00

The big homie B Cox talks Gear, Technique, and Attitude in this new Remix Magazine feature. Check it out HERE...a must read for Logic users and aspiring producers!

Maestro joins the Midnight Club!

2008-11-10T02:51:00.000-08:00

Me and Cube's single "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It" off the "Raw Footage" album is featured on Rockstar Games' latest blockbuster "Midnight Club Los Angeles." I copped it for XBOX and it goes hard! Check out Rocstargames.com for the soundtrack credits.Listen to the remix featuring Cube, Nas, and Scarface...

New Apple Macbook Pro!

2008-10-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here it is at last! Apple is now using "Brick" technology which carves each computer from a single brick of aluminum! Except for the wack ass mac book style keys and only 1 firewire 800 port it looks pretty awesome. BTW, if you see me next week and wonder why I don't have the new MBP the day it drops don't be alarmed! The recession hasn't hit me! I'm not an early adopter when it involves computers, Apple is well-known for debuting less expensive versions of these Macs a few months after the initial release.
FOR MY REAL REASON...->HAHA, forget all that early adopter talk, I really just dont wanna be like my boys Jason & Ace who've only had their pros for weeks and months (respectively) but will be carrying around dinosaurs in less than 24 hours, lol. (Hey Dee "less than a yr club" I see you!)

Pour out a Little Liquor...Legendary Tupac Producer Johnny "J" Passes Away

2008-10-05T05:27:00.001-07:00

Johnny "J" JacksonAugust 28, 1969 – October 3, 2008R.I.P...You Will be Missed
Unfortunately, most talented people are only recognized after their deaths. For those of you hearing his name for the first time, check him out.

Dem Franchize Boyz...Our World, Our Way...In Stores Sept 30!

2008-09-30T03:16:00.000-07:00

#2 and #9 (and the 2 iTunes exclusive bonus tracks) Produced by Vaushaun 'Maestro' Brooks...Congrats to all the producers that placed joints on this album!
Tracklist...->

Tracklist:
01. Get Cha Hustle On
02. Put U On
03. Mr. Feel Good (Feat. Mannie Fresh)
04. Come Come (Feat. Blaze)
05. Shawty Foreal (Feat. JR Get Money)
06. Talkin' Out Da Side Of Ya Neck
07. Turn Heads (Feat. Lloyd)
08. Roll Ya Arms (Feat. Peanut & Joe Blow)
09. #1 Girl (Feat. J Que)
10. Make Ya Mad
11. The Life (Feat. City Black)
12. I'm Fresh
13. The Killers, The Dealers

“Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” - Review Of Ice Cube’s "Raw Footage" on TSS.com

2008-09-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

"Backed by producers with a knack for creating those scowl-inducing sound beds such as Maestro, Tha Bizness, and Emile, Ice Cube paces himself to create his most well-rounded offering this decade." Read it all @ The Smoking Section.
And here is the rest of it.

Gangsta Rap Sample Pack!!

2008-08-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

50+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, INSTRUMENT, and FX samples taken from and inspired by Maestro's certified banger "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It." (MIDI file included too!)This kit is dope...the proof is on the charts!!
This kit is perfect for producers trying to recreate the classic west coast sound or as a premium grade addition to your sound collection!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

Maestro's Beat Made Him Do It!

2008-08-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Cha-Ching!!...One more pic for the haters after the jump>>

Ice Cube's "Raw Footage" Debuts At Number Five On Billboard 200

2008-08-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

That's hella big for an indy release! Hit up XXLmag.com for the run down.
FYI...I'm in LA gettin money, holla if you got some fa me!

LL Cool J - Exit 13

2008-08-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Congrats to my boy Toshi for placing two ILLFONICS tracks on LL's new LP "Exit 13". This joint will be the 13th and final album of LL's deal with Def Jam, a deal that has lasted for more than twenty years. I havent heard the tracks yet, but I'm sure MATT and JED got busy! Tracklist after the jump>>
1. It’s Time For War
2. Old School New School
3. Feel My Heart Beat feat. 50 Cent
4. Get Over Here feat. It’s Ya Girl Nicolette, Jiz, Lyrikal & Ticky Diamondz
5. Baby feat. The Dream
6. You Better Watch Me
7. Cry
8. Baby “Rock Remix” feat. Richie Sambora
9. Rocking With The G.O.A.T.
10. This Is Ring Tone M… feat. Grandmaster Caz
11. Like A Radio feat. Ryan Leslie
12. I Fall In Love feat. Elan of The DEY
13. Ur Only A Customer
14. Mr. President feat. Wyclef Jean
15. American Girl
16. Speedin On Da Highway/Exit 13 feat. Funkmaster Flex
17. Come And Party With Me feat. Fat Joe and Sheek Louch
18. We Rollin’
19. Dear Hip Hop

