Exclusive Interview with Beatknocka Productions Exclusive Interview with aspiring producer $Dolla$, CEO of BeatKnocka Productions- 2009 UMA Nominee for Best Emerging Producer of the Year. $Dolla$ talks about his signature sound and musical influences... continue
	In Depth Interview with Hot New Rap Duo Ride Out 163 Ride Out163, the popular underground NY rap duo is creating a major buzz with their latest single “Crunch Time.” They talk about what you can expect on their upcoming album and about the state of Hip Hop..... continue
	Featured Artist: BK's Finest Skanks, The Rap Martyr Some people think I’m just a gangsta rapper, some people think I’m two-faced when I say I’m a Gemini. Well, they are wrong. I am one of the most loyal people anyone could find... continue

9th Wonder’s 10 Track Commandments By: 9th Wonder Originally making hip-hop beats from his North Carolina Central University dorm room using software called Fruityloops and selling them on Soundclick, he has since become one of the more accredited producers in the hip hop music music industry. As a part of the underground group, Little Brother, he gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim from underground hip hop world.... continue

7 Tips to Selling Beats By AJ I know way too many producers who are overly protective of their beats. Your skills of being able to continuously create hot tracks is what will determine your success. Like Rsonist from the Heatmakerzs stated, "your beats won't be heard in your house." Get them into everyone’s hands that you can put them in, because you don’t know where it will get you.... continue

Featured Producer: James "JB" Bunton By: Jesse Jess James "JB" Bunton is one of the hottest rising stars in the r&b/hip-hop production game. He is a founding member of the production/songwriting team The Movement, along with collaborator and songwriter Corron Cole. Bunton and Cole's alliance was not without its initial challenges, he says, but their tenacity has already proved fruitful..... continue

Eric Beasley - Director of A&R for Asylum Records

Eric Beasley, Director of Urban A&R for Asylum Records in New York City. He's worked with artists such as Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Cam' Ron, Jim Jones, Dipset, and pretty much everybody in the game. At Asylum Records they focus on Hip Hop. They have artists on the label such as Scarface, Paul Wall, Lil' Boosie, Webbie, Shorty Low, Cam'Ron, Dipset, Bun B, DJ Drama, Max Wonder and producer 9th Wonder just to new a few. Right now Asylum is definitely looking for new talent and production..

Anthony "Ant" Rich - Manager of A&R, Jive Records

In June of 2005, Anthony Rich began operating as the Manager of A&R for Jive Records / Sony BMG. He has contributed in the A&R of several projects including Kelis, Ciara, The Clipse, Weird Al Yankovic and T Pain. With his innovative ideas and unshakable drive, Rich has solidified his role in the future of the music business. Ant Rich recently signed rapper Dolla out of Atlanta straight off of a demo tape. He is currently looking for songwriters, producers and artists.

Octavius Crouch - Senior A&R of Universal Records

Having a vast knowledge of the music and entertainment industry is essential. Mr. Crouch has diversified that knowledge in music promotion, production and artist development within the Island Def Jam Music Group and Universal Motown Records. Now a Snr. A&R at Universal Motown, Mr. Crouch has worked alongside various artist including Chamillionaire, JoJo, Lil Wayne, Prince, India Arie and most recently the Taxi Dolls. Mr. Crouch is currently scouting for new talent and seeking production for Lil Wayne, Drake, and others.

Walter Randolph, Senior A&R of Warner Music Group

Walter Randolph works very closely with his mentor Kevin Liles, former Executive Vice President of the Warner Music Group. This Chicago native started his music career as an intern at Def Jam. His hard work and dedication impressed then President of Def Jam, Kevin Liles. So when Mr. Liles left Def Jam for Warner Music, he took Walter with him and appointed him as senior A&R of Warner Music Group. Walter Randolph has worked with such artists as Musiq, TI, Webbie, and more. Walter Randolph is currently looking for production and artists who can appeal to an international audience.

Sam Taylor - Director of Membership of ASCAP

Nicole George, Vice President, Membership Group - Rhythm & Soul of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced today that Sam Taylor has been appointed Director of Membership, Rhythm & Soul. Based in New York, Taylor will be responsible for the recruitment and maintenance of new songwriters and producers, in addition to providing support for existing artist development programs. Commenting on Taylor's appointment, George said: "Sam's dynamic and forward-thinking style will prove an immediate asset to our already strong team. I look forward to his contributions to the Rhythm & Soul department's initiatives, and am very pleased to welcome him into the ASCAP family." A native of Newport News, Virginia, Sam Taylor began his music career at Elektra Records in 2001 under the guidance of Merlin Bobb, EVP of A&R. In 2004, he became an A&R executive at Atlantic Records, working on a variety of projects for both emerging and high-profile artists. He joined Warner/Chappell Music Publishing in 2007 as Manager, A&R Urban, where he worked with Kevin Cossom, Danja and Don Cannon, among others.

Riggs Morales - Director of A&R for Shady Records

Riggs Morales, Senior Director of A&R for Shady Records. Home to Eminem and 50 Cent. My background includes working with such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Cypress Hill and producers such as Dr. Dre, The Neptunes and the Alchemist to name a few. I'm currently looking for production for all my guys, specifically Eminem and 50. I'm also looking on the artist end for a lyricist who knows how to make records. ..

Lenny Santiago - Senior VP A&R Def Jam/ Roc-A-Fella Records

With over a decade of experience in the music business, Senior VP of A& R for Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records Lenny Santiago knows what it takes to become successful in the industry. Launching his career doing street promotions and marketing, Lenny held steadfast to his desire to become an A&R. With diligence and a passionate love for hip-hop, Lenny quickly became head of A&R at Roc-A-Fella Records; playing a major role in the careers of artists like Jay Z, Beanie Siegel, and Memphis Bleek. Lenny S is a true representative for the artist, serving as the liaison between the record label, the artist, and the management company. Lenny plays a major role in the production of an album from inception to completion. Now Senior VP of A&R for Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records, Lenny S remains a driving force in the dynamic world of music.

Andre "DRE" McKenzie - A&R G/Unit Records

Dre McKenzie A&R for G-Unit Records has proven that dedication and hard work are the main ingredients for success. Starting out as an intern for Dino Devaille, Dre's career soon catapulted and he became Devaille A&R's assistant. He has worked on projects with notable artists like Three 6 Mafia, John Legend, Beyonce, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Nas to name a few. Dre McKenzie is currently the head of A&R for G-Unit Records.

Til welch is the A&R of Battery Records/SonyBMG.

Tilman Welch is the former VP of A&R of Capitol Records. He has worked with such artists as J. Holiday, Fat Joe, The Franchise Boyz, and many more. He is a straight foward and candid music executive. Til Welch is currently looking for an artist that has an innovative, ground-breaking sound with songs and an approach that's undeniable. The artist will need to show that his/her career is already pushing forward, with a healthy dose of performing experience and a strong online presence/fan base.

Conrad Dimanche - President of PMPWorldwide. com & A&R Consultant at BAD BOY RECORDS

As the Senior Director of A & R for Bad Boy Records, Dimanche has helped launch three number one albums this past year - Danity Kane, Sean "Puffy" Combs Press Play, and Yung Joc New Joc City. A modern-day hit maker, Dimanche has produced dozens of albums, including The Notorious B.I.G.'s smash hit Born Again, Carl Thomas, P. Diddy, 8 Ball, MJG, Loon, B5, Bad Boys 2 Soundtrack and Black Rob.