Producer Mike Free Says Big Sean’s “IDFWU” Was Originally For Justin Bieber
The heist hasn’t gone off without hitches, though. Free is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Mustard over credit, publishing and compensation for a handful of songs, some of them major hits.
XXL caught up with the producer while he was grinding away in Atlanta, working with Lil Bibby and other rappers and R&B singers. Measured and thoughtful, Free spoke about aspiring to work with his heroes (Eminem was an early favorite; Timbaland and The Neptunes helped shape his percussion) and whether he sees himself as an innovator. “I can’t really see it right now," Free says in answer to that last question. "I guess I need to keep my head down and keep innovating.” —Paul Thompson
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