Maestro featured in XXL Magazine "Production Credit"

2008-08-14T21:44:00.001-07:00

Click the pic to zoom. I didn't get a chance to post this when it hit stands in April, better late than never...Thanks again Steve and Toshi!
From the April '08 Issue

Clipse x Maestro x Joss Stone @ XXLmag.com

2008-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Classic caption!Big Ups to J Rod @ XXL

Clipse featuring Joss Stone "Celebrate" Produced by Maestro

2008-08-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since this morning this joint has had the internet going NUTS! Its a ruff cut, the final version has live bass and is BANGIN, but I figured I'd give ya'll a taste (PAUSE)
"Celebrate "...Clipse x Joss Stone x Maestro
Peep some pics from the session >>>

The Madness Behind Maestro and Clipse Presents Re-Up Gang

2008-08-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

What started out as an innocent convo about a brutal album review turned into an exclusive tell all expose on why the new "Clipse Presents Re-Up Gang" isn't the classic some fans expected it to be...Ketchum's new and improved site Speech Is My Hammer has the full story!Click the ^pic^ to buy the BEST song on the album!FYI, "My Life's the Shit" produced by Illfonics Is CRACK!! Whatup Toshi...lets get this money!

Elite on DMX "Walk With Me Now, Fly With Me Later"

2008-08-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

Check out the homey Elite breaking down his 2 new tracks on X's new album...Behind the scenes shit like this gets me hype about a project! Congrats E...Check out his site Elitethatsme.com. What's up wit a link to X's camp Elite, I'm tryna eat too!

Young Jeezy "The Recession"..Tha Bizness is on it!!

2008-08-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Congrats to J Hen and Dow Jones from Tha Bizness. Them boys did the heater "My President" on Snowman's album "The Recession." Keep up the good work my nigs. The album also features production by Shawty Redd, Cannon, Drumma Boy, and engineering by my man Dee. Hit up Complex.com for the full rundown.
And if you're wondering why I didnt mention any of the other producers...LOL, there's no beef, but every day I learn more and more that 'friend' is a word that should be used sparingly. Likewise, I hate when motherfuckers act like they know every-damn-body! I dont claim to know everybody and I'm sure that everybody doesn't know me. So although Toomp, Midnight Black, Fat Boy, Justice League, and Dj Nasty are also on the album, I only mentioned Redd, Hen, Dow, Cannon,Drumma because those dudes know me well enough to pick me out of a crowd and wouldn't front on me in a VIP line, lol. We've seen each other come up in the business and share a genuine respect for each others' professional accomplishments.

Fabian Marasciullo in Sound on Sound

2008-08-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

(i know the pic is old but Fabe is too busy to send a new one)Check out my favorite engineer Fabian Marasciullo in the new issue of Sound on Sound. Fabe is the man behind the boards on all Cash Money and Terror Squad albums. Most importantly, he blessed 3 Peat and turned my 808 into a MONSTER!!! This article is a must read! I said it before and I'll say it again, 'A great ruff mix can place your record, a good Fabian mix will make it a classic!'
Check out these other S4TPB posts highlighting the big homey Fabe!
Go here to see pics from Fabe's studio in Miami!
And here is the rest of it.

Clipse presents Re-Up Gang..."Zen" Produced by Maestro

2008-07-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

LISTEN HERE...New Album in stores 8/5/08

Billboard Q&A w/Bangladesh

2008-07-28T17:33:00.001-07:00

Check out this cool little piece on my boy Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, known most recently for the 'A Millie' track, over @ Billboard.com. There's not too much in depth info, but he makes a good point about wanting to reach the status where he can give artists the tracks that he wants them to have. I feel you on that brotha, my sentiments exactly!

Rhapsody Roundtable: The Production Game in 2008

2008-07-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Rhapsody interviewed the hottest hip-hop, pop and R&B producers on the charts; The result: a state of the musical union, from behind the boards...check it out...Rhapsody Roundtable: The Production Game in 2008 (whats poppin Toshi!)
And here is the rest of it.

New Maestro Interview @ DUBCNN.com!!

2008-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Shout out to Nima Etminan over at DUBCNN.com for this one. CLICK HERE and head over to DUBCNN to read it or hear the full audio, or just...

interview MAESTRO (July 2008) | Interview By: Nima Etminan

Dubcnn sat down to talk to rising producer Maestro, who got his big break in 2008 by producing the intro track on Lil Wayne's album "Carter 3" and Ice Cube's street single "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It". He tells us how those two collaborations came about, his path up until now and his future plans.
Maestro talks to us about his relationship with the Dogg Pound and Y.A., working with David Banner, WC and the possibility of a collaboration with Battlecat's brother Mykestro.

