The Bronx has produced some
great artists such as KRS-ONE, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Just-Ice, Lord Finesse, and A.G
to name a few but not enough credit has been given as far as producers are
concerned. Jazzy Jay, Ced Gee, Diamond, Showbiz,
Buckwild, & Swizz Beats for example have put out timeless hits. Now Ray West wants to continue the trend of
greatness and he is already making headways with his latest project LUV NY and
his Red Apples project with A.G. Solo
vibes delves into the world of Raymond West, as he took time from his busy
schedule to discuss his production style, LUV NY Pt 2, his respect for his good friend A.G and his love for hip hop culture.
SVM: Tell us how you got started in the business and who were your musical
influences growing up?
Ray West: I have always been a music person since I was young. I came from a musical family so it's in me. My early influences were all the greats like KRS-1, DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, the whole Juice Crew, Mr. Magic, etc. Listening to all that stuff changed me as a child. AG and Party Arty really gave me my start and transitioned me from my lab in the basement to sharing my music on a bigger platform.
SVM: In your opinion, what makes a great record producer?
Ray West: Someone who's music provokes thought...
Where the music makes it easy for someone to write a song.
Ray West: I have always been a music person since I was young. I came from a musical family so it's in me. My early influences were all the greats like KRS-1, DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, the whole Juice Crew, Mr. Magic, etc. Listening to all that stuff changed me as a child. AG and Party Arty really gave me my start and transitioned me from my lab in the basement to sharing my music on a bigger platform.
SVM: In your opinion, what makes a great record producer?
Ray West: Someone who's music provokes thought...
Where the music makes it easy for someone to write a song.
SVM: When it comes to production, what are the weapons of choice do you use
to make your tracks?
Ray West: I use a very analog approach. I use an MPC 60, MPC 2000 & the MPC 1000. I also use a Moog and various other synths... Live drums and percussion.
Ray West: I use a very analog approach. I use an MPC 60, MPC 2000 & the MPC 1000. I also use a Moog and various other synths... Live drums and percussion.
SVM: Your production style has that jazzy but gritty NY sound which I love. What separates you from the other producers?
Ray West: I think over the years of just doing it for myself and not the "biz." I developed an approach where if I like it then it's good. I am not trying to fit in or be accepted. My music may not be for everyone but that's ok. I think that indifference helps me be an individual.
Ray West: I think over the years of just doing it for myself and not the "biz." I developed an approach where if I like it then it's good. I am not trying to fit in or be accepted. My music may not be for everyone but that's ok. I think that indifference helps me be an individual.
SVM: A producer’s input is a very important part to making a record. This separates the producer from a
“beatmaker.” Do you challenge the
artists you work with to be just as creative as you if not more?
Ray West: I think the challenge is there naturally, but I never try to push anyone in any direction. I like when everyone involved is being themselves and letting their guard down. Sometimes I may share what the track makes me think and feel.... Then the fuse is lit.
Ray West: I think the challenge is there naturally, but I never try to push anyone in any direction. I like when everyone involved is being themselves and letting their guard down. Sometimes I may share what the track makes me think and feel.... Then the fuse is lit.
Ray West & Dave Dar
SVM: Technology is always changing. Akai is always coming out with the latest equipment. There is a YouTube clip featuring DJ Premier showcasing the new MPC Studio. Also, there is an IMPC app for the IPAD. Did you get a chance to peep it?
Ray West: I saw some of that. I actually saw a clip of Marley Marl recreating Eric B Is President on the MPC studio...It's crazy.
SVM: Technology is always changing. Akai is always coming out with the latest equipment. There is a YouTube clip featuring DJ Premier showcasing the new MPC Studio. Also, there is an IMPC app for the IPAD. Did you get a chance to peep it?
Ray West: I saw some of that. I actually saw a clip of Marley Marl recreating Eric B Is President on the MPC studio...It's crazy.
SVM: What was the first hip hop record you have ever purchased?
Ray West: Roxanne by UTFO
Ray West: Roxanne by UTFO
SVM: Going to the record store just to dig for vinyl to search for that
perfect break no one has sampled can be fun and challenging. Have you ever come across a record you didn’t
care about and traded it with another producer within your camp?
Ray West: I don't think so.... I love records and I am a record junkie.haha
Ray West: I don't think so.... I love records and I am a record junkie.haha
SVM: R&B legends such as Curtis Mayfield, Barry White, Rick James,
Ronnie McNeir, Foster Sylvers just to name a few put a lot of feeling into
their music. Do you find yourself amazed
at how these greats were able to put together these timeless classics?
Ray West: For sure. I think it's amazing... Whenever I listen to 70s jazz records and classics like Curtis I just transcend to that era. It always makes me think of what it was like in those studio sessions. During the 70s there was no computer, Pro tools etc. It must have been an amazing process. A friend of mine the King of Chill gave me a tracked out pro tools Marvin Gaye session. He said try to mix this and make it sound as good as they did back then. It's amazing.
Ray West: For sure. I think it's amazing... Whenever I listen to 70s jazz records and classics like Curtis I just transcend to that era. It always makes me think of what it was like in those studio sessions. During the 70s there was no computer, Pro tools etc. It must have been an amazing process. A friend of mine the King of Chill gave me a tracked out pro tools Marvin Gaye session. He said try to mix this and make it sound as good as they did back then. It's amazing.
SVM: You just put me on to some history right there. There are some that believe hip-hop is a young man’s game. Quincy Jones was 48 years old when he
produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 1982 and no one said he was too “old” to
work with the King Of Pop. Why do you
think hip-hop has that stigma that this artform is only for the youth?
