Obtaining Longevity in the Music Business

There are so many young producers wondering what the key is to staying relevant in this business. I believe it’s all about consistency. You have to gain respect to be credible in this game.

You can go to Interscope, Atlantic or any other label and ask what they think about Drumma Boy and you’ll get a 5-star rating. You can go to the street and get that same rating. It’s about who you are and what you mean to hip-hop; the impact that you’ve made and whether or not you’ve made a difference.

To me, that’s what matters and that’s what separates one person from the next. When we call upon you, do you deliver? Those are the things that are important to the future of your success. You have to be diverse and well educated in your craft.

I started off learning how to read music. I learned to play different instruments. The public may not know it but I grew up playing the clarinet. I also took piano lessons from Bobby Jones. Music wasn’t something I just stumbled upon. I nurtured my gift. My mother was an opera singer and my father was a professional clarinet player. After gaining knowledge in the fundamentals, a lot of what I learned was from hands on experience.

It’s not just about talent. It’s about relationship building and creating a feeling for the artist and the fans. Young Jeezy’s “Standing Ovation” was such an influential record for the streets. It was big for me because Jeezy said, “If you come through for me, I got you.” So I had no choice but to deliver.

The first thing I tell every artist I work with is, “I’ma change your life.” When you work with Drumma, it’s going to be an experience. I’m trying to make an impact with the records I make. Like when I did “Here I Am” for Rick Ross. That was such a big record for us all. I’m trying to make those kinds of records. Even if they aren’t the highest-ranking songs, they’re still favorites.

“Standing Ovation” wasn’t even the single and I’m STILL getting pub checks off that because of how many times it was downloaded. The lifespan of an artist/producer relies on their ability to give the people what they want.

That’s what it’s all about.