John Rosenfeld is just a regular guy. Numonics, however, is not a regular producer. In order to give a fresh perspective (and use technology), we decided to have our convo over Skype. Plus, he was feeling under the weather. So, talking wouldn’t have been his strongest point. Yet and still, Numonics gave a great interview into his music, his life, and what he believes in.

 

Mark A. Harris: In a previous interview, you noted that some of the Miami artists didn’t shed a realistically positive light for the music. At this moment, do you still feel the same way?

Numonics: Well I feel that way in regards to what’s being promoted nationally out of Miami. I don’t think it’s really indicative of South Florida hip hop, more so a portrayed image. And I think the best way to explain what I mean by “positive light” is the quality itself. I don’t feel Poe Boy, Maybach, to a much lesser extent Slip-N-Slide really showcase what great music is made down here.

 

Mark A. Harris: So basically, they are a pure misrepresentation of the dynamics that is South Florida hip hop?

Numonics: In my opinion, yes. what’s portrayed nationally is more Atlanta sounding or off the dance floor variety (i.e. Pitbull, Flo-Rida). Our scene here is as diverse as South Florida is culturally. We are unique to the south in the sense that people from all over the country decide to move to South Florida and it really has an effect on the music that’s embraced here. We have a sound more so potpourri than narrowly defined.

Basically what I’m getting at is there’s more to Miami music than that Rick Ross sound.

 

Mark A. Harris: Beautifully stated!

Numonics: Imagine when i don’t have the flu ha

 

Mark A. Harris: Musically, what has influenced your approach to producing? Whether it be past artists, past life experiences, or present situations: what motivates the greatness that is Numonics?

Numonics: For me, I grew up being almost compulsively obsessed with music. My childhood consisted of a lot of Tuesday CD shopping, music magazines of all genres, etc. I wanted to get into music to really be more a part of what I followed so closely. My biggest inspiration for my approach to music is the therapeutic nature of it. I always joke that I’ll never need a therapist because I can always just make a beat. Music, whether creating it or just appreciating it, has always been a way for me to deal with every day life’s trials & tribulations.

 

I think because it’s always provided this feeling for me is what has allowed me to progress as a producer. i never get frustrated or annoyed at my work. Specific producers: pete rock, dj premier, just blaze, the heatmakerz, evidence, j dilla, blue sky black death, j83.

 

Mark A. Harris: You mention your favorite music magazines. What magazines cross your whenever you reminisce?

Numonics: I read URB, The Source, XXL, EGOTRIP, Spin, one of the guitar ones (i believe Guitar World or some shit like that) …… lot of variety really. I’ve always liked a lot of different types of music. Basically id try mags out, get small subscriptions 6 issue or something. the most constant were URB & The Source.

 

Mark A. Harris: Impressive. I loved the Source when it was “real”. I was entranced by Urb the most, though. The way they displayed all music that was influenced by hip hop and such. It was so potent, focused, and enriching.

Numonics: For sure. I was heavy into trip hop (actually what i first started producing) and they would always have the ill articles on tricky massive attack DJ Shadow etc.

 

Mark A. Harris: Man! They would have the GREATEST articles on trip hop and all music associated with hip hop. I remember certain articles specifically…..

Numonics: Yea thats why I liked it so much and their compilation cd’s were too dope.

 

Mark A. Harris: Oh, Jesus……the compilations…..

Numonics: It got a little bad towards the end but they’re always be a couple gems on those cd’s. So crazy to get possibly every musical genre with the exception of rock on one cd. Thats what made em dope.

 

Mark A. Harris: Exactly. And their articles weren’t average stuff. They did an article about Massive Attack and how their members couldn’t even get a long to keep making music. LOL!

Numonics: God bless them for that….Massive attack have too many good songs.

 

Mark A. Harris: Way too manyWow…that went on a tangent. LOL!.

Numonics: Little bit ha…all good.  I think I maybe digging up some old cd’s to throw in the whip after this.

 

Mark A. Harris: You have worked with Co$$, J Nics, and will be working with other artists (Knowledge Medina, Reks, etc.) . Give me the reasons why you enjoy working with the artists that you work with.

Numonics: 1. Co$$ – Has the most unique delivery in the whole damn genre. Combine that with his ability to speak on the streets, his life and esoteric thoughts as well. It’s what makes him unique. Scarcity is important, that’s where true value resides. I feel how he raps is few and far between and an incredible talent.

 

J NiCS – Another guy that has the ability to do street records and deep thinking ones. He’s gifted with that voice of his but has continually progressed as a MC. he’s also one of the best human beings i know. i love working with good people. i want to see him shine.

