Tone Spliff: Authentic

Another month and another new submission, this time I was fortunate enough to get a chance and interview Tone Spliff.  If you don't know already, Tone is from New York and is a producer who is making his mark in Hip Hop while working with some very prominent acts.  So here is your chance to read on Tone Spliff and make sure you check out that mixtape.

How long have you been involved in Hip Hop?

Since I was around the age of 15...started off 80's rock age 10-14....then got introduced to 2 Live Crew when I was 14 or 15

What are you currently listening to right now?

that new Rustee Juxx & Marco Polo "Exxecution" / Statik Selectah "100 Proof" / alot of old Gang Starr.

Who are your inspirations and why?

There are alot, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Large Pro, J Dilla, and many more.

Now I know you went from rapping to producing while also being a DJ, do you plan on getting back rapping full time ever again or doing it like Kanye?

I was a hit or miss MC...I liked 3 of my verses I've ever wrote....I find comfort and peace behind the scenes....so I won't be picking up a mic to rhyme anytime soon.

Tell us a little bit about the your mixtape, what can we expect?

Alot of tracks with that 90's hip hop feel to it....alot of guest appearances from artists Tizz, Krumbsnatcha, Copywrite, Murdoc, King Dom, Baby Blak, Apathy, Royce Da 5'9, Special Teamz (Edo G, Jaysaun, Slaine), Born Talent, King Magnetic, Rise, Irealz, Planet Asia, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Jukstapose, Chaundon, Braille, Wordsworth, Okwerdz, Skyzoo & Pace Won.

How long did it take for you to get this mixtape together?

Over a year & a half....with picking the artists, picking beats, mixing and mastering...it takes alot of hard work to organize a compilation.

What do you feel is the most difficult thing when collaborating on a track?

Its not to difficult...I'll send a beat to an artist & either give them a theme, or let them come up with something on their own...then I'll pass it to the next artist and they follow topic.

Now as a fellow producer I know we all use different equipment to get our tracks done, I personally use Reason & FL Studio.  What is the equipment involved to make a Tone Spliff track?

It depends...I have alot of beats...I have beats I made with a MPC2000xl...I have beats I made with Technic CDJ's....I have beats I made with my new MPC500.....and I have 2 Technic 1200's for sampling vinyl. I use Sony Acid to map out the tracks....then I have it mastered at Rock Wit Us Records or J.A. Castle Recording Studios...both located in Utica NY

What are some future projects we can expect from Tone Spliff?

I am currently working on my new compilation...and its sounding AMAZING....lots more features...so far I announced (Craig G, Emilio Rojas, Blacastan, Chaundon, Termanology, El Da Sensei, Phil the Agony, C Rayz Walz, A.G., Eternia, Rasco, Irealz, Copywrite & Fresh Daily)....so keep a eye out for that.

One thing I respect is the work you put in, I read that you are working a 9-5 and still finding time to get your music done.  How do you find time to DJ, and keep Producing at such a high level?

Its real rough....but I love hip hop music....so I work on music on my off days...I wish I could work full time on music though.

Thanks for your time, Any words for the readers?

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for a real dope compilation in the works!!! Im currently running a contest for artists to get on it...check my page tonespliff.comfor details.

www.tonespliff.com

 

www.twitter.com/tonespliff

 

www.authentichiphop.ning.com/

 

HERE IS A LINK FOR AUTHENTIC DIGITAL DOWNLOAD VIA PAYPAL/CREDIT CARD
Tone Spliff: Authentic (Mixtape Link)

 

Here are some YouTube links:

Krumbsnatcha "Do It For You" b/w Born Talent "Respect is Due" Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av2hhRrfH-E

 

Irealz ft Copywrite & Mage9 "Step By Step" produced by Al Tarba w/
Cuts by Tone Spliff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URGlOaigutU

 

Just Blaze vs Alchemist?!?!?!?!?!?

