Megan Thee Stallion’s “Big Ole Freak” is already a classic! It is now gold and has taken over summer 2019. Behind every hit there is a shining producer with a journey just as intriguing as the artist. Here at RESPECT. we like to highlight the story behind the producer’s making the biggest tracks. We would like to introduce you to Texas native LilJuMadeDaBeat. The producer behind Megan’s smash “Big Ole Freak.” Check out the interview below!
RESPECT.: What do you go by?
My name is Julian, but I go by Ju.
RESPECT.: Where are you from?
I am from Dallas, Texas born and raised. I’ve been living in Houston since 2010.
RESPECT.: I was checking out your credits and you’ve worked with Key Glock, Gucci, Lil Baby, and more. How long have you been in the game?
I’ve been making beats since 2008. First placement was in 2013 with Gucci.
Photo Credit: Liljumadedabeat
RESPECT.: Gucci is always the first one to give somebody a new opportunity.
It’s crazy because he wanted to sign me and all of that, but he eventually had to do time and it just never happened. Everything happens for a reason.
RESPECT.: How did you get into production and what was the come up like?
In middle school. In eighth grade I played drums the xylophone.
RESPECT.: Oh, you’re that kind of producer. You’re not someone that just picked up the keys and was like what can I make out of this?
Yeah exactly! I was in band I say probably 10th grade my friend introduced me to FL studio. He had the demo version on his computer. He didn’t know what he’s doing with it. I didn’t know what I was doing with it. When I saw it, I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I wanted to get good at it. It was a long journey but, on the way, it was baby steps and you have to know people that know people. It was a very hard 11 years, but I made it.
RESPECT.: What kind of artists were you reaching out to? Were you only doing production for rappers?
See I have a couple of R&B artists I work with but I’m really trying to cross over to pop. My main goal right now is to get a placement with Bruno Mars.
RESPECT.: That’s a huge goal but I can definitely see you accomplishing it.
The type of music he goes for… like that 90’s wave I make those in my sleep.
RESPECT.: On “Big Ole Freak” what was that sample?
“Is It Love This Time” by Immature.
RESPECT.: That’s 90’s, right?
Yeah 1992. Like I said, Bruno Mars is on that 90’s wave. When I’m in the car I have a 90’s playlist. I made that beat in 2015. That’s an old beat but it was one of beats Megan picked.
RESPECT.: So, you’re originally from Dallas then you moved to Houston. She started making major noise around 2016. How did y’all link up?
See I moved here in 2010 and I’ve been networking around the city so her manager is also my Manager. I was their main producer anyway.
RESPECT.: Did you expect “Big Ole Freak” to be the hit it became?
No, because we made the mixtape and I asked her which one is going to go on the Billboard. I was just saying it to motivate her for when she makes Fever, when we made Tina Snow, I knew it was a great song, but I didn’t know it was going to do what it did.
RESPECT.: You even tweeted a couple days ago it’s crazy how you made the twerk anthem of 2019. When did it hit you?
Really when it became a challenge and then from there, I saw some girls twerking at a gas station on my twitter timeline. That was back in March.
RESPECT.: Did you see making a twerk anthem coming into your career?
Definitely! I’m a versatile producer and I can make any type of beat.
RESPECT.: What is it like working with Megan Thee Stallion? Looking at your credits it’s all men and then there’s Megan. What’s it like working with a female rapper?
I was indifferent working with female artists before Megan. The things women talk about in their music these days… I don’t want to hear that. Then Megan changed my whole outlook on female rappers. We have a great chemistry.
Photo Credit: Liljumadedabeat
RESPECT.: You’ve gone gold with “Big Ole Freak.” Who is Ju outside of production? What are you into besides music?
Okay so I play a lot of retro video games like Super Nintendo. I have 15 game systems at my house. I feel like when I’m playing that stuff though I feel like I am wasting time. Honestly, I had to put it to the side for production. I don’t have time to waste. I still keep the Nintendo switch in my backpack though just in case I have to challenge whoever is in the studio that day.
RESPECT.: Music is such a powerful path to take. A lot of artists don’t realize they can do more with the money they make. What is something you’d like to do with this new found success you have?
For sure my little brother is a graphic designer/clothing designer so when I get my first big check, I want to get this up and partner with him. Maybe buying and flipping houses too. I’m trying to make money while I sleep.
RESPECT.: What’s next and how old are you by the way?
I’m 27. Managers and A&R’s been hitting me up. I have different deals on the table. I’m going to start recording my album and getting my DJ Khaled on. I really want to make all the proper connections.
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