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Interview with Prodig-E

 

Prodig-E is an up and coming producer from Cleveland, Ohio. He’s been making beats for awhile now and in the process has made a name for himself. Prodig-E has a very unique sound and is just looking to build his wave up enough to crash the shore! Check out our interview with him below!

Yo Prodig-E wuts good bro how you livin’?!

I’m doing alright fam. Just out here living and staying blessed man.

Where did you get the name Prodig-E…even though its spelled different do you ever catch flack for having the same stage name as Prodigy from Mobb Deep?!
The name Prodig-E was moniker that actually my sister came up with. It all started around when 14 or 15 and sister wanted to start creating music. She had got a copy of Fruity Loops. I started messing around with it at the time. Like after a month with it, I started to create my own sound. She was so impressed that she said that I could end up being the Mozart of production. Mozart was a child prodigy and so the name stuck. She added her own twist seeing that me and both of my sisters’ names start with the letter E, changed it from Prodigy to Prodig-E to give it individuality. I don’t really get flack that I probably should get for having the same stage name as an established artist such as Prodigy from Mobb Deep but I have much respect for him and he’s one of the innovators of hip-hop no doubt.
Theres also a Prodigy in the group ‘Mindless Behavior’ too right? lol
Yeah, there’s a Prodigy in Mindless Behavior too. Much respect to him as well. Young cat doing his thing man. Can’t take anything away from that.
So how long have you been producing and what got you into the world of production?
I was messing around of Fruity Loops at 14. I didn’t start doing producing foreal until I was 16. So about 7 years.
Do you remember what your first beat was?!
The wackest beat in history. Compared to the stuff I do now; no comparison. But everybody isn’t going to be Michael Jordan when they first hit the court obviously. Hard work and dedication is what got me to this point. Practice makes perfect.
What softwares/hardwares do you currently use to produce?
I use mostly FL Studio. I know most of the industry is flooded with producers who use it but it’s simple to use. And it’s not about what you use, it’s how you use it. I heard some wack tracks done in Pro Tools and I heard some bangers in FL Studio. You just gotta know your tools and do your research.
What has been your favorite beat that you have made?!
Hellova Nyt. I remember the day we started to make the track. I was at MLH, and I was looking for a Neptune feel to the track. So I started playing some sevenths chords on the piano. They worked and just stuck with them. Then I added the spiccato strings and the rest was history man. I have to say that, that track right there is the best song not heard by the public right now. I honestly wholeheartedly believe that.
Who would you say has made the best song to one of your beats and what is the song title?
I’d have to Randi Renee and Casper giving life