From Connecticut Roots to 90s Samples: A Journey Through Sound and Soul.
Artist Name: Work Scorsese
Hometown: Windsor Locks, CT
The Soul of the Sample: An Interview with Work Scorsese
In the heart of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, a sound is being forged that bridges the gap between the golden era of the 90s and the modern underground. Work Scorsese isn’t just a producer; he’s a student of the craft who traded his high school rap dreams for a Boss DR-5 drum machine and a lifelong obsession with the “drumless” vibe.
Influenced by his father’s deep Motown and Soul collection and the gritty storytelling of The Notorious B.I.G., Scorsese has spent the last two decades refining a signature sound that prioritizes quality over trends. Whether he’s layering 808s over atmospheric loops or collaborating with local heavyweights like Villa Velli and Deziner Drugz, his mission remains clear: taking care of his family and “putting on” for those who believed in his vision from day one.
We sat down with the Connecticut producer to discuss his evolution, the challenges of staying independent, and why Ready to Die remains the ultimate blueprint for his musical journey.
Can you tell us about your background? Where did you grow up, and how has that influenced your music?
I grew up in Connecticut. Being so close to New York City really influenced the sound of my music; NY hip-hop, especially from the 1990s, has always been my favorite sound within the genre.
What was your early introduction to music and hip-hop? Do you have any specific artists or experiences that inspired you?
Growing up, my dad was always listening to Motown and soul. I remember listening to songs and he would tell me, “Oh, the original song is by so-and-so.” I would go back, listen to the original sample, and really dive into the catalogs of older artists by going through my dad’s records, cassettes, and CDs.
I was also really into 90s R&B. I liked hip-hop early on, but it wasn’t my favorite genre until around ’94 or ’96. Onyx and Naughty by Nature were probably the earliest rap albums I owned, but when I heard Ready to Die, that’s when I made the full leap. To this day, that is my favorite album.
When did you start making music, and what was your first project?
I started rapping in high school around 2000. For the record: I was awful at it! From there, I started making beats and ended up moving into production full-time. In 2001, I bought my first drum machine—a Boss DR-5—and started making sample-less beats. When software like FL Studio and ACID Pro came out, I started messing with samples, doing basic stuff like looping. My first project was While the City Sleeps with my brother Villa Velli, hosted by DJ Kurupt.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart from other artists?
My style is a compilation of all the sounds and genres I’ve heard over the years. I used to fall victim to trying to sound like whatever was popular at the time—there was definitely a “Trap Music Scorsese” beats period. But now, I try to mix all my favorite elements together. I’m a fan of the “drumless” vibe, but I might add an 808 to it so it still hits.
Who are some of your favorite local artists or collaborators you’ve had the chance to work with?
Definitely Villa Velli and Deziner Drugz, both out of Springfield, MA. Where I live in Connecticut, I’m only 20 minutes away from them, so we’ve collaborated a lot over the last decade. Velli and I have been good friends for almost 20 years; we first connected through a mutual friend when he was looking for beats and I was looking for an artist to work with.
What challenges have you faced as an independent artist? How have you overcome them?
Being independent is a lot easier now than when I was first starting out. Social media plays a huge part in networking, which is something I struggled with early on. Money is really the only difficult part. You have to know where to spend it to maximize exposure. Until you build a following, you really have to be your own best advertiser.
What are your goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
My goals are to keep grinding and networking. If I can make a few extra dollars doing what I love to help take care of my family, that’s the ultimate goal. In the next few years, I want to be the guy people see as a quality artist—someone who puts out good music and “puts on” for the people around him who believed in him.
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/work_scorsese
Twitter: @workscorsese
Website: https://linktr.ee/Workscorsese
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