As always we have both the transcript and the audio for you to check and please feel free to send any feedback regarding the interview to: nima@dubcnn.com

Interview was done in July 2008.

Questions Asked By : Nima Etminan

Maestro Gave Dubcnn.com A Shoutout! Check That Here

Full Interview In Audio : Here

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Dubcnn: We're right here with the producer Maestro, who we've heard recently producing for Lil Wayne and Ice Cube amongst others. First of all introduce yourself to everybody out there!

What's up dubcnn, it's your boy Maestro, producer of the year, platinum plus, coming straight at your eardrums!

Dubcnn: To start it off, let's talk about what's going on right now. You're on the Lil Wayne album, you did the intro track "3 Peat", how did you first link up with Weezy?

Actually, I know a lot of people who knew Wayne, I was working with Dem Franchize Boys and my business partner was actually on tour with Lil Wayne on the Chris Brown tour. So I was cutting a lot of records that he was hearing, and I was also working with a female writer who was working with Wayne, she was shooting tracks his way as well. We started out with a couple of other songs that came out during the summer and were available on alternate versions of the album. "3 Peat" was the one that made the official cut.

Dubcnn: I heard you had offered the beat to someone else first who didn't end up using it or something along those lines?

Yeah, I had actually made the beat with Young Jeezy in mind. A lot of times when I go in the lab to work on some tracks, I try to envision a certain artist working on it and then I get at that particular person. It just so happened that [Jeezy] wasn't feeling it the way I was.

Dubcnn: How does it feel to have the first track on an album that sold a million in the first week?

Oh, it felt good man, it felt good. At the end of the day, you gotta realize that everybody listens to the first song, it sets the tone for what's gonna happen later on. So I knew I was getting those ears, I knew people were hearing what I do, and the fact that he shouted me out on it just made it that much better!

Dubcnn: Yeah I liked the way he put that together, how he incorporated the tag into his rhyme.

Right! I usually just kind of throw the tag on there in like a critical place where no one can take it out, so people don't 2-track my stuff, but Weezy was right on time and he worked it into the rap, so it paid off!

Dubcnn: Now you also produced Ice Cube's street single "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It". How did that happen?

My cousin actually is partners with some of Cube's management, and I heard that Cube was looking for tracks! I just went in, got my headphones on, locked the doors and started trying to make whatever I thought he'd mess with! It just so happened that he was feeling what I came up with!

Dubcnn: It's been a really good year for you, you got a track on the hottest rapper right now and you got a track on one of the legends in Hip-Hop. Where are you trying to go with it?

I'm just trying to get on as many hot records as possible, work with as many influential artists as possible and really just try to take my style of production to the forefront of the game. I hear a lot of different people coming with different styles and I hear people getting pigeonholed as far as what they do. I have a real versatile style, so I wanna hit every market, every genre, every artist, every coast. That's my goal for the years to come.

Dubcnn: Did you and Ice Cube do any other tracks together?

I sent him a couple of others, actually I had a song in one of his movies a while back in the "XXX 2" soundtrack featuring Bone Crusher. We've linked up before, we linked up just now for this single so it's bound for us to link up on some more stuff in future! I'm actually about to go in with WC pretty soon to work on his project, so I'm sure Cube is gonna come through and hop on something hot!

Dubcnn: Tell us how you got into the game real quick, who were your influences?

I got a lot of influences, I'm really influenced by good music. I had a group called Parlay who's out of L.A., Inglewood to be exact, who I was producing for in college. They were the first dudes who drove me to really focus on production and try to express my talent. They were major influences for me, but then also just listening to rappers! I was always a big Snoop Dogg fan, Dogg Pound, Cube, I was always into West Coast rap. That's what influenced me. As far as producers, Battlecat, all the greats, Dr. Dre, Fredwreck. I really got a lot of my game and a lot of my style from the West.

Dubcnn: Are there any specific artists that you wanna work with in the future?

Man I really wanna work with some outthere stuff. Huge music! I wanna work on life changing albums, life changing songs that people can really be inspired by. Any artist that's coming with that flavor, stuff that's bigger than the record and bigger than the radio, I wanna work with anybody that's doing music of that caliber.

Dubcnn: That's what's up man, before we go is there anything else you wanna let everybody know?

Look out for the new Dogg Pound, I've been working with Kurupt since day one, so anything he's got coming out I'm definitely a part of. Also look for that WC project and look for anything that's got the Maestro tag on it! If the beat starts with that, you know it's gonna be hot!

Dubcnn: Let's go back to the Dogg Pound/Kurupt thing real quick, you said you've been working with them, what have ya'll been working on?

