WHO IS CRUNK STAR? FIND OUT WITH E.H.M.P.

CRUNK STAR

Devonte Cooper (artist alias Prittie Boi D, producer alias CrunkstarzBeatz) hails from Charleston, SC. He has been involved in music for almost 10 years, playing drums and learning to play the piano at an early age. He has been producing for 8 years. Even though he is only 19, he has a focus and determination to be heard and recognized in the music industry. At first glimpse I would say Crunk Beatz is very humble and was quite nervous as he attempted to win his first ever beat battle competition, hosted by the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program founder A.D. The General. As his beats were being played in front of the crowd you could see his confidence start to build. After the scores were tally up and he actually won the competition he seemed to open up and network with the judges and artists. Crunk Star is now nominated for “Emerging Producer of 2013”. We at E.H.M.P congratulate him and beg you the reader and Hip Hop fan to visit www.datpiff.com/crunkstarzbeatz to listen and or work with this rising producer.

 

E.H.M.P: Which comes easier to you, being an artist or a producer? Why?

CRUNK STAR: Being a producer comes easier because its like second nature to me and its what I’ve Mastered. I can create a great sounding production on any piece of musical equipment or software that you put in front of me so I’m not limited to any particular software or workstation.

E.H.M.P.: Who are your biggest influences when it comes to your production?

CRUNK STAR: My biggest influences are Lil Jon, Timberland, Shawty Redd, Polow The Don, Dj Tomp, and my Favorite of all, Drumma Boy who is my Biggest Influence and also kind of a mentor for me to me though my later years of producing.

E.H.M.P: What is your process and how long does it take you to make a beat?

CRUNK STAR: If I don't already have drums in mind I usually start with chords from the piano or any instrument to lay down the foundation of my production. From there I go on to add other melodic sounds such as synths, bells, brass, or what ever I find that I like. Then Most of the times I like to add an Arpeggio in the same chords as the foundation to give the beat a fuller melody. Then I add my percussion. I always start with cymbals and hi hats first then Snares and Claps Then Kicks, 808s (Usually Distorted), or bass. Then I lay down the lead instrument which is usually a synth then Wala! A Crunkstarz Track is born. This process can take anywhere from 30mins-4hrs depending on the complexity.

E.H.M.P: How has your production evolved since you first started?

CRUNK STAR: My production skills have gotten way more versatile and my mixes a whole lot clearer. When I first started all my production sounded crunk or hype. Now I do all kinds of productions for many genres such as Pop, Dance, Club, Hyphy, Down South, East coast, Trap, ect...

E.H.M.P: Where do you see yourself in the music industry 5 years from now?

CRUNK STAR: I know this sounds a bit cocky but 5yrs from now I’m kind of certain that I will be one of the main super Producers in the music industry creating platinum hits.

E.H.M.P: Who (indie/mainstream) artist would you like to work with?

CRUNK STAR: I would Love to work with Lady GaGa, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Tech N9ne, Rick Ross, and Tyga, but basically I’m willing to work with any artist that can contribute to my sound

E.H.M.P:  Where can people go to hear your work?

CRUNK STAR: You can Go To Datpiff.com and Search CrunkstarzBeatz

WRITTEN BY: Ife Ekpenuma

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011'

MELL STAX TAKE A MOMENT AND GET FAMILIAR

MELL STAXX

 

A.D. THE GENERAL:  Let’s start off with the break down of your name Mel Staxx?

MEL STAXX:  There’s no individual breakdown. Just my name MEL mixed with my brand/business STAK ONEZ ENT LLC…

A.D. THE GENERAL:  What was the 1^st record you produced for a major artist? And how did you feel about the actual final product?

MEL STAXX: My first record I produced for a major artists was “Increase the Gritty” by LLOYD BANKS. It was the first song on his “Cold Corner” mix tape. It dropped on a new years day morning. I remember being hung-over and my phone ringing off the hook. All my people were telling me they heard LLOYD BANKS on my beat. I felt good about the final product. He did his thing on that track and it helped open doors early in my career. 

A.D. THE GENERAL:  What inspired you to become a producer?

MEL STAXX: I’ve been inspired by music production all my life. I used to get albums and read the book inside just to see who the producers were. Back then producers like Timbo, The Neptunes, Swizz beats, Manny fresh, Dame Grease, Kanye West, Buckwild and many more played a big part of my inspiration to become a producer.

 
A.D. THE GENERAL: Who have you worked with thus far? And who haven’t you worked with that you would just love to work with? 

MEL STAXX: I was blessed to be in a position to have people like SOULJA BOY,LLOYD BANKS,JIM JONES,DAME GREASE,D-BLOCK,PAPOOSE,HELL RELL,UNCLE MURDA,J.R WRITER,40 CAL, VITA, and a  host of others rap on my tracks. But I’m really feeling what the younger generation is doing right now. MEEK MILL,BIG SEAN,DRAKE,WIZ KHALIFA,J-COLE, FRENCH MONTANA, are people I’m listening to right now that I would love to work with but of course there’s to many to name.
 

A.D. THE GENERAL: When you produce a record are you thinking of a particular artist that would sound good on the track? Or are you just trying to put together a good production period?

MEL STAXX: Im putting together good production period. I feel like the major artist will want your sound rather than a mimic of which ever producer is hot for the time being. What I can say is if you produce that one record which sticks out from all the other’s and you can hear more than 2 to 4 different major artists on it, that might be your hit record.

   
A.D. THE GENERAL: Do you have any advice to the future “MEL STAXX” of the world?

MEL STAXX: My first advice is be original, believe in yourself don’t try to sound like the next producer because it might not work for you. Always stay on your grind, the time and effort you put into your music career will reflect on your success


A.D. THE GENERAL: Where can people listen and possibly get the opportunity to work with you?


MEL STAXX: THEY CAN GO VISIT MY FOLLOWING WEBSITES.

WWW.TWITTER.COM/MELSTAXX
FOLLOW ME @MELSTAXX

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MELSTAXX

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/MELSTAXX

WRITTEN BY: A.D. THE GENERAL
COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012'