Hip hop is the only musical genre where a producer is just as much a celebrity as the artist. With that, it’s become just as hard to make it into the industry as a producer as it is a rapper. Phon Doe, is one of many who works diligently at his craft while finding his way into the music industry. Phon Doe is from Gadsen, Alabama – a place not known for it’s roots in hip hop – but Phon Doe, much like the rest of Alabama is part of the Crimson Tide faithful.
When one thinks about it, it makes sense. In hip hop, one always has to be on his toes, whether its keeping up with new sounds, creating your own edge or handling music ‘beef’ – there is always someone aiming for your spot. There is always someone wanting to make an example out of you, there is always a target on your back – much like the target the Alabama Crimson Tide bear each and every season. Here is the interview with Alabama’s own, producer Phon Doe, the founder of BeatMonkey Productions.
Gadsden, Alabama is not a place that comes up often in the realms of hip hop – what’s the music scene like over there?
PD: My opinion, it’s very different but still Atlanta based since were so close and that’s what’s mostly listened to. Its like 2 an a half hours away so the sound is very influential.
In your lifetime has there ever been a song more powerful than the Alabama Crimson Tide fight song? And is there a phrase that holds more weight than “Roll Tide?”
PD: Well that would depend. Far as sports in Alabama then yes. RTR is a way of life down here. Either Roll Tide or War Eagle. It’s very serious down here…
As a Bama fan – how does it feel to know your team is pretty much “Public Enemy Number One?”
PD: When you winning everybody got a target on your back. Ever since Saban came down here it’s been like that. That’s just SEC tho. Hard nose, up the gut football. Didn’t cash in last year but that ain’t stopping the program.
How did you get into music production? Who inspired you?
PD: Ever since a kid I’ve just been fascinated by it. Turning sounds into your own creations. Started making beats when I was 15. I grew up listening to everything from Marvin Gaye to Rick James (Ima 80′s baby) East Coast/West coast rap, when the south came into play I really got interested. Outkast is my favorite rap group. Everything is inspiring.
Now a days it seems as if DJ Mustard and Mike Will Made-It are the only producers rappers/singers use to get on the radio. Do you think the production game has become just as hard to break into as it is for the artists?
PD: Man is it! Everybody tryna imitate the “industry” sound. From my viewpoint, yes it is. But it’s all about your game plan and most importantly the music. Making the right moves at the right time. I’m still tryna get out there.
You worked quite a bit with Yung Flee. How was that process? What do you think he brings to the table that helps elevate your product?
PD: I been knowing Flee for years. We made a song together back in high school and he wanted me to keep rapping but I chose beats. We gotta good lil chemistry tho, that’s important. He hears the beats and knows exactly what direction he’s trying to go wit it. His flow is there. He knows how to make the song fit. He’s currently in jail, but the new music he put together going in.
Who do you have your eye on when the NBA Playoffs approach and why?
PD: Golden State coming wit it. Curry is that boy and the team compliments each other. If they keep up their momentum into the playoffs, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
As a sports fan, you witness highs and lows – how much of the sports-inspired highs and lows do you think you put into your music?
PD: One day, I was watching Espn 30 for 30 about The Fab Five and I made a beat after watching it. The highs and lows in sports are the same in everyday life we live. Winning/losing, victory/defeat individuality/teamwork its all the same.
When you make a beat like “No Way Out” — I just wonder, what is going through your mind during that process?
PD: (Smiles) My method is crazy. If you saw the cover art for that particular song, you probably would be like” Damn!”. The visual really gives you a better understanding of the title. “No Way Out” -NWO- New World Order. When I made that I beat, it was around the time when police killing blacks really escalated everywhere. Man… Like No Way Out…
Any projects or collaborations you have coming out soon?
PD: Most definitely! I’m putting together my beat tape now. Title undecided right now but I’m gon drop it by summer. A lot of material from my hometown to be expected from various artist. Be on the lookout for Gadsden, Alabama! #BMP4EVER
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