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Virginia Producer Mason Taylor Talks ‘Top Boy’ Placement, Sonny Digital, & More!

Malc — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 18:49:31 +0000

In an age where a viral video could create a career, beatmakers and artists are achieving massive triumphs via social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Furthermore, Youtube is spawning influencers and superstars very rapidly nowadays, and Virginia producer Mason Taylor happens to be one of those. Originally, Mason was uploading beats to his Youtube channel in order to pay rent; eventually, the VA-native found himself on Netflix’s On My Block. “I just kept the show on repeat, on mute, and created music around it,” he states.

Taylor works closely with producer Sonny Digital under their Rollin’ Records imprint. The two initially met at Atlanta’s A3C Festival and since then, have been working day-to-day on new records and workshops. Elsewhere, you’ll see that Mason Taylor produced “Freddy” by Fredo. The song appeared on Drake‘s influential OVO Soundtrack earlier this month. Check out the conversation below.

Tell me about your upbringings, how did you get into music?

Coming from Virginia, I felt like music is in the water out here! From engineering to rapping to producing, I’ve worked on the craft since I was thirteen. Around the MySpace era, I feel like the musician wasn’t as popular as now, so I felt like that made me stand out. Before those days, I was watching videos and working on my cross-over haha.

How did you initially meet Sonny Digital?

I met Sonny [Digital] at the A3C festival in Atlanta about five to six years ago. We kept in contact over the years and once I got to Atlanta, we developed a dope, creative friendship. He like a brother to me now. Studio sessions, going on press runs, it’s been a strong year. Excited for the world to hear what’s cooking up. New vibes are crazy!

What’s your process when making beats?

First thing is definitely the mood. Energy is everything. From that point, I cut something on TV on mute. Some days it’s a movie, other days it could be a classic basketball game. I like to treat my beats like movie scenes so the visuals help me come up with the melodies and then the drums.

Tell me about landing your work on Netflix’s On My Block.

I got a call from Bee, an A&R I’m good friends with. This was before the first season so I could only see the trailer and articles about the show. I just kept the show on repeat, on mute, and created music around it. The music I did for the show I wrote and produced.

Most recently, you got a placement on Top Boy, how did it feel when you found out?

I was seeing Drake talk about the show the week before. I was already curious about it so once I learned I was apart of it, I was excited of course! That was a big moment. Seeing people’s reactions online are dope and keep me inspired to create more dope music. Shout out to Benny, Jack, and Fredo for making the opportunity happen!

What advice what you give to any upcoming producers or your peers?

Stay in the studio. It’s no different than an athlete going to the gym. Learn the business. As an artist or producer, watch interviews and read as much as you can. Learn as much as you can otherwise somebody will do it for you and it will cost you a percentage.

Define RESPECT.

Respect is a value. It’s required for everything. It’s the foundation for all relationships and relationships are the key to your future.

What’s up next for Mason Taylor?

More life. More wins. Continue working on new music. Continue building relationships. Let’s not forget, stay prayed up!

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Mark Spratley Talks Influencing Hip Hop Culture For The Future Of Tomorrow

Brittany Burton — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:10:05 +0000

Mark Spratley Talk Impacting Hip Hop Culture

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By: Mark Spratley

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By: Mark Spratley

Marketing specialist and Hip Hop influencer Mark “Sprat” Spratley is impacting the future of tomorrow’s music through his genius marketing skills. I had the pleasure of catching up with the hot shot for candid interview. As he graciously discusses finding his place in the music industry, working with SXSW and founding his own label, Sprat is becoming one of the hottest influencers in the game.

Checkout the interview below.

Mark Spratley Interview

Respect: How did you get your start in the entertainment business?

Sprat: I was at ECU, going for marketing/business and to be honest unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. School and the vision of a 9-5 job was never in the equation for me.

I never was the social media type. The kids I was actually living with at ECU (College) had me create a Twitter etc. for the first time. Fresh Moss had a project called New Jersey Drive that knocked back in high school. I tweeted out “What the hell happened to Fresh Moss?” or something of the sort. Fresh Moss seen that, saw my knowledge of music and sent a DM to get to work.

LVLYSL was just formed, and I came on board while still at school. I started putting my life into the music then. I did a lot of “intern” work for them, I suppose you would say, but without the “intern” label. I think they gave me some BS label like “Music Consigliere” lol.

I was doing any and everything to another level from blog work, beginning PR work, connecting new fans, growing all social media, growing the Soundcloud, connecting with artists, growing the Twitter and connecting dots on all ends. All this allowed me to learn many different facets that I still use to this day.

