J-Keyz

Jkeyz whats poppin man ...you were brought to our attention through Tha Advocate by producing some of his new joints aswell as  making a buzz amongst alot of internet heads .... how would you describe your production?

JKeyz: haha thanks man.  If i had to describe my work id call it hip hop with a little bit of a pop twist.  I try to keep my work catchy while still maintaining an edge to my music.

I feel that ...so what are your methods of mayhem when producing a track?

JKeyzbeatz: well it really depends on the day.  I usually like to start with my melody.  I almost always start with a piano loaded into my board, or my software and just sit down and play until i have something i like.  I dont know why i always start with a piano.  Just became a habit.  after that I'll switch the piano to a different sound, or keep it depending on my mood.  after ive got the melody laid out then i start on my drums.  I dont always do it this way, but more often than not, thats how i start my tracks.  Oh i almost forgot. before ANY track, i GOTTA load up on that coffee or redbull haha.

Cool what kinda gear you rocking with?

JKeyz: As far as software goes,  ive been using cubase and reason.  As far as hardware a Yamaha Motif ES and an E-MU 1820 soundcard.   I'll pretty much try to use anything i can get my hands on.  I still remember laying patterns down in a little korg EM-1.  Id like to work with live instruments one of these days also.

Tight arsenal ....so what exactly is your goal in the music bizz? Are you trying to get a hit ..make local music? or just do it for fun?

JKeyz: Well when i started this i never intended to make it a business, but it sort of ended up that way.  As for a hit, yeah id love one haha.  This is a hard business to crack but the ride sure is fun.  Stressfull as all hell sometimes too.  I make music for business as well as pleasure. If the business side started taking the fun out of it it might just end up a hobby, but for right now,  im trying to make a hit. 

So are you picky with artists you work with? And do you work with R N B aswell as Hiphop?

JKeyz: It depends on the artist.  When it comes to selling beats im not very picky.   When it comes down to artists that want my help, or I want to conciously work with im very picky.  I try to work with artists that are not only talented,  but as driven and ambitious as i am.  Im a hardworking dude,  so i like to work with hard working people.  As for R&B,  i make a TON of it.  It takes a little more focus and patience and a little more appreciation for music as a whole to make decent R&B music.  My emotions feed my music, and R&B is a great way for me to escape.

Thats a good look right there ..as far as inspiraqtions what producers and artists do you look up to?

JKeyz: wow, my list of producers is long haha but i'll give you the main ones.  I dont think ive met a producer that wasnt influenced by Dr. Dre in some way or another.  Im a huge fan of DJ Quick,  Rick Rock,  Storch, but my biggest influence is probably Darkchild.

So for anyone looking to work with you let em know where you are located and where they can check you on the web ?

JKeyz: Im out of Flat Rock, Michigan.  Just south of Detroit.  You can find my work on my soundclick at www.soundclick.com/jkeyzentertainment or my myspace, www.myspace.com/jkeyzproductions

I'm sure alot of people will come knocking ...what are some of your biggest accomplishments to date?

JKeyz: Hmm thats a hard one haha.  My biggest accomplishment so far id have to say was getting the chance to do a track with my man J Smith and Mr. Serv On formerly of No-Limit Records.  The track was called "On Fiyah".  To have a track with with an artist thats gone gold or platinum is an accomplishment very few producers or beatmakers will ever get.  The other is getting the chance to work with the Advocate on numerous tracks.  Cant wait to do work for his next album.  Really excited about that.

Sounds good .... heres at rapcapital.com we like to ask questions that are a bit out of the norm so the fans can get a better idea about you ....here we go

Name 2 rappers that you are sick of hearing? and why?

JKeyz: Soulja boy......  superman that hoe? for real?  horrible song. beat wasnt even that tight.  Getting sick of hearin bow wow on the radio too.  i dunno, songs are catchy the first time,  then im changing the channel the first 3 seconds in...

I am sure alot of rapcapital viewers will co sign that ... Do you think the south really weighs down hiphop?

JKeyz: It depends on the artist.  As a producer i have to keep an open mind about what i listen to.  There is alot of southern rap i really do like.  Im a big fan of T.I. and Scarface and im sure alot of cats will agree that their music isnt weighing down hip hop haha.  I think the south gets a bad rap because we've seen alot of "gimmick" artists coming from the south.  I dont see anything wrong with having that one bubblegum track, but damnit put SOMETHING on your ablum with substance.  I am a big fan of alot of south music, you just have to look in the right place.  Seems like Florida is having a movement of its own right now, and im diggin the sound coming from there right now.

Real talk ....who's your prediction for the next President of the U.S.?

JKeyz: Who do i want to win or who do i think is going to win? haha.  Im hoping Obama takes office.  Thats also who i think is going to win.  Time for a change.

No doubt fam its been good chopping it up with you ....anything you want to shout before we end this?

JKeyz: I just want to thank all the artist ive had the pleasure to work with.  J. Smith,  Street J,  The Advocate.  Also just want to give everyone a heads up on The Advocates next album.  GET THAT WHEN IT DROPS!  Im going to have a few tracks on that one haha.