 

Reks – Ive been a fan of Reks for so long. That fast paced machine gun flow coupled with excellent choice in production is what makes him special. He has some of my favorite songs (ie 25th hour) and im just honored to have produced a full album for him. Our album “Rebelutionary” drops July 24th on Gracie Productions.

 

In regards to my other projects (J57 x Numonics – LI FTW, Dynas x Numonics – Commercial Music, Saheed x Numonics – Not For Nothing, LMS x Numonics – I am the one and only, Gotham Green x Numonics – Untitled), I aim to work with high quality people who are great at what they do. For me, my music is personal so its important to have a good working relationship with who you make it with. It’s much better to make art with your friends.

 

I forgot to throw Knowledge Medina – Never Enough in there.

 

Mark A. Harris: MAN! You must be the hardest working producer in the 305 area.

Numonics: Technically 954 ! I’m in ft lauderdale. I figured I’d throw that in for journalistic integrity sake ha!

 

Mark A. Harris: Oh, word? Broward county? Yeah, I need that journalistic integrity here and there.

Numonics: I’m pretty much misquoted where I live in 90% of the shit you’ll see from me online. The funniest is when I’m listed being from California. You’ll see a lot of Miami and Tampa stuff listed for me but I live in the Ft Lauderdale area. I’m more in tune to live here than Miami. Rather drive 30 mins when I want to visit rather than live there but thats me.

 

Mark A. Harris: I hear ya. Makes sense to me. I live in Riverdale. Living in the heart of Atlanta is cool….but it interests me not.

Numonics: Exactly.

 

Mark A. Harris: Listening to your Champion Rizla (yeah, I listened to it extensively last year) and the Knowledge Medina joint, I noticed your ability to chop and alter loops. What do you use? Do you prefer sampling or your own created instrument sounds?

Numonics: I try to do a combo of the two. I use Logic, Kontakt, Reason for the sample stuff. I play guitar and bass (you hear the most of that on Never Enough). I look for a sample with that feel and add on top of it. I dont necessarily have a preference for one or the other, people tend to gravitate more towards the sample stuff.

 

Mark A. Harris: How long have you been playing the guitar and the bass?

Numonics: Not totally sure. I think maybe a year. There is no such thing as a realistic sounding synth guitar so I wanted to integrate it into my music. I played when i was a kid but I dont count that really. It did help when I first got back into it that I had a foundation. This next wave of releases have me on guitar on at least one song. I’m no master but I can compose with it, thats all I was aiming for.

 

Mark A. Harris: Excellent. How much of your childhood has played into the music you make and the approach you take?

Numonics: Good question. I’m stumbling over this one a little. The easy way to say it is this. I was raised in New york, my mother was sick for most of the time til I was 10. My family raised me with help of a Trinidadian and a Jamaican woman. I was exposed to great music as a child, diverse music. Hip hop has alwyas been the one thing that stuck. I went thru many music phases like most people do but hip hop was the constant. It was also my first music purchase. naughty by nature’s 1st album. Also as a kid I loved to read about revolutionaries and champions of people’s rights. Thats really what has defined me personally. I just want to make the best music I possibly can and make you think.

 

Mark A. Harris: Wow. And have you ever told people about all of this?

Numonics: Possibly. I’ve done a few interviews and I’m not embarassed about anything in my life so I try to just tell it how it is.

 

Mark A. Harris: Dope!  So, what music “takes you there”? What hip hop albums (besides Naughty By Nature) made you say “Damn, I love hip hop” and why?

Numonics: Pharcyde 1st 2 albums, De La Soul – Stakes is high, 1st 2 Public Enemy records, Common – Like Water For Chocolate, theres really too many to list. For me, i need to feel something. it can be from the beat, what you’re saying on the track, etc. just stimulate the brain a bit ,ya know?

 

Mark A. Harris: I hear/read that!  That’s all I got for this interview, sir. This was impressive!

 

Numonics: Thanks man, let me know when it comes out. much appreciated!  My official site is TheNuWorldOrder.com  and RebelutionaryMinded.com.  Co$$ and Numonics – Genesis drops in June. Ft’s from Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Reks, J NiCS + more.

 

Mark A. Harris: Dopeness!

 

Numonics: My album with Reks “Rebelutionary” drops July 24th in CD, Vinyl & Digital formats. Features from Jon Connor, Termanology, Krondon and more.

 

Thanks again! Have a good night. I’m gonna go pass out again. This flu/cold/whatever is the worst.

 

Mark A. Harris: I feel that, sir. Get some rest. And thank you for your time!