I knew my worth and it was time for me to move on, from there I branched out on my own. I tapped in with my own artists and started to open a lot of doors through that, started blogging for a lot of major platforms at the time, just started my PR wave, really started developing the brand, foundation and network.

My first ever event was Capital Steez last event ever smh, RIP!!! We had Underachievers, Joey BadA$$ and Steez out before they all officially blew up.

My first ever SXSW event (My 2nd show ever) was the inaugural Legally Loud event, I partnered with DJ Enuff x Hot 97 and brought out out Post Malone, G Pen and many other talented and popping artists + brands at the time.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind founding Starting Five?

Sprat: If you all were paying attention from the jump you know I use to be “Special Executive” and ran it up with that for the beginning of my career. I unfortunately came in and formed the company with a friend that turned out to be a bummy partner that didn’t take anything too serious. The guy basically ran off with the company, deleted my email, ran off with LoudPackLegion.com domain, hacked all my social media accounts and more. That was a HUGE wake up call for me, from there I created Starting Five and the marathon obviously still continues.

Starting Five is the elite. The work ethic and vision is championships. If you are comfortable playing off the bench or moving like you belong on the bench, we are not the same or here for you. Starting Five is an empire currently in creation mode. The foundation has been laid as you all can see, I’ve put in the work, I have accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and now it is go time! Starting Five is a full service in house label, offering distribution, marketing, everything you need in any means and so much more.

Starting Five is getting the attention of a lot of your favorite labels right now for imprints and the talks are starting to make sense. Be on the lookout for that!

More of the Starting Five vision and inspiration will lay out over time as everything else transpires. The vision is bigger than you think, something the public eye will see over time.

Respect: Who are some of the artists you are working with and trying to make a big push for?

Sprat: I refreshed my whole roster not too long ago. I had to re gain focus, the right people around me, motivation, positive energy and remove any that were becoming leeches.

Pre Kai Ro is one of the latest artists of Starting Five, he’s a superstar (Out of Egypt). pre is rising heavily right now, the sound speaks for itself, a lot of moves are in store and the wave is only getting larger. Recently charting on Apple Music’s “Hot Tracks” a few weeks ago, a record with 24HRS out, last single almost at 700K off Spotify, Youtube audio at 1.9 million off “Cold”, I also think I’m in the clear to announce that he will be on B Lou upcoming “BOW” project.

Beyond that I am finalizing up paperwork with a few other TALENTED artists that I am about to shake the game up with for sure. Keeping those names pretty low key right now. The machine is here, so I’m back in my bag for sure.

Working and connecting dots with Sonny Digital, DDG, B Lou and many more. My PR game is going crazier than ever so I’m always working campaigns with many others and helping to connect dots etc.

Respect: What advice would you give an up and coming artist looking to become a mainstream artist?

Sprat: Polish your sound (A good mix goes a long way), continue to learn and develop. I can’t stress enough for an artist to go hard for themselves, you should be one of your biggest promoters, managers, A&R’s, PR’s etc. If you won’t go hard for yourself, how can you ever expect another person to go even harder for you?

Just remember when you are reaching out to people within the industry or just in life, to always come correct, know what you want, bring something to the table and be on point. One of the MAJOR faults of an artist is that they love to waste peoples time. Time is valuable especially for someone who is truly working and busy! Your artistry and name is a business at the end of the day, move appropriately.

Respect: What’s your experience like having a showcase takeover SXSW?

Sprat: It’s been a blessing! People really think that I am from Texas because of how I takeover that whole week, but I am actually from New Jersey haha. It is even a greater feeling to know that what I’ve done is being respected, especially from people who are paving the way within Texas. From the major shows to the mansion parties its been pretty interesting!

I’ve experienced so many memorable moments in my brief time within the industry and on the event side. I’ve crossed paths and have got to work with so many iconic people and talented stars, many from the early stages of their career or rise through putting together these events.

To bring Post Malone, Russ, Lil Baby, Rich The Kid, PNB Rock, A Boogie, Lil Yachty, 2 Chainz, Sonny Digital, Mike Will, Metro Boomin, Moneybagg Yo, Lud Foe, Ralo, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, Lil Xan, Lil Mosey, Megan Thee Stallion, Ugly God, DDG, Comethazine, Quando Rondo, Maxo Kream and so many more out that I could keep going and going. The crowds energy and appreciation is what’s most special, the artists I bring out or the media that covers my events is just more validation for not only my ear but the fact that I really do this!