Well I actually have one record that had a lot of underground acclaim, it was called "Sand Niggaz" featuring Kurupt and Lil Tri from Y.A.. I go out to L.A. to work with Y.A., Bizzle, Tri and I always get down with Kurupt. Whenever he comes to Atlanta we stay cutting songs. I could put out a whole Kurupt album on my own if I wanted to. Actually, I might do that! I failed to mention him before, but Kurupt's definitely one of my greatest influences and supporters as far as this production goes. Having been schooled by Dre, he taught me exactly what a producer should do when they get in the lab with an artist. So whenever I sit down with a person, from Kurupt to Wayne, I go in to make a classic. He had a big impact on me as a producer.

Dubcnn: You should hook up with Battlecats little brother, he's called Mykestro!

Yeah, Mykestro! That's actually really funny, I had a session with David Banner where Battlecat came through, for a song called "Westside" on David Banner's "Certified" album. Battlecat came up to me like "Damn little homie, that shit slaps!"

Dubcnn: That's you who did that "Westside" track?

Yeah!

Dubcnn: I love that song, I didn't know you did that.

Yeah that's me. I don't even know if my tag was on there but that was one of my first big ones. I appreciate that. So yeah Battlecat having a brother named Mykestro, and him coming up to me knowing that I'm Maestro, and still respect my game and not make no static about it, that really made me feel good about what I was doing.
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Its Official...Vaushaun 'Maestro' Brooks is Multiplatinum!

2008-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Click the pic for a better look...taken from Billboard.com's monthly report of Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifications. For all my homies on futureproducers.com, the answer is YES!

Name Droppin'...Reup Gang

2008-07-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

Much respect to Pusha [1/2 of the Clipse, 1/4 of the Reup Gang] for droppin' ya boy's name in his latest interview on Metal Lungies.com. Be on the look-out for the Maestro produced "Zen" on their latest release. Also stay tuned for another Maestro banger "Celebrate" featuring Joss Stone. More pics from the Joss Stone/Clipse session after the cut...
(Related post..."Clipse presents Re-Up Gang 8/5/08...Yeah I'm On It!")

My publicist Ace in the Bape...Ratti Productionz!!

3 Peat...Lil Wayne Remains King Of The Billboard 200

2008-07-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

For a third non-consecutive week, Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" (Cash Money/Universal) tops The Billboard 200. The album moved 125,000 copies during the tracking week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Three weeks at #1, that's what I call a 3 Peat!

Clipse presents Re-Up Gang 8/5/08...Yeah I'm On It!

2008-07-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

The New Clipse Re-Up Gang is slated to drop on 8/5/08. The Maestro produced "Zen" has been chosen as an iTunes EXCLUSIVE single! It will be available ONLY ON ITUNES July 29th, a full week before it hits stores! Yuk!!

Platinum-selling rappers the Clipse have partnered with KOCH Records for a special release “The Clipse Present The Re-Up Gang”, which will be released on August 5th, 2008. The Re-Up Gang, formed in 2004, is a larger ensemble encompassing the Clipse and collaborative Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. This fearsome foursome has been recording together since the Clipse’ platinum debut “Lord Willin’”, and is responsible for the celebrated “We Got It 4 Cheap” mixtape series. But “The Clipse Present The Re-Up Gang” is a standalone album featuring 9 new songs, including a single produced by Scott Storch, plus 3 unreleased remixes of tracks from “We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 3”.

Pusha T, one half of the Clipse, says “Everything happens for a reason. We put out the We Got it 4 Cheap series on our own for the streets and that helped keep us visible and build the Re-Up name as an entity. This time, [our manager] Tony Draper got with [KOCH General Manager] Alan Grunblatt to put together an official album with new music and let KOCH Records do what they do best. This release gives us something fresh in the marketplace to reward Re-Up fans while we continue to work on the Clipse album.”

The Clipse recently signed a groundbreaking 5-year 50/50 deal at Sony/Columbia Records, entitling the Clipse to ownership of their masters.

Grunblatt says, “Tony Draper and I have worked together since the days of Suave House and Relativity Records. KOCH loves The Clipse and are thrilled to be working with the Re-Up Gang.”

In the meantime, keep an ear open for Scott Storch’s single, “Fast Life,” which impacts next week. With its infectious hand claps and retro synth effects, “Fast Life” is an inevitable summer sizzler. Not lost amidst the dancefloor-destined drums are the quartet’s lyrical acumen and gleaming metaphor game. “Fast Life” has the irrepressible collective energy of a prior Clipse’-flavored hit, “What Happened To That Boy.” Expect an accompanying video for the track come early July.

Additionally, three prime cuts from Volume 3 of “We Got It 4 Cheap” have been remixed and re-issued specifically for this project.

“The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang” arrives August 5. And keep the pot boiling for the Clipse’ full-length album on Sony, due in November.

Ice Cube Raw Footage Cover and Tracklist...Yeah, I'm On It!