Ray West: I think hip hop is so progressive and in its essence it comes from the street. Slang and what's happening in the city streets is forever changing. As you get older a lot of us aren't outside in the street 24/7 anymore so you may lose something. But good music is always good music and real talent always prevails. I think as long as artists stays aware and makes music from there soul they can never be out dated. Maybe the radio won't play it but that's another story.
Ray West: I think hip hop is so progressive and in its essence it comes from the street. Slang and what's happening in the city streets is forever changing. As you get older a lot of us aren't outside in the street 24/7 anymore so you may lose something. But good music is always good music and real talent always prevails. I think as long as artists stays aware and makes music from there soul they can never be out dated. Maybe the radio won't play it but that's another story.
SVM: Artists usually have some funny stories to share when they are in the
studio or on the road. Do you have any
funny stories to share with us?
Ray West: It's always an adventure working with Kool Keith. He is so smart he is on another level. One day we were working and took a break to eat. We ordered food and my parents ate dinner with Kool Keith and he entertained them for like 2 hours. He had everyone hysterical and everyone learned something. He held court.
Ray West: It's always an adventure working with Kool Keith. He is so smart he is on another level. One day we were working and took a break to eat. We ordered food and my parents ate dinner with Kool Keith and he entertained them for like 2 hours. He had everyone hysterical and everyone learned something. He held court.
SVM: I spoke to Dave Dar a few weeks ago and
told him how impressed I was with the song you and AG did called “These Rappers
Under The Hex” The both of you compliment each other and you have great
chemistry. What is it like working with Andre The Giant?
Ray West: AG is to me the greatest artist I have had the chance to work with. He is real intelligent and his lyrics have hidden messages. He is able to do anything and is so timeless. He is a great business man at the same time and has guided our label red apples 45 to great places.
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Ray West: AG is to me the greatest artist I have had the chance to work with. He is real intelligent and his lyrics have hidden messages. He is able to do anything and is so timeless. He is a great business man at the same time and has guided our label red apples 45 to great places.
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SVM: Was Dave very instrumental in the mixing and engineering side of LUV
NY?
Ray West: Yes. 100%. Not only did Dave mix the record, he is like a consultant. He has a great ear for music.
Ray West: Yes. 100%. Not only did Dave mix the record, he is like a consultant. He has a great ear for music.
SVM: Is there a chance the fans will
hear another LUV NY project in the future?
If so, will there be any new additions to the album?
Ray West: We started one but we are moving slow on it. We got Diamond D, A Bless & Lord Tariq so far. Besides the original cast of course.
Ray West: We started one but we are moving slow on it. We got Diamond D, A Bless & Lord Tariq so far. Besides the original cast of course.
SVM: Red Apples 45 is a label you and A.G have created. Will there be new projects coming out through
Red Apples?
A.G & RAY WEST
Ray West: We have some great stuff coming....I am finishing up an LP with OC, we have vinyl coming real soon with BLU , the D FLOW LP and an album with AG & John Robinson. Also I am working on some projects with our artist/Mc Abdul Jabar who has been a part of my music since day one.
Ray West: We have some great stuff coming....I am finishing up an LP with OC, we have vinyl coming real soon with BLU , the D FLOW LP and an album with AG & John Robinson. Also I am working on some projects with our artist/Mc Abdul Jabar who has been a part of my music since day one.
SVM: You are giving your fans some exciting news. I know this maybe a stretch but are there any plans to hear you
produce a D.I.T.C track in the future?
Ray West: Show & AG are doing amazing things with D.I.T.C and I have been privileged to witness some of it from the inside. SHOWBIZ asked for a track for there upcoming release and to me that's a true honor. Being from the BX you know how I feel about D.I.T.C.
Ray West: Show & AG are doing amazing things with D.I.T.C and I have been privileged to witness some of it from the inside. SHOWBIZ asked for a track for there upcoming release and to me that's a true honor. Being from the BX you know how I feel about D.I.T.C.
SVM: I am pretty sure you have unsigned artists who are interested in recording
with your sound. What would it take for
an unsigned artist to work with you?
Ray West: I like working with someone who is passionate about their craft so all I ever look for is a positive vibe & a true love for music.
Ray West: I like working with someone who is passionate about their craft so all I ever look for is a positive vibe & a true love for music.
SVM: Any plans to put out an instrumental album?
Ray West: I have thought about it...One day
Ray West: I have thought about it...One day
SVM: LUV NY has definitely helped you put your name on the map. The name Ray West is a brand within itself
that the industry should take seriously. Who would you like to work with that you
respect as an artist?
Ray West: Strong Arm Steady, Mos Def and KRS-1... To me KRS-1 would be the top.
Ray West: Strong Arm Steady, Mos Def and KRS-1... To me KRS-1 would be the top.
SVM: Before we wrap up this interview.
I would like for you to participate in a word association game. If you
can describe in one or two words the artists you have worked with. What would
it be?
Roc Marciano?
Ray West: Sushi
Ray West: Sushi
SVM: A.G?
Ray West: Berriiii !!!!
Ray West: Berriiii !!!!
SVM: Bamboo Bros (Kurious & Dave Dar)?
Ray West: Mercedes Benz
Ray West: Mercedes Benz
SVM: O.C?
Ray West: Straight Pro
Ray West: Straight Pro
SVM: Kool Keith?
Ray West: Chocolate Shake
Ray West: Chocolate Shake
SVM: Thanks for taking the time to conduct this interview with me. Is there anything else you would like to share
with your fans and how can they connect with you?
Ray West: Thanks so much for reaching out to me for the interview. Thanks to everyone who has supported my music and our culture.
You can catch me at redapples45.com
Red apples45@twitter
Quality records made in the Bronx
Ray West: Thanks so much for reaching out to me for the interview. Thanks to everyone who has supported my music and our culture.
You can catch me at redapples45.com
Red apples45@twitter
Quality records made in the Bronx
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