You can’t have a great song without a good producer and beat maker. There are producers that utilize knowledge of music to bring out the best in some talent’s unique sound. There are producers who work to make your sound pop just to get paid. Then you have beat makers/producers who won’t let you leave their studio until they are satisfied with your work.
I got to sit down with beat maker De’Andre Hunt, a.k.a. Dre Datz Dope, to get an inside look at how they put it all together. Keep in mind, as an artist you can’t get a hit song unless the production and sound is on point.
When considering a producer/beat man/engineer, do your research and see if they are the right beat for your bucks.
Hello there, how are you doing?
Dre: Hey! I’m great today, adjusting to this new time zone on the west side. 3 hour difference is a big difference.
Now, tell me more about your work.
Dre: I’m a music producer who is also engaging in turntable mixing and vocal recording. I have my Bachelor’s degree to back up my knowledge of music.
So, you have moved to Las Vegas. Has this increased your work ethic?
Dre: Actually, I was thinking it would change my work ethic, and I was correct. I’ve began working harder than I did in New York. It’s so much to always do and the fact that nobody really ever sleeps is always an opportunity to network and get my name seen and heard at unusual times.
Tell me about some of the talents you have worked with over the years.
Dre: I’ve worked with The YoungBloods, Twista, and a few other local artists in different states. I always wanted to be well respected in different areas. I think that’s why I’ve moved so much. Plus being from Fayetteville, NC, it can make you comfortable with having little to nothing. It’s cozy in the ville. It’s a trap for a lot of people that actually really want to get out and make something of themselves.
Have you ever done any work with any national talents?
Dre: No, but I definitely wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to work.
When sampling beats, what challenges have you faced when sharing other’s music?
Dre: Clearing the sample, knowing which samples are okay to use where you won’t be hit with court papers. Sampling and making something new of an old work is great and satisfying. Why you think so many artists now-a- days are rocking these sample beats. It’s trendy.
How long have you been working on music?
Dre: Since I was in elementary school, I would beatbox for the kids and they would rap. I knew at a young age that I loved to mix music like a DJ and create music like a producer. I got my first laptop in 2012 while on deployment for the Navy and been going hard since.
Tell me about your life in the Navy.
Dre: The Navy is a learning experience for anyone who has never been outside of their city. When I left I was fresh out of high school, and I had a hard time leaving because my mother was overprotective my whole teen life, then all of a sudden “You’re gonna go to the military.”
I wasn’t ready and I’m blessed that I had a mom that pushed me to that point because I didn’t think I could do it. I deployed once to Bahrain, Dubai, Greece, and Portugal. Serving 4 years I made rank up to E5 and then got out to go to school for music. I should have re-enlisted but I only did 4 years.
You went to school in Los Angeles; tell me about the course and experience?
Dre: I graduated with my Bachelor’s in music production. It’s not easy. Especially online courses, because you are basically making your own schedule. And with that freedom it’s easy to procrastinate with the studies. I learned a lot from the LAFS. I just wish they had job listings for employment for recent graduates.
Do you see your music getting any Grammys?
Dre: Yes, I definitely do, and I pray that my music can resonate with listeners just how I hear it. It’s a lot of untalented producers and artists and not to downplay anyone, but I actually have talent. A lot of artists and producers may have the fan base but not the talent. All I need is one opportunity and I promise I’ma kill it. Once I get into the industry I’m not leaving.
If you had the opportunity to work with a national act, who would you want it to be? Why?
Dre: Drake, J Cole or Meek Mill; Them 3 are like pioneers in the game. When they drop something, everything is dropped and stopped, and everyone listens. I want that kind of influence on others. Sorry I couldn’t just pick one lol
Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing more of your work.
Dre: I would like to thank The Narrative Matters for the feature as well.
