Producer Spotlight: Ski Beatz

Probably best known for his work on the timeless classic, Reasonable Doubt, Ski has remained a fan favourite when it comes to production in hip hop. When his name is mentioned, ears are raised and interest peaks. His remarkable intuition for “great sound” is amongst some of the best ever in hip hop because that’s what he has simply done since the days of Original Flavour; make great sounding music. Once known as “MC Will-Ski,” the now known as Ski (or Ski Beatz) has become known for his affiliation with Sporty Thievz and more so, his classic production for Camp Lo‘s Uptown Saturday Night. We got to chat with Ski and snap out a quick interview (Thanks Jonathan!). We touched on a variety of topics from Jigga’s work ethic circa Reasonable Doubt and even some unreleased tracks, Camp Lo’s most recent (and classic) stuff including a Back Uptown album (Uptown Saturday Night throwback sound), Blueprint 3 news, New York’s hip hop state, his relationship with Clark Kent, the Sporty Theivz, and a possible Ski/Mos Def track in the works? Plenty of goodies after the cut.

To start things off, we’ll kind of get to your most known work with Jay-z on Reasonable Doubt. Are there any unreleased Jay-Z songs from the Reasonable Doubt sessions that you never put out?

SB: Yeah man, we did tons of stuff that didn’t make it on the album. I wish I still had them songs. We most of that earlier stuff on adats.

Is Jay-z really something special in the studio? All of the stories we hear about him rhyming on the spot, are they true? Any interesting stories about that whole album process that you might want to share?

SB: Jay is amazing in the studio, magic happens every time he’s in the booth. Man I got so many studio stories I don’t nowhere to begin. The most memorable story was Jay and Biggie at D&D studios Jay in one room Biggie in the other just being around those two at that time was legendary.

Did you like “Dead Presidents part 3″? Were you approached to help out with it?

SB: It was cool, but no, I was not approached for that one.

Your whole competition with Clark Kent was well documented for the “Politics as Usual” beat. Did you have a good relationship with him even before and during the Original Flavor days? What other producers back then and even know did you have a good relationship with?

SB: Yeah me and Clark go back before O[riginal]Flav[or]. I was in a North Carolina based group call the “Bizzie Boyz” and we use to open up for a lot of the bigger name acts that came in to town. That’s how I met Clark. I was cool with all the producer back then Primo, Lord Finesse, Beatminerz, Mark Spark, Fanatic, Buckwild, Show Biz, Donald D, Pete Rock, everybody

Moving away from Hova and RD for a bit, but we’ll come back to him later, are you interested in grooming and mentoring new and upcoming producers? Especially since this site is littered with production talent, I’m sure cats would love to know, but I mean, time for that is a hard thing to give up, no?

SB: I’m always willing to help people in general. I mean someone took the time to help me so its only right to help others producers who are on the come up.

The reason why I ask this is because of this dedication one had to another back in the day. In hip-hop today, the idea of a rapper doing an album with only 1 or 2 producers is the exception, rather than the norm. Back in the 80s and 90s, the reverse was true. Do you think it’s better to have 1 or 2 producers on an album, or 7 or 8 like what’s being done today?

SB: Definitely 1 or 2. Thats what gives a classic LP that sound that most LPs are missing today.

You’ve obviously had this type of relationship with Camp Lo. How did that develop and how have you guys maintained such a tight bond lately?

SB: Camp lo are my brothers before anything. Before music I have real love for them dudes. That bond can never be broken. We fam

It seems like their latest work is getting a lot negative feedback, seems like everyone is wanting another Uptown Saturday Night. If that’s the case, why not go back to that style? I mean, that album is considered one of the best produced albums done, why is there such a divergence in this new territory?

SB: Funny you say that, we are actually about to work on a LP now in titled Back Uptown. We are using our original formula.

Sweet, I guess another interesting thing to do would be to compare and contrast the Reasonable Doubt sessions and the Uptown Saturday Night sessions. What stands out from those sessions? How do they compare to your sessions in the post 2000-era of hip hop?

SB: Well the Reasonable Doubt sessions were dope. Being around Dame and Jay was definitely a learning experience. But I felt more connected with the Camp lo sessions because that was our vision. Man, today’s sessions you might not even get to meet the artist you are working with. There’s no connection and you can hear it in the music.

Another group that you worked quite frequently with, the Sporty Thievz, were quite popular at one point. Marlon died and that obviously put a halt on things. However, what’s the future of the group? They’d have a field day with a song like “Single Ladies” don’t you think?

SB: Sporty was hot lyrical cats from Yonkers that kept it 100% when it came to the ladies [laughs]

Do you think in 2009, ST would be as relevant as they once were? What’s your opinion on the state of New York hip hop in 2009? What does it need, what does it lack, what has it gained?

SB: I think The Thieves would have been very relevant now. King Kirk and Dubs had so many ideas they were way ahead of their time. New York just needs to be Original again that’s all and stop worrying about what sells and just make music from the heart

Is there a producer or production team today that reminds you a little bit of yourself? Or is there a producer or team that you’re really digging right now?

SB: Kanye and Just Blaze remind me of myself. I hear the influence that 90s hip hop had on them two.

Is there a particular emcee out right now that you would love to make an album with? A guy like Mos Def, Eminem, or even a Crooked I would surely fit your mold perfectly.

SB: Just gave Mos Def a beat last week that he loved…I want to do a track for Drake!

Would you even consider working with Hova again? Blueprint 3 featuring Ski? Any juicy details on that whole project or are you out of the loop?

SB: Sadly I’m out of the loop but I’m sure its going to be crazy!

Did you and Jay ever have problems?

SB: Nah Jay’s cool with me; no problems.

Well, hopefully we hear some more Jigga and Ski music, because when most of us heard the poetry you guys made, it made people fall in love with hip hop for the first time or all over again. That’s like, a superpower. Sometimes its hard to realize the effect a producer and emcee can have on a person’s love for something, but you helped do this to many. That’s big, don’t you think!?

SB: I guess it is. It feels different, of course, when you’re the one rapping or producing the music. It’s just something you do. When people tell me that I’m a legend and stuff like that, it feels weird because I can’t feel what they are feeling. It’s just me but I’m very thankful for the people that we did touch in that way..

As a site such as ourselves, where we publish sample sets from albums, we get a 50/50 reaction from everyone. Some say we are hurting hip hop, some say we are helping it; some say good music is good music, etc. What’s your stance on it? Would you be offended if your samples were published?

SB: Not at all people should know where this great music is coming from..

Ski, we appreciate your time and everything you have given to hip hop. Hopefully we can stay in touch and have you involved with the site in some ways when you aren’t so busy. Any last words? Any upcoming projects?

SB: Just be on the look out for a lot of Ski Beatz!!! And Thank you for you time homie.