2008-07-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tracklist after the jump, but all that really matters is #4, 'Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It' produced by Vaushaun 'Maestro' Brooks and #2 by my homies J-Hen and Dow Jones from Tha Bizness. ;)
1. What is a Pyroclastic Flow?
2. Jack In the Box
3. It Takes a Nation
4. Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
5. Hood Mentality
6. Why Me? (ft. Musiq Soulchild)
7. Cold Places
8. Do Ya Thang
9. Thank God
10. Here He Come
11. Get Money, Spend Money, No Money
12. Get Use To It (ft. The Game & WC)
13. Crack Baby
14. Tomorrow
15. Stand Tall
16. Take Me Away (ft. Butch Cassidy)

In stores August 19.

btw, I read somewhere that many casual blog readers don't actually read "after the jump" and only pay attention to whats on the main page. I'd like to put that to the test....coupon code #819_ _ _ _ is good for a $5 discount on the purchase price of the soon-to-be-released "Gangsta Rap Sample Pack" The last 4 digits can be found here...

Maestro 3Peat x Closer x 808 Sample Kit!!

2008-07-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

This sample kit includes over 50+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, and INSTRUMENT samples taken straight from C3's 3 Peat and the Ne-yo Closer Remix! This exclusive collection features deep KICKS, crisp SNARES, lush PIANOS, monster 808s, and MUCH MORE!!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

Click below to purchase the COMPLETE KIT including the 3PEAT percussion pack, AND the Neyo remix construction kit **BEST VALUE**

Click below to purchase ONLY the 3PEAT percussion pack **STRAIGHT CRACK**

...click here if you are having troubles downloading...

New Interview on ILLROOTS.com!!

2008-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

CLICK PIC TO READ IT!
Shout out to Illroots.com! They get the award for the ILLEST interview done on me EVER (second to toshi's of course) Check it out, leave a comment there, leave a comment here, and add Illroots.com to your list of daily web stops!

Also, check out the interview they did on my boys J Hen and Dow Jones from the Tha Bizness...

Interview...
Maestro. I’m sure you’ve heard the name. He’s produced for the likes of Ice Cube, David Banner, Big Gipp of Goodie Mobb, Dem Franchize Boyz, Chilli of TLC and many others. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. He’s one of Lil’ Wayne’s favorite producers too. Having produced the smash hits Prostitute Flange and Kush as well as the the opening track off Tha Carter III, 3 Peat, Maestro is taking the hip-hop world by storm, one beat at a time. In the following interview, I talk with Maestro about being a high school teacher, his production process, Tha Carter III and Lil’ Wayne, who he’d like to work with, how he got started and much more.

illRoots: For those that don’t know, who is Maestro?

Maestro: Maestro is the hottest young producer in the game right now. One of the most versatile dudes to ever do it. In short, I’m your favorite producer’s favorite producer.

Lil’ Wayne - 3 Peat (Prod. Maestro)

illRoots: Who would you say is YOUR favorite producer?

Maestro: I don’t really have a favorite producer, there are elements that I admire from a number of successful artists, but no one person right now encompasses all of those elements. I have a lot of respect for the business and all the types of people that it takes to keep moving.

illRoots: Who would you say are some of your influences?

Maestro: I didn’t start producing with the intention of making a career out of it, so my influences were not musicians. Once I dedicated myself to making tracks, aside from my friends and family, Kurupt and David Banner were huge influences. Both took me under their wings and really taught me a lot. Aside from them, Brian Michael Cox, Don Cannon, DJ Drama, Polow [Da Don], and Ludacris were huge inspirations because I knew their stories and our paths brought us all to Atlanta.

illRoots: Tell me about your relationship with David Banner? I know you did some work on his album Certified.

Maestro: I met DB through a songwriter named Sky. I was teaching at the time and was given the opportunity to play keyboards and travel with Banner. He really schooled me on a lot of the inner workings of the production business. Banner is a businessman who controls every aspect of his business and takes full responsibility for the moves he and his company makes; I patterned many aspects of my career after DB.

illRoots: That’s dope. In regards to teaching, you taught High School math and music before taking this production thing head on. That must be a lot different then working with the likes of Lil’ Wayne [Laughs]. How do you think being a teacher has helped your production?

Maestro: Being a teacher gave me discipline. It allowed me to approach this business like a job with a set schedule, rather than just as a hobby. Aside from the production aspect, being a teacher and a person who likes to share knowledge has put me into a lot of great situations with good people who have helped my progression. That teaching mentality allows me to connect and collaborate with a lot of younger artists and producers who are full of fresh ideas.

illRoots: Wow, that’s a great attitude man. You know I have to ask, what was it like working on Tha Carter III?

