Str8HipHip

Str8 Hip Hop caught up with M Rell and talked production.

SHH: What have you been up to since the last time we spoke?

M Rell: Nothing much man just doing the damn thing. Established my production company So Sik Soundz out here in Tampa. Got a couple local projects I'm working on to get the label poppin’ out here. Mixing it up with some G Unit projects as well.

SHH: How did you hook with G-Unit?

M Rell: Basically I was working with Hot Hod since 2005. Did some joints on his indie released album and had like 2 joints on his demo I believe… That demo and mix tape got picked up by G Unit and 50 loved it! 5 months later and here we are. Rod’s album is about to drop in the Fall and I’m working with The Unit now.

SHH: Were they drawn to your production right off the bat or did you have to show them what M Rell can do?

M Rell: When the demo got heard. Rod hit me up saying that 50 was loving one of the joints I did ("Roll Wit Me") and now it’s going to be on the album. The original version was done last year, but Rod redid it at 50’s crib. After that I just been going back and forth with Sha Money (G-Unit Record) and Derek Prosper (G-Unit A&R) with my production. They presenting joints to people and trying to get me more placements with future projects now.

SHH: How do you feel your music has progressed since the last time we spoke?

M Rell: I definitely stepped it up quite a bit... Got a lot more on my plate now and not only with G-Unit, but with other labels and artists such as Carnegie and Willy Northpole. They coming up with Rod so I want to make sure my product is better than before. I always try to improve my art in order to continue progressing.

SHH: So what type of equipment do you rock wit nowadays?

M Rell: Ahhhh… It all depends on my mood. I use a lil bit of everything, but in my lab I got the Triton LE, MPC1000, Yamaha Midi-Board, a little Zoom Rhythm Tracker, Reason 2.5, Acid Pro 3, Fruity Loops, Cameleon 5000 and Korg Legacy VSTS and a mic.

SHH: Okay…Your sound has progressed drastically this year from producing mainly for mix tapes to most recently making radio singles. How many singles do you have coming out this year?

M Rell: Ummm... Looking at about two… Hopefully three with these cats I'm working with now. I would also like to do a single for Nickel-Us F. HOLLA AT ME F!!! That would be dope.

SHH: How's the money situation since you started doing more mainstream placements? Are you "paid?"

M Rell: Haha maaaan its all good. Still grinding though. Holla at me in a few months once Rod’s album takes off. Yeaahhhhh!

SHH: When you sit down to do a beat what mindset are you in and where does that take you?

M Rell: I'm on the Moon and it takes me to Mars. I'm trying to take it outta the world with it. I love getting creative on the board and just letting loose. You can't think too much when your making a track because then it comes out a little to sketchy. I try not to rush things and make sure each beat I put out is a slap!

SHH: Do you have any tips for these young producers in the game?

M Rell: Keep grinding and stay humble. Don't ever stop until you reach what your striving for. You only live once, failure is not an option....

SHH: Shout em out?

M Rell: Yeaaaahhh wanna shout out Hot Rod. We about to do the damn thing this year! The album is about to be amazing homie. Also want to shout Carnegie and Willy Northpole. we all bout to get this money. Shouts to Sha Money, 50, Derek Prosper, Clap, 40 Glocc, Busta, Lab Ox, Nick F... What's good homie, Axel, H-Dollar and all my supporters.... "Fastlane" album coming November 7th! But it...or die...pow!...ya face.....oh yea...Holla at me on my squeeze… www.myspace.com/mrell & www.myspace.com/sosicksoundz. Breezies always welcome!

M.Rell
So Sik SoundZ LLC
"You only live once, failure is not an option..."