Illuminati 2G

What’s going on my brother, how is life in Portugal?

Paz J, life is good and calm here man, thankfully.

I know the hip-hop and grafitti movement are strong in your country, who is representing hard out there?

Indeed, we're growing strong. Breakdancing and graffiti are getting some media exposure through movies and TV shows, youngins are interested in beatboxing and Rap music is reaching a respectable position in the charts. There's still a lot to be done, but I think we’re heading to the right direction. Shout out to everyone who's been putting in weight for the development of our culture.

How long have you been producing and give us a run down of some of your production that people might find on albums.

I started to make beats almost 5 years ago. I've only been serious about it for 2 years though. Not many tracks I produced were released already but the biggest ones are "Survive" by Busta Rhymes and "The Last Lyricists" by DJ Kay Slay, Busta Rhymes, Papoose and Big Lou. Hopefully more will come soon. I’ll send you some exclusives.

You were out at the One Stop Producers Conference recently, yes? How was that?

Yes I was, little over a month ago! It was a great experience I wouldn't get anywhere else, I traveled +5500 miles for that and don't regret it slightly.

What was your main objective and how did you carry out your plan?

Well I was in the main event, the iStandard Beat Battle. I battled 9 other producers and although I didn't win I was happy I got picked among hundreds; this was my shine. I also got to take a picture with Primo and have a small talk with a rep from Def Jam, those were my two other objectives. Everything after that was a given: I hooked up with cool people, made some important connections, learned a lot from the industry professionals and showed that my country has a strong movement. You can watch my video of the battle here:

Sick video. Ill to see Don Cannon and Sha Money rocking to your beats, regardless of the winner, it’s positive hip hop that gets me hyped.

How would you describe your production and how can people get at you for production?

I don't think I can describe it, that's up to the listener. I just like to do my thing with samples and my style varies a lot, but it’s always hard. Everybody can get at me on MySpace www.myspace.com/blastahbeatz

For a long time, I have listened to Cesaria Evoria from Cabo Verde, which is near Portugal. Have you been to Cabo Verde?

Ah word, Cesária Évora is legendary. I never went to Cabo Verde, it’s not that near actually but it is a former Portuguese colony. How did you like it?

Hey I love Cesaria Evoria but have never been to Cabo Verde. I’d like to see if you work on some music with her. Do you implement live musicians into your production?

No I don't. I want to though, it’s one of my goals but it’s complicated: I don't live in a major Portuguese city so the chances of getting live musicians with studio access are pretty much null. On the other hand I’m lucky that my wife is a pianist, so she might start to play keys for me.

That’s tight. When I travel, I always find the most unique records, what is 1 of the funniest records in your collection?

Ha ha, for real. I’m French by origin (was born there), so French and Portuguese folk singers are pretty funny by themselves… but I would say your average kiddie record, I love to sample those.

Top 5 Hip Hop songs that make you want to produce?

Ah man, you know I actually have my music folders arranged by producers? I could write a book about this. But besides most Primo, RZA, Muggs and Pete Rock beat I would say off the top of my head:

Non-Phixion - Black Helicopters (Necro)

Quasimoto - Microphone Mathematics (Madlib)

Inspectah Deck - Vendetta (Ayatollah)

Black Moon - Stoned Iz The Way (Da Beatminerz)

Dilated Peoples - Work The Angles (Kut Masta Kurt)

I really don't have an answer to that; Hip Hop has so many great producers. Ask me again next time for more!

What is next for you?

Fortunately, a lot. I’ll keep it short though. Check my beats on Joe Budden’s forthcoming projects. Shout out to his A&R Brandon Hall. Also Pumpkinhead, iCON The Mic King, Ruste Juxx of Boot Camp, Krukid, my BeatKnock'Az International family, Carnage The Executioner, FinaL OutlaW, Rawkus 50… I could write a book on this too. If you don’t know some of the artists I mentioned look them out, I guarantee you won’t regret it. Also I want to start my label and movement in Portugal.