Maestro: Working on Tha Carter III was good, but working period and knowing that my hard work would pay off was great! Getting to be in the studio with Fabian at Hit Factory and learn things to help me expand my craft was a definite perk. More than anything, working in Miami on C3 showed me how easy it is to grow once you are in a position that is conducive to growth. The first time i was down there i was giving beats directly to Fat Joe and connecting with other dope producers, the next time i was cutting songs with T-Pain and Baby! The opportunity was like no other.

illRoots: Sounds awesome. Since producing, who was the coolest person youve met?

Maestro: I’ve met a lot of cool people in this business, from execs to writers to producers and artists. I still don’t think it gets much cooler than Kurupt though.

illRoots: What was it like meeting him for the first time?

Maestro: He has so much game and so many stories of the golden age of this business; when people were getting real money. The first time we met was the first time we worked and it felt like we had been working for years. Chronic was in the air, the vibe was right, and the songs just kept coming. Everything flowed.

Ice Cube - Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It (Prod. Maestro)

illRoots: Thats ill. What are you currently working on?

Maestro: I’m currently working on replenishing my catalog. So many people called the week C3 dropped, it wiped me out. I’m coming up with all new heat. Aside from that, i’m putting together a Re-Up gang album with The Clipse, cutting more songs for the Franchize Boyz album, about to start working on a Dub C album, and submitting tracks for every other artist I can get at! No artist is too big or too small, there’s enough of this crack to go around.

illRoots: If you could work with anyone on a track, who would it be?

Maestro: A producer or an artist?

illRoots: Either or.

Maestro: I’d like to work with Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, or Quincy on a track; some real talented producers who made the game what it is today.

illRoots: Fresh, all legends.

Maestro: I’d love to build with 50, or Luda, or Quik. Those guys seem like they know exactly what they want in a track.

illRoots: I could see that. What’s your beat-making process like?

Maestro: Ok, on to the good stuff! I don’t have a specific process for making beats. Each type of beat has its own steps to get created, some are melody driven while others are percussion driven, so different equipment gets used each time. I use Logic 8 with a ton of instrument plug-ins, Motif X7, Korg MS2000 for deep fat basses, MPC2500 when i want to dumb out on a track, and live instruments whenever they’re available.

illRoots: Are there any pieces of equipment you swear upon?

Maestro: [Laughs] Ask me that question when I have a worldwide hit single. Until then i’m just trying everything on for size. Logic 8 and Protools HD are the hubs of my setup, not much goes on without at least one, or both, of those platforms up and running. To be honest though, I do swear by my Motif XS and my ES7 before it. The sounds are rich and warm and realistic, and the hammer action on the keys, although not fully weighed, is the best of almost any keyboard i’ve used.

David Banner - Westside (Prod. Maestro)

illRoots: When did you know that producing was the thing for you?

Maestro: I made my first beat when I was in high school. My school had an elective called electronic music that i took every year. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of recording, learned to sample, splice tape, use a four track, and sequence. I was skipping lunch to go to the studio at school and make tracks; I’d learn the piano parts from popular records and try to remake them on the Roland xp10 and the Korg M1 seqencing in Music Shop on an old Mac. Those were the days.

illRoots: Sounds like it should be another Spike Lee joint.

Maestro: Yeah man [Laughs]. I truly didn’t know producing was for me at that time, but the girls liked it, and i could do it without breaking a sweat.

illRoots: That’s dope, it certainly seems to be paying off. What’s your favorite part of being a producer?

Maestro: Its a toss up between the technology and the money. I get a bigger sense of fulfillment talking to people who are up and coming then I do getting recognized for a dope track I make. But that feeling is nothing compared to how I felt as an actual teacher. This business is great, but its corrupt in a lot of its aspects, so all thats left to keep me motivated are the checks and the equipment.

illRoots: Understandable. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about the industry?

Maestro: That’s an interesting question because the people who have the information that can really help a young dude out hold tight to it like giving it away will loosen their hold on their spot. In the end, B Cox and Polow gave me the best advice. B Cox said to not get too attached to your accomplishments. Look at every situation as a new opportunity and don’t get stagnant by focusing on the last thing you did. Polow said to make your next move your best move. When I think of those pieces of advice together I’m motivated to get my ass up and keep grinding!

illRoots: What advice would you give to someone that wants to become a producer?

Maestro: The best advice that I could give is to make your equipment pay for itself. Once you’ve bought a piece of gear, learn it and master it to the point where it’s making you money. Force yourself to not invest another dollar back into equipment until you’ve seen some proceeds. Ive been able to remain optimistic in this business and work at a comfortable pace because i’ve never been upside down on my investment. Ill buy any piece of equipment that i see and want because i’m sure it’ll pay for itself with one track! If you are just starting out and reading this and you have Fruity Loops and need a mic that cost 200 bucks, then you better sell a beat for 200 bucks! Don’t take your parents money or your job money to buy a mic, save that money to buy a ticket to fly in a songwriter who can rock that mic once you own it.

illRoots: That’s some real talk right there.