Ok I was on 2dopeboyz today and I saw this video which I really wanted to share because it was off the chain.  In this battle of producers Just Blaze and Alchemist go up against each other, and regardless of who people thought was the winner the performance was amazing.  I don't think they were battling hardcore but just showing us there art.  Oh yeah thanks 2dope for finding this, hot stuff.

Part 1



Part 2

Soulja Boy & Kanye West

Sounds like an unlikely pair but according to this article both men are producing for each other. Soulja Boy has stated that he is working on some tracks for Kanye West and Kanye is working on tracks for him. Those of you who hate Soulja Boy must be hating the respect he has received from many in Hip Hop. Along with Kanye, 50 Cent has shown Soulja Boy support on numerous occasions. I guess real recognize real...

Kanye West, Soulja Boy To Produce For Each Other's Albums | Hip Hop News > HipHopDX.com

The Neptunes Come back?

Lol I didn't know they went anywhere, but I guess they did. In this interview Pharrell speaks on the new project by the Neptunes, and gives a little info on a track with Camron. I can't wait to hear this new level of beats cooked up by these guys, they always got something different.

Pharrell Talks About The Neptunes Comeback | The Neptunes | Rap Basement

Eminem In The Studio

This video is from 2006 because the song you can tell is "Jimmy Crack Corn" from Re-Up. Eminem just doing his thing in the studio, and it's fun watching him in action. He is having fun chillin tryin to write to this track, which in my opinion turned out to be pretty sick.

FL Studio: Gated Synth Pad (Timbaland Style)

I was looking for content to post up for Sunday but couldn't fine much so I decided to post this video for those FL Studio users. If you don't know FL Studio is a music program which allows you to make beats. The range on what can be made is vast in this program, and users make nearly anything they want. In this video the person gives you a tutorial of how to make the synth gated. For example a gated synth is basically the main sound in the song "Way I Are" by Timbaland. Check out this video it is pretty cool how they do it.

Here is the link because the video was too big to post (it went off the border for my posts).

Youtube

J.R. Rotem Studio Interview

J.R. Rotem talkin bout Sean Kingston before he hooked Kingston up with some hotness. J.R. got some fire beats, I hope he gets more positive exposure in the music industry.

9th Wonder On FL Studio

I have seen this on youtube a few times, but I just wanted to share it here. 9th Wonder talking about what he uses for the heat he creates.

Lil Jon On A Beat

Ok so I'm not really feelin this beat but it's still fun to see producers in work. Here is Lil Jon workin on a quick beat, which to me sounds like a lot of his other stuff. I do give Jon credit for bringing in the synths and crunk into Hip Hop, hopefully he can find some more innovative things to add to our music.

Mannie Fresh In Da Studio

If you haven't seen this here is the great southern producer Mannie Fresh on the boards. Simple beat but good info about his Cash Money situation. I can't wait for the Hot Boys reunion album.

Classic Jay-Z & Timbaland

This video is old but man it gets me hyped up everytime. Jigga in the studio with Timbo goin through tracks for his Black Album. We all know what came out, but I still have fun watchin this.

Play N Skillz - Established

I don't know if you have heard of them or not, but two brothers from Dallas, Tx are getting more and more buzz on the production side of things. Already nominated for a few Grammy's these guys have produced tracks for Lil Wayne, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, and are working on projects for many other artists. I just wanted to let people know that D Town is in the building and hopefully they get bigger on the mainstream level.

Article: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605680/20090223/lil_wayne.jhtml

Sha Money XL One Stop Shop

For a few years Sha Money XL has held an event for producers, fans, and others to meet up for many Hip Hop related things. This year Sha Money will be setting up the conference based on what fans want which is always a good look. In this article there is also mention on him developing a new production crew like the hitmen, some talk on the 50 cent, DJ Premier collabo, and other tidbits going on with the former G-Unit manager.

Link: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8566/title.sha-money-xl-talks-one-stop-conference-50-cent-dj-premier