Muskegonās Hip-Hop Heritage: A Conversation with the Producer Behind the Beats
Artist Name: A Producer Named 2
Hometown:Ā Muskegon, Michigan
For this month’s Royal Coronation, weāre sitting down with the dedicated Michigan-based producer simply known as 2. Hailing from Muskegonāa small town where creatives have to fight to stand outā2ās sonic foundation was laid early by the rich R&B, soul, and jazz records spinning in his grandmotherās collection. Transitioning from a brief stint as an emcee to a true student of the boards in 2003, he began crafting his own sample-free and tailored beats out of a sheer need for original production, drawing inspiration from local pioneers and iconic architects like J Dilla, DJ Premier, and 9th Wonder. Two decades into perfecting his craft, he has carved out a distinct lane built on experimentation and authentic, heart-driven production. In this interview, we dive into his creative evolution, the realities of the independent hustle, and the A Tribe Called Quest-inspired energy behind his latest collaborative album with Bronx lyricist Dezit, Beats, Wines and Spirits.
Q:Ā Can you tell us about your background? Where did you grow up, and how has thatinfluenced your music?
A: Influenced by a musical background and was exposed to all genres of music at an early age such as hip hop, soul, and jazz. After a short-lived hobby as an emcee, a producer named 2 was inspired to become a producer due to the lack of original production. Consequently, started making my own production. I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. When I say Michigan, most people think of Detroit, which is about 3 hours away. Muskegon is a small town where you had to fight to stand out from the crowd. We get music from everywhere, so I was influenced by a variety of styles.
Q:Ā What was your early introduction to music and hip-hop? Do you have any specificartists or experiences that inspired you?
A: My earliest introduction to music was R&B, soul, and jazz that I used to play from my grandmother’s record collection as a young child. Artists such as Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington Jr., Cameo, Patrice Rushen, Kenny G, etc. A hometown producer inspired me to be interested in production, and his name is Reddy Rob. The quality of his production blew me away. Then I got into J Dilla, DJ Premier, and 9th Wonder, who set it off as well.
Q:Ā When did you start making music, and what was your first project?
A: I started making music around 2003 and just kept on perfecting my craft for years and years. I would study different genres and producers. I would spend time reading liner notes, learning about producers, music engineers, and session players. I had been doing some production with different artists locally, but my first serious project was Great Mindz Think Alot. This was a collaboration project with AJ the Big Fella from Houston, Texas, who I have done several projects with until this day.
Q:Ā How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart from other artists?
A: I would describe my style as more hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. I think what sets me apart is that I will experiment, but it will still sound like me. I truly make music from the heart. I keep my ear to the street, but I don’t follow the street, if that makes sense. I’m aware of what’s going on with the current times.
Q: What role does your hometown play in your music and artistry? Are there any local influences that you incorporate into your work?
A: My hometown plays a role in me striving to be the very best with the God-given talents I was blessed with. We have had a few people make it out with sports, but not many with music. I have been influenced by Reddy Rob, who was a producer for a local hip-hop group called Pnorth Star. When I heard Pnorth Star, that CD blew my mind. The production and quality were so dope, it made me believe I could do it.
Q: Who are some of your favorite local artists or collaborators youāve had the chance to work with?
A: Locally, it’s going to be Phaze, J-Mal, Alvi G, L Camino, and Pablo Porter. Favorite collaborators: AJ the Big Fella, Proverbalist, Acewonda, Hydrotrust, Chican George, Coolout Chris, Kenny Shane, Nomad N3, Elion the Great, 5’4Everyday, Marcus Dwayne, Ant Bell!, Stretch Money, Semi Six, Dezit, SeƱor Kaos, Cab Cabernet, Phaze, J-Mal, True Self, and Jack Desa.
Q: What challenges have you faced as an independent artist in the hip-hop scene? How have you overcome them?
A: Challenges I’ve faced as an independent artist include getting in direct contact with my favorite artists. I’ve overcome challenges by hitting my favorite artists up directly on social media and developing a relationship with some of them.
Q:Ā Can you tell us about your latest project? What can fans expect from it?
My latest project is a collaboration with artist Dezit from Bronx, New York. Our album is calledĀ Beats, Wines and Spirits. You can expect nothing but good vibes. Expect great stories, inspiration, and good music in general. The project was inspired by A Tribe Called Quest.
Social Media Links:
Instagram: 2milliii
Twitter: @AProducerNamed2
Website: https://linktr.ee/
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