Interview: Getting To Know Grammy Award Winning Producer, Flippa

Photo Credit: Sabrina Vaz-HolderBeing a huge fan of creatives behind-the-scenes, I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Grammy Award winning-producer, Flippa. Based out of New Jersey, the vibrant 24-year-old producer talks working on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, winning a Grammy for Rihanna’s Unapologetic, and more.

Check it out in it’s entirety after the break!

I know you were apart of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly –for the production of Wesley’s Theory . What was it like working with K. Dot?

He’s the shit. During his album process I believe he was on tour od and My Publisher Sam Taylor,who is the shittt, threw me the crazy oop and connected us and connected me with Dave Free. From there we got cool and would go back and forth through texts while he was on the road.So it wasnt like we rocked in the stu and shit. Until this one time Sam Taylor brought me in to meet him and play more shit. That shit was epic. Dot is genuine as fuck and really cares about the message to the people.Thats super rare today,substance and shit. He would hit me about certain tracks I sent him while he was on the road or in the stu, give me vibes etc.One of the vibes he was fuckin with heavy was the sample to the intro of “Wesley’s Theory”, The “Every Nigga Is a Star” sample which I got from my bro/mentor Pop Wansel. So I looped it and went in on it. He ended up cutting part of it into another song. Thats where Flying Lotus spazzed. Dude is nuts with the beats.Then next thing you know Im part of History/ A classic album.Salute to TDE. God is good.

Since his album’s release, what are your feelings towards it?

It’s the definition of Epic.The whole jawn is like a Spike Lee Movie in Compton. From the subjects and issues in the black community he’s speaking on, to the mix and coloring the album has. Ali murked off on the mix. This album was needed today,It’s deeper than a 808 trap beat (which i still fuck with) that has a catchy hook etc.He’s saying some shitttttt and its a super cohesive body of work. I’ve had the album on repeat since March 16th and I’m still not tired of it one bit. He raised the bar OD.

Who else have you had the opportunity with work with? Favorite? Most challenging

I’ve been blessed to work with Rihanna/Eminem,Usher,Wiz Khalifa,Miguel,Ty Dolla Sign,Elle Varner,Mary J. Blige,K.Michelle,Sevyn Streeter,Brandy,Nicki Minaj,Chris Brown,Alicia Keys,Overdoz,Marsha Ambrosius, Azealia Banks,Omarion,Gabi Wilson,Lil Kim,Busta Rhymes,Trinitee 5;7,Que,Mprynt,Kyndall,Kandace Springs,T-pain and many more amazing creatures. I can’t say I have a favorite because they all were special moments. Seeing how different the process is from artist to artist is interesting and epic. The most challenging is super hard to name. Every artist has their thing, you just have to maneuver through the wave.

Tell us what you were doing the moment you found out you won your first Grammy?

I was coolin watching the pre-show with moms.Then my bro Pop called me and told me the epic news (since they announced before main show) and I went off!!! od hype lol. My mom was crying. I called my brother.It was a classic moment and I thank God daily for it.

Is there anything in your career that you regret thus far? and Why?

Mannnnn..where do I start? I regret not having a lawyer present during a certain contract signing as a youngin. That’s really it. At the same time I don’t even regret that.This is a Music Business. It happens. Everything else is life.You learn from your mistakes and you progress.All love and positive vibes.

We notice you always have a tweet about God or blessings – Would you call yourself a religious man? Is it hard to stay focused on your faith in the music industry? How do you do it?

I would say I am a Christian because I believe Christianity is a way of life. It’s about having a relationship with God. And I have a strong Relationship with God.I owe everything to him. Its because of my faith that I can stay focused.It keeps me grounded and not caught up in the pit falls of success.How do I do it? With much prayer! I have a strong foundation being raised in the church and I have family and friends who are always encouraging and pray with me in good times and tough times. This industry can have you out there on the dark side, depressed, lost etc. If I didn’t have God I don’t know where I’d be.

What keeps you motivated? Musical inspirations?

The fact that I’m nowhere near where I wanna be in life keeps me motivated. There is no ceiling to my dreams. I am always motivated by setting goals that are challenging and my determination to achieve those goals are od. Musically I’m inspired by Dilla,Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,Dj Khalil,Rockwilder,Spike Lee films,Don Blackman,Herbie Hancock,Bernard Edwards,Dexter Wansel,Bink,Swizz,Pharrell,Dr.Luke,Max Martin, Dj Battlecat,Holland-Dozier-Holland,Pete Rock,Stevie J,Quincy,Stevie,No Id,Q-tip,Ye, and soooo much more. I’m inspired by substance and whatever feels good inside. Whoever got the chords on deck.

What is your routine before you create a mind boggling production? What are your essentials during the creative process?

I’m all about the vibe. Energy is key. I like to listen to a lot of random shit. You might think its a party going on in the stu if you outside the door at times, then you walk in and its just me damn near crying because of a chord progression in the hook or the way they brought in the backgrounds from the hook and just let it rock with just the music or just the drums etc. Some high shit. And my essentials are just a lot of tree,some jack, more tree,good vibes,some top and dim lights.Only Positive vibes.

What make your production so unique?

I think what makes my production so unique is my approach. I’m not the reggie type. I’m naturally diverse as fuck but still keep that nigga in it. That grit. I go with whatever feels good,not chase what seems to be working at the time. Having the big homies I’ve had in life definitely has alot to do with it also.I was like a sponge as a youngin, Now I’m a beast and nowhere near my prime/peak. That’s the scary part.

What are you cookin’ up now in your lab? Any hints?

That Crack. I got some dope shit coming out as well with Ty Dolla, Miguel,Usher,Sevyn,Overdoz,Prince Royce,Brandy,Jill Scott,and many more that I can’t mention until Donnie Meadows confirms it.

Make sure you follow Flippa on Twitter/IG to stay updated on his next projects.