To bring out some of the legends who paved the way as well is epic to me (Artists that I grew up on during my childhood). That’s a great feeling! The fact that I even have that type of platform or access to these people that I grew up listening to or seen from afar is still crazy to me.

I am really doing these events all by myself and fully involved with every aspect of the events, shows or parties. From the curation, major artists showing out, hosts, influencers involved, major sponsors, activations, the crowd, sound, equipment, locations, security, marketing, special guests, set up and everything you could think of, I’m involved fully. We have had same day venue changes, mansion changes and all types of foolery, but at the end of the day the job gets done and the people are happy!

I am just having fun out there and during the whole curation process. The curation aspect is certainly the most exciting part about everything. I stay way too busy out there during the events to really enjoy myself and the events as much as I should. It’s a stressful week because each and every year I have done everything pretty much solo, but it’s all worth it at the end of the week!

I have created a staple out there with Legally Loud, LVLUP, the mansion parties etc. Obviously we created some legendary moments with the 40oz Bounce out there as well. I’ve started a lot of waves out there at SXSW and have given the template for many to follow suit. People that have worked my events are now branching out to do there thing and get in their bag, it’s dope.

What are you currently working on?

Sheesh! Starting Five, Pre kai ro, PR for many, a new roster, this empire, talking S5 imprints, loads of content, multiple new channels (Stay tuned), shopping records, expanding these events. I’ve got a few things about to drop in the next 1-3 weeks that I’m very excited for, expect a whole lot.

Right now you all can definitely tune into my New Day, New Wave playlists across all DSP’s. I run the Spotify playlist on a Times Square, NY billboard bi weekly.

As he continues to shake up the music business and push out high quality content, be sure to subscribe to his youtube channel here.

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Sonny Digital Is Quietly Becoming One of Hip-Hop’s Next Moguls

Evie — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 15:00:49 +0000

Watch any Sonny Digital interview and you would immediately notice that he never acts on a chance to brag about his past accolades. Despite having countless platinum and gold hits with nearly every major rap artist since 2009. These hits range from Kanye West, Drake, to Future, Sonny doesn’t seem content to dwell. When the media asks the 28 year-old Grammy-nominated producing rapper about how immensely successful and influential his 10 year career has been, he normally just shrugs and states it happened through simply putting in work. If Sonny was a receiver in the NFL, he’d be the player that hands the ball directly to the referee after a touchdown without celebrating.

During his press run for his upcoming project Black Goat II, releasing on his label Rollin’ Records (A joint venture with Atlantic Records), Sonny has been much more interested in discussing his new ventures that grow his ever expanding Rollin’ imprint. Another project he’s kept under wraps is his partnership with Cannabis executives Andrew Farrior and Ryan Rapaport for a Cannabis portfolio company, Digital Venture Partners, which will act as the parent company to his very own Rollin’ Grams Brand.

In addition to his anticipated transition into Cannabis, Sonny has been one of the most vocal advocates to protecting and promoting upcoming producers, even exploring the idea of a union that will negotiate more favorable terms for all parties involved. His work with Producer Grind, in which Sonny holds workshops and Q&A sessions with aspiring producers, has cemented himself as a thought leader within hip-hop, and a quiet branding genius that plans on compounding his success outside of the stereotypes we’ve placed on the producers who delivered the world the Trap sound 10 years ago.

Follow Sonny on Instagram, and if you’re an upcoming producer in NYC, be sure to check out his upcoming event with Producer Grind on August 17th.

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Sonny Digital Drops New EP ‘G.O.A.T.’

TJ Mroz — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 14:31:22 +0000

Yesterday, Atlanta producer and beat maker, Sonny Digital released a free and brand new EP titled G.O.A.T., through his personal SoundCloud account.

Sonny Digital has spent much of the last few years solidifying his role within Atlanta’s budding music scene and the hip-hop industry as a whole. Sonny Digital has had significant experience with success, working with well known artists such as 50 Cent, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa and many more.

Now that Sonny Digital has established himself as one of the most reliable “hit-makers” in Hip-Hop, he’s recently turned his focus on his own vocals. Earlier this year Sonny Digital began giving fans a sample of his own rapping skills with tracks like “50 On My Wrist.” After mostly positive feedback regarding the decision, it appears Sonny Digital is beginning to stretch his wings even further with the release of a full EP.

Stream below.

The new EP contains 8 tracks in total and also features appearances from Swae Lee, Key!, and Black Boe. Three days before G.O.A.T was released, Sonny Digital dropped a new single featuring Juicy J and Young Sizzle which can be streamed here.

