(From left to right: Hume, Wonder, Ike Dirty, and Focus)

By Bels

The 2008 Atlantis Music Conference went underway this weekend in Atlanta. The conference weekend filled with educational forums and hot showcases brought out hundreds of aspiring artists and producers to various venues throughout the city. But on Saturday at the CW Complex, “The Wall Bangers” Producers Panel and Beat Battle was definitely the highlight of the Atlantis experience. If you are an artist or beatmaker that enjoys learning about the “real deal” of production and listening to some of the hottest up and coming beatmakers, you definitely missed out on a melodic moment.

This year the panelist included Hume, Wonder, Roc, Focus, and Ike Dirty (the son of the late Issac Hayes). These gentlemen laid it all out for the those in attendance. Here’s a recap of some interesting questions and answers:

How do you get a record placement?

Ike Dirty: Most placements are based on chance. You may see someone just in passing and should use that opportunity to meet with them and build up a relationship. But make sure when you establish this relationship, come with original beats. No artists (especially veterans in the business) want to hear mediocre tracks. Lastly, keep hustling and building relationships with people.

Once you get in the door, how do you stay in the door?

Wonder: The personal relationships you build is probably the best way for you to claim your spot in the door. I came in the door as an engineer under DJ Toomp. So I was able to meet everyone that worked with Toomp. From that, I was able to merge into producing and work with some of those same people based on the prior relationship I’d built with them. Also, go by different studios and see what’s going on. I used to go from studio to studio in Atlanta (DTP to Grand Hustle, for example) constantly.

“Success doesn’t happen overnight. An overnight success may last 5 years in the industry at the longest.”


What happens when everyday is not a good day?

Roc: I’ve been producing for 10 years. I still have a full-time job. So don’t come in thinking that you will make it overnight.

What about “ghost” producing?

Hume: It is a route, but not always the best route.

Focus: It helped me build relationships, but the artist ended up busting budgets buying cars and jewelry after the song went big and I didn’t get nothing.

Wonder: Take the positive, but know that you have to deal with the “f–kery”. Stay optimistic and know that you’ll still prosper in this business.

Ike Dirty: Having a manager always help.

What is a beatmaker versus a producer?

Focus: P.Diddy is a producer. Producers put the entier record together. He put the vocals, melodies, and beats all together. Back in the day, producers were called programmers.

Immediately following the panel discussion, the beat battle took place. Four rounds and only 8 beatmakers, it all went down to see who would be crowned the winner and take home $150 and plenty of exposure.

Check out this video of Stacks Entertainment’s own, D.Kid, as he comes out on top in the first round.