Maestro: Yeah, I don’t just talk it, i live it! Cakewalk bought me a digi001, the digi001 bought me a 002, the 002 bought me HD, HD bought me a house [Laughs].

illRoots: [Laughs]. Where do you hope to see yourself this time next year?

Maestro: I see myself moving closer to different streams of income besides placing tracks on artists. Also, getting heavier into signing acts and venturing off into other markets. I have my eye on some acts in Jamaica and Toronto specifically who need to get their beats from Maestro.

illRoots: That’s what’s up. To wrap things up, describe yourself in one word.

Maestro: Blessed.

illRoots: No doubt, thanks so much man. If you ever need anything let us know. You have any shoutouts?

Maestro: Shout out to my team, Chico, JP, SnL, Ace, Toshi. My producer homies who keep me on my toes, J Hen from Tha Bizness, J Wells, Needlz, Denny Lavish, and everyone else who loves what I do and encourages me to keep doing it.

illRoots: Thanks again man, looking forward to see what you have up your sleeves.

Maestro: Thanks a lot man, I appreciate the opportunity.

The Man Behind the Boards

2008-06-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this DOPE article from XXLMAG.com featuring Fabian Marasciullo, the man behind CP3...I talked about how dope he was way back in March, but by now you've all heard how dope his work is...thanks for making me sound good Fabe!

Behind the Carter 3

2008-06-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this piece posted on Rhapsody.com written by Toshi (the same guy that had me talkin greezy about the Dream in my XXL spread and who put Keri on BLAST for her ethnic dating preferences, lol) Its a hot interview featuring all of the producers on the Carter 3 giving a little backstory...

Get the Beat from Maestro!

2008-06-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everybody who bought the album and special special thanks to everybody who is NOT a Wayne fan who purchased the album JUST to support my grind! The album did 420k on the FIRST DAY, so its already Gold as I type, and should hit platinum by next tuesday or shortly thereafter. It looks like my song is the favorite according to itunes' "popularity meter" so I'm quite elated. Those who know me well are familiar with my quote "a man who's never walked a mile will make a milestone out of anything," but I'm glad to add this placement on The Carter 3 to my collection of milestones. Thanks again

DEEP COVER

2008-04-12T01:34:00.000-07:00

A MAESTRO produced first single will get YOU a cover too! lol :)

Lil Wayne...Prostitute

2008-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

@BET Spring Bling
Thanks again SNL!

DFB in Ozone

2008-04-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest issue of Ozone mag (Trina/DFB cover) for an in-depth interview with Dem Franchize Boyz as they prepare for the upcoming release of their sophomore album "Point of No Return." I'll have about 4 songs on this album, unfortunately no single though, lol. I gave them a MONSTER featuring Weezy, but they couldn't clear him, so... But anyway, Jizzal Man is OFFICIALLY my favorite Franchize Boy! After ALL of my work on this album, not to mention my 3 songs on the last album, Jizzal's the only one who thought to mention me during his interview! Thanks Jizzal Man, good lookin out!

Born Winners

2008-03-11T03:41:00.000-07:00

Late Breaking News....I just wrapped up a multi-song placement with Atlanta trapper-turned-rapper Doughboy. Some of you may have heard him on his Gangsta Grills or Dj Khaled mixtape...nevertheless, the nigga is DOPE, so get familiar! Check out his myspace page for more info on dude...His buzz is crazy and His future is gwoppy!

Here is the first song, coming soon on Nubreed/Warner Bros produced by Yours Truly...

Born Winners Dirty

For all the music heads who always ask about the difference between a professionally mixed and mastered track in comparison to the original two track, I've uploaded both versions for you guys to be the judge...its quite difficult to pinpoint the subtle nuances from a crappy ass mp3, so I'll upload a wav. link for anyone readers who leave a comment saying they're interested! BTW, the track was mixed by Alec Newell (Polow da Don/Yung Buck> 'Get Buck') at Music House Studios in Atl

"My Original" Triumph Instrumental

"The Mastered" Born Winners Instrumental

Face, Cube, and Nas on the SAME TRACK?!?!?! LEGENDARY

2008-03-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a callabo! Scarface and Nas hopped on the remix to Cube's 'Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It' and both were in rare form! I'm not savvy on posting audio on here, so head over to Nahright.com, XXL, or DUB CNN to check it out!

CUBE IN OZONE

2008-01-31T12:19:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest issue of Ozone West with the Messy Marv Cover to see the interview with Ice Cube. He talks about his upcoming film projects, his new album, and "the little shit" that I wanted to do to our song Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It before it's officially released, lol. I'll keep you all posted, the Maestro interview is coming soon! (sac pase Steve and good lookin to Julia Beverly runnin' shit over at Ozone!)

It's Official!!!! I'm On It!!!

2008-01-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Listen to the song he starts doing at 1:13...its acapella, but THATS MY SHIT!!! CARTER 3 BITCHES!!!

YOU NEED THIS KIT!!

2008-01-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

This huge sample kit includes 140+ high quality KICKS, SNARES, HIHATS, and BREAKS! All of these drums were chopped with SURGICAL PRECISION from R&B and SOUL records from my private vinyl collection! I did all the chopping and tweaking so YOU DON'T HAVE TO!! Drop this shit in your sampler and start getting money!

This kit is perfect for ALL producers who want clean, crisp, 100% NATURAL drums! These aren't drum machine samples...these aren't 'synthetic sounds,' these aren'tcheesy dry acoustic kits...this is over 140 authentic drums to make your production OFFICIAL!!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE,

Bonus!!! Get the Vintage Vinyl Hip Hop Essentials Kit AND the full drum breaks that i took them from! You will NEVER find these essential popular breaks THIS clean ANYWHERE ELSE!
(currently being updated...comment for preorder!)

Gangsta Rap Sample Pack

2008-01-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON...TRUST...THIS ONE WILL BE SUPER UGLY!! KICKS, SNARES, STRINGS, HORNS, REAL GANGSTA SHIT!! RELEASE DATE: TBA...CHECK BACK OFTEN TO BE THE FIRST WITH THIS CRACK!!

Carter 3 Prostitute Pack

2008-01-15T13:34:00.001-08:00

This mini-pack includes 10+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, INSTRUMENT, and FX samples taken straight from Maestro and Weezy's "Prostitute" ProTools session!

This kit is perfect for producers trying to recreate the Prostitute sound or as an addition to your sound collection! This kit also contains a super clean sample of the 4 bar piano loop that made Prostitute a certified banger! No drums, no vox, straight keys!! A treat for any producer trying to step their key game up!

This kit will NOT be available for much longer, so COP this while you can!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

Carter 3 Kush Kit

2008-01-15T13:09:00.001-08:00

This mini-pack includes 10+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, and the ORIGINAL SAMPLE taken straight from Maestro and Weezy's "Kush" ProTools session!

This kit is perfect for producers trying to recreate the Kush sound or as an addition to your sound collection!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

Maestro Zapp Pack v1 (newly updated for optimum funk!)

2008-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

This sample kit includes over 50+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, INSTRUMENT, and FX samples used by the late great "Mr. Computer Love" Roger Troutman! This is a super high quality collection of Zapp's crispy CLAPS, punchy KICKS, and futuristic FX!

Don't miss your opportunity to own these highly sought after samples, perfect for AUTHENTIC west coast gangsta funk and high energy synth pop!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

Maestro FP Sample Pack v1

2008-01-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

This sample kit includes over 50+ high quality DRUM, PERCUSSION, and INSTRUMENT samples taken straight from 3 of the Lil Wayne Songs produced by Maestro! An exclusive collection of deep KICKS, crisp SNARES, sizzlin CYMBALS, and even INSTRUMENT loops and hits taken straight from the Lil Wayne ProTools sessions!

Don't miss this chance to own sounds from Maestro and Weezy's "Prostitute," "Kush," and "Mic Check"!! This is a comprehensive collection of pure heat!

All sounds are in hi-definition .wav format compatible with MPC 500, 1000, 2000, 2000 XL, 2500, 3000, 4000, ROLAND MV-8000, KORG TRITON, YAMAHA MOTIF, EXS24, MACHFIVE, KONTAKT, FRUITY LOOPS, REASON, HALION, PC, MAC and many more!

The (Silent) Leak

2007-12-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

All is not lost! In a previous post I mentioned my dismay at this album not being released as planned; it still wasn't released with the fanfare that I expected, but it still came...sometimes thats the best you can hope for! So here it is...the 5 song precursor to the highly anticipated February release of Weezy's Carter III. Yours truly produced #3 "KUSH."

Would you all believe that the track for that song was the FIRST sample beat I made on my old DIGI 001 PTLE system?? I chopped up an old 'soul singer' sample in the program and loaded all of the drums individually on grid as WAV files, I didnt use any external sequencer or drum machine for this...Its funny to think that as many producers spend there whole careers trying to keep up with technology and stay 'current' with their sounds and styles, my 'biggest' release of 2007 is an unorthodoxly-produced throwback from my college days.

The song 'KUSH' and the 4 other tracks that comprise the "LIL WAYNE APPROVED: THE LEAK ALBUM" are available for digital purchase on Itunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody. Hit up any of those sites to pick up a copy and support ya boy!

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