It appears Digital’s current relationships with some of the industry’s biggest stars could prove to be quite beneficial if a solo career is what the young ATLien is working towards. While the EP shows a lot of potential, fans are hoping this won’t mean a decline in the “hit making” production fans have come to expect from Sonny Digital.

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RESPECT. Premiere: StressGods – “Sierra Leone” (prod. Sonny Digital)

Evie — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 18:06:46 +0000

From New York City to Atlanta, respectively, Mo’Haze and Steve Ricks are currently preparing for the release of their debut album. On the heels of the unveiling of their Mr. Cheeks-assisted single, “How We Do,” the StressGods resurface with the third an final effort before they provide us with their new LP in its entirety. Produced by Sonny Digital, “Sierra Leone” pays respects to the embattled region known for its beautiful stones. StressGods have found tranquility in paving their own lane while crafting a sound that is so distinctive, especially in a time period where so much music seems to piggyback the style of others. “Sierra Leone” will act as a motivation single to some, while others will be adrenalized by it’s enthusiastic nature.

When describing the intentions behind the single, the duo explained, “We’re comparing ourselves to diamonds, just like the ones dug up in Sierra Leone. Everyone is a diamond in the rough. You gotta believe it, brush the dirt off, and keep shining in order to find true clarity in whatever you do in life.” StressGods’ GodSpeed album is coming soon.

Listen to “Sierra Leone” below and feel free to give us your thoughts.

https://soundcloud.com/stressgods/sierra-leone/s-hxf3U

The post RESPECT. Premiere: StressGods – “Sierra Leone” (prod. Sonny Digital) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT. Recap: Beatmakers Round Table with Metro Boomin, Zaytoven & Sonny Digital

RESPECT. Staff — Thu, 26 May 2016 19:33:52 +0000

Red Bull Music Academy Festival came to New York for the fourth year in a row delivering original events, live shows, lectures and festivals to the fore front by featuring people who build a legacy in this industry. This year the festival ran from April 29 – May 22, three weeks for attendees to get up close and personal with some of musics heavy hitter across all platforms representing diverse genres of music.

This year at the beat-makers round table the lecture highlighted the journey of Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital and Zaytoven. This is where the Atlanta trio was able to examine their production career, the rise of trap music along with the importance of the producer drop that everyone loves.

With the inflation and flood of trap music it is only right to get into the heads of the men who govern this genre to see where their inspiration come from. Deriving from different backgrounds and places the one thing these three men have in common is their passion for their individuality and creativity.

As we know Zaytoven was Gucci Man’s right hand when it came to beats producing his very first single, “So Icey.” Unbeknownst to us he also had a big impact on Sonny & Metro through out their careers, which is why everyone considers him the God father of trap music.

Zaytoven, Sonny & Metro all have different sounds which is why each of them have the opportunity to explain what trap music means to them. Like anything in life we all interpret things differently however with this situation the context was the same.

Calling it hustling music or a hood symphony these melodies are for the people who understand the grind resulting in the dirty and edgy sound trap music has.

If you or someone who is an upcoming producer or just appreciate the aesthetics of this genre of music then this is must watch video!

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Sonny Digital Teams Up With Zaytoven For ‘We Don’t Know’

RESPECT. Staff — Mon, 09 May 2016 06:00:09 +0000

Sonny Digital Teams Up With Zaytoven For ‘We Don’t Know’
" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1462670539_730cc16e4844116cf4fb97d984aaeaab.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1462670539_730cc16e4844116cf4fb97d984aaeaab.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-130383" src="https://i0.wp.com/respect-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1462670539_730cc16e4844116cf4fb97d984aaeaab.png?resize=300%2C300" alt="Sonny Digital Teams Up With Zaytoven For 'We Don't Know'" width="300" height="300" data-recalc-dims="1" />Sonny Digital – We Don’t Know (prod. Zaytoven)

Sonny Digital is apart of the wave that is coming out the south truly heavy at the moment; it’s been that way for a minute now. From making hits for the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Travi$ Scott, and more, Digital has branded himself to be requested highly in the Hip-Hop parameter. Things are beginning to change, as Sonny is vocalizing more than he is producing, either that or he’s stricken a desired balance in the music form.

His latest piece is titled “We Don’t Know,” and is produced by Zaytoven. The keys can be heard ringing all throughout this one, and Digital shines at an all-time high this round. There’s no telling where this single could end up, but it’s not one of those tracks you just toss out to the Soundcloud without giving it proper dues. Visuals and some official artwork are due for banger, and hopefully that comes into reality. We can expect more music from Digital in the near future.

In the meantime, check out “We Don’t Know” by Sonny Digital below.

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