Rahki {Interview}

 You’ve heard his beats and you’ve heard his music. Rahki is a multiplatinum producer who has worked with the likes of Dj Khalil, The Game, Eminem, and more, yes, the list goes on!  A matter of fact, you know that fresh new album Kendrick Lamar just dropped? Check out “Black Boy Fly” on the Deluxe copy- that’s right co-produced by yours truly, Rahki. His beats are on point, just like his swag, he is down to earth, and exudes an overwhelming passion for his music. GroundSounds got the chance to cut it up with Rahki himself dig the interview below! 

GroundSounds: Rahki, what’s happenin’ big dawg?!
Just living life out here in sunny LA!

GroundSounds: DJ Khalil was your mentor…how did you get linked up with him?
Through a couple of mutual friends Uncle Pauly & Terry Smith. Before I moved to LA, I used to make frequent trips passing along beat CD’s to A&R’s, labels, and people connected to the industry. Dj Khalil liked one of the beat CD’s, so we exchanged contacts and just kept in touch for years. I eventually did an internship with him, and after showing him new beats I made after the internship I impressed him. He said he wanted me to be a part of the team and signed me as a producer under him.

GroundSounds: How long have you been producing?
I’ve been making beats for over 10 years, but this has been my profession for about 5 years.

GroundSounds: What inspired you to start producing?
Music has always been a big part of my life: in band, jazz band, drumline, playing drums in church, etc. I was even employed by my school in 6th grade to teach other students drums after school lol. And really just hearing all the sounds producers would use in music had me very intrigued as to how they made all the sounds. For awhile I didn’t know producers sampled. I thought everybody composed every part of a song, which made me work harder at coming up with my own compositions on the piano.

GroundSounds: You’re also a drummer…how does that compare to producing for you?!
Two different worlds. When drumming I’m focused on keeping the beat, when producing I have to think about every element of the record.

GroundSounds: You have worked with many artists from likes of Eminem, 50 Cent, Curren$y, Styles P, Kendrick Lamar, etc. …Do you have a favorite artist that you have worked with? How about a favorite project that you have worked on?
I would have to say Kendrick Lamar. Dude’s creative and willing to listen to the producer. I saw the record we did all the way through–from beginning to the last mixing session. He listened, and we worked together to make the best possible record. I’m pretty sure he did that with all the producers. Communication is everything when it comes to making music with an artist. When I worked on Evidence’s “Cats & Dogs” record, he definitely voiced his opinion and let me voice mine to make two great records for his album.

GroundSounds: What is your favorite song that you have produced and why?!
 I’ve learned so much with each record I’ve been a part of that it’s hard to pick just one.

GroundSounds: Are there any artists that you would like to work with that you haven’t yet?
 I definitely rocked with Wale’s “Ambition” album. I would like to work with him, Lupe before he retires, Frank Ocean, and Elle Varner to name a few.

GroundSounds: Has working with a certain artist ever changed your feelings towards them?! If so, who?!?
Yeh when DJ Khalil and I worked on GAME’S album we were in the studio with him a lot. His work ethic and dude’s ability to talk to other artists through the record while they recorded was something I hadn’t seen a rapper do before. He was taking the role of a producer and doing more than just being a rapper.

GroundSounds: Has anyone ever told you that you kind of resemble Lyfe Jennings?! lol
Haha I just told my little brother that the other day. If you think I do, look at a picture of him! lol!!!

GroundSounds: Who is your favorite producer other than DJ Khalil?!
I don’t have favorites I like producers that make good music, I’m inspired by it all.

GroundSounds: What is your most memorable moment while being in the entertainment industry?
My most memorable moment was being a part of Eminem’s “Recovery” album and him winning a grammy for best hiphop album. I never thought about having Grammy plaques on my studio wall, never crossed my mind. But when it happened and I saw how proud my friends and family were, I knew it was a part of history. I needed to soak up that moment.

GroundSounds: What’s your next move yo?! What are you currently working on?…I know its probably a lot lol…
My next move is just getting more album placements. I’ve also been doing some TV work, commercials etc. I have a couple of albums coming out in the upcoming months–two tracks on Talib Kweli’s POC album and others I can’t talk about lol.

GroundSounds: What goals/plans do you envision for your future?
Just building a strong team of writers, musicians, and engineers…and making the best music I have ever made!

GroundSounds: What advice would you give to up and coming producers trying to establish themselves in the game?
Stay creative my friends…