Drawzilla – The Super Producer

Posted on Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tags: drawzilla , love you long time remix

He has produced for some Hip-Hop’s pioneers like CL Smooth and Brand Nubian’s Sadat X. He is also the hottest producer on New York’s underground scene where he has helped artists like Sic Osyrus, Sha Stimuli and Skyzoo develop a significant buzz. Most impressively, he won the Underground Music Award’s ‘Emerging Producer of the Year Award’ this past month.

So who is “he?” His name is Drawzilla and, sooner rather than later, he will become a household name. Zilla’s recent remix of Mariah Carey’s “Love You Long Time” featuring LL Cool J got a lot of feedback in cyberspace and the former full-time chef is currently the kitchen chopping up his next mixtape Zilla’s World.

Zilla gave HHR a moment to discuss his Emerging Producer Award, his sound, and much more.

YaBoy: Drawzilla, what’s up, everything good?

Drawzilla: Everything is well, working hard on records that’s all.

YaBoy: Sounds good, literally [laughs]. Let dive right into it. August has been kind to you. Your remix to Mariah Carey’s “Love You Long Time” featuring LL Cool J has been making its rounds on the blogosphere – the cut is hard – and more impressively, you won the Emerging Producer of the Year Award at the Underground Music Awards, which is voted on by fans and industry types. How does it feel to have your music commended by your peers?

Drawzilla: I love the feeling. I’m extremely appreciative of the fact my peers show me lots of support. This business has so many ups-and-downs. So when people enjoy my work, it definitely lifts me up.

YaBoy: Definitely! You have obviously acquired a good ear for music people can vibe to. How long have you been making music?

Drawzilla: I would say I’ve been making music for over 10 years but making good quality record for the last five. I’ve developed over the years by listening to the best in the game. It gave me a blueprint on how to create from the track to the final mix. The process is not as easy as people think. If you decide to become a producer, the work is endless. You can always be better so I try and nail it every time.

YaBoy: What separates your sound from other producers coming up in the game?

Drawzilla: The only thing I think is that I can create a ballad then turn around and create a record for M.O.P. However, I don’t have a distinct sound. I’ve been influenced by so many producers that my sound is a blend of everyone. My Drawzilla sound will come sooner or later, but I can guarantee you a smash record.

YaBoy: That’s what’s up, confidence is a key [laughs]. Everyone has people they admire in their profession. Who are some producers you look up to?

Drawzilla: I would say Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Diddy, The Neptunes, Hi Tek, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Tim n’ Bob, Burt Bacharach and R Kelly.

YaBoy: Not a bad group. Now, you’ve produced for some well known artists like Remy Ma, Capone of CNN, rap pioneer CL Smooth and Sadat X of Brand Nubian. However you have developed your buzz by working with some of the hottest underground artists in the Big Apple: Sic Osyrus, Sha Stimuli, Lexx9Eleven and Skyzoo. Tell HHR’s readers how your movement has built momentum and where it is heading.

Drawzilla: Well, first I have great relationships with artists. We’re on the same exact page creatively so it’s a lot easier to pitch a record when you know them musically. It’s always music first before status. If we have no chemistry, we can’t do business. I have to feel your work and understand your struggle in the game to make a smash record. I write hooks also so when I’m delivering an idea to an artist, it has to fit them well. I believe I’m on the correct path because it’s the love of music that sustains a great career, and I definitely feel I’ve accomplished a lot over the years. I’ve worked with some of the best in the game and will continue to reach out to great artists. Only God knows the outcome.

YaBoy: Ain’t that the truth. What mainstream artists would you like to work with?

Drawzilla: I have an entire list [laughs], but definitely Common, Mary J Blige, Joell Ortiz, Snoop, and do a sick Hip-Hop remix for Aretha Franklin.

YaBoy: Aretha huh, that something I’m a wait on. Moving on, moving forward, what do you have in the works? What should we expect to hear from Drawzilla?

Drawzilla: I have Zilla’s World: the mixtape is dropping November 11^th. All tracks produced by me where I feature up-and-coming artists – lots of surprises on it and good quality records.

YaBoy: Is it true you were a chef [laughs]? If so, is there any circumstance when your cooking skills come into play producing?

Drawzilla: Hell yeah [laughs]! All the ingredients that I use to make music are similar to cooking. The spices are the types of bells, the triangle and the chimes. The meat is the kicks, snares and bass moog. The vegetables are the piano, guitars and synths. The starch is the type of vocalist. And the cook time is the actual mix! When it’s mixed well, ya meal – I mean ya record is done [laughs].

YaBoy: Any last words?

Drawzilla: Shout out to my Inasirkl Team: J Hatch, Bedtyme 357, Khadejia, Sic Osyrus, Priscilya Marie, Dejha B, Jontell, Kevin, Slim McMillz, and Ladarryl.

Be on the lookout for Zilla’s World the mixtape and hit me up at www.myspace.com/drawzilla.

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