Exclusive Interview with NJ's Hottest New Producer Jason "J-Dub" Whitley

(Jason "J-Dub" Whitley)

Firstly, give us some background info as it relates to you.

I'm from Asbury Park, NJ. I have been doing music for about 8 years strong. I started my own entertainment company Black Wizard Entertainment to help establish an avenue for up and coming New Jersey acts but right now I focus on my own production game. I have two beautiful kids Jameerah and Jason and they are the inspiration for why I work so hard on my music.

What type of equipment do you use in the production process?

I use my favorite, the MPC 2000XL. I also use other sound modules like the JV 1080, the XP 60, the Triton, ProTools 8.0, Reason and anything else I can get my hands on to make a hot beat.

What style of music do you focus on?

Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B. I love all three but my favorite is probably R&B but the weird thing is I do Hip-Hop the most.

What sets you apart from other aspiring producers?

I'm a complete chameleon of Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B. I would not say that I have one set style and that I'm pigeonholed into one genre or sounding generic. I really try to make a single everytime I make a track whether its R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop or anything else.

Off the dome, who would you say are your top 5 producers of all time?

1. Dr. Dre - He was the first West Coast producer that I listened to more than any East Coast producer at the time. 2. Just Blaze- He took sampling to another level and he's from Jersey lol 3. The Neptunes- Crazy versatility. They can create basically anything for any act.
4. Teddy Riley- This man basically started his own genre of music New Jack Swing. That says enough.
5. DJ Premier-He just killed the MPC. Everybody at one point or another got an MPC just because of him.

(Not in any specific order)

What artists are you working with? What artist/producers would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I'm currently working with local acts in my area. One is a gospel rapper. I've also done some R&B songs and I just gave a track to Lexx 9 Eleven. I would love to do a track with Red Cafe. I think his style of Hip-Hop would be a perfect blend for my tracks. On the R&B side probably Amerie or Cassie or Beyonce (who wouldn't want to work with Beyonce). On the Pop side, Lady Gaga or the Black Eyed Peas.

What is your approach to working with artists?

I consider myself a full producer. I like to come up with concepts with the artists to make great music. I particularly don't like to give out tracks just to give them out. I will do it but helping create something conceptually is my forte.

Do you have any publishing deal or are you self published?

Hopefully soon.

Who do you think will be primarily responsible for finding and breaking new artist in the future?

I think promoters, managers and showcases like Urban Threshold and Urban Buzz Factor will be able to create that extra push that artists and producers need to get to the next level because A&Rs can't be everywhere to find great talent.

What are your goals?

My goals first and foremost are to get a placement on a major record label album. My second goal is for it to be a single. My third goal is to have a hit record in 3 separate genres at the same time. Big goals but they will get accomplished.

Who or what are your influences?

My influences are the stories behind how people got started. In particular, Master P's success story always interests me and Kanye West and also 50 Cent. They all did it their way and stayed persistent. Most importantly, they never let anybody shatter their dream. Persistence is stronger than resistance.

What direction do you see Rap or R&B music taking in the future?

I see Rap and R&B music always changing. There's never a constant so you just have to adapt for the future and consistently keep doing what you do.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be and why?

I think feeling. People don't make music for feeling anymore and that's the reason why records were sold. Now anybody makes music just to try to sell records. Consumers are smarter than that. That's why people download albums. Because they are afraid of failure. Music is a creative tool for emotion. The sooner people realize that, more records will be sold again.

How can an artist get in contact with you?

First and foremost, my number. Call me at 908-433-3245 or my email jdub@blackwizardentertainment.com or you can contact me on Myspace.com/theSoundProfessor or pmpworldwide.com/the-black-wizards or talentscout.com or soundcloud.com Jason "J-Dub" Whitley http://www.pmpworldwide.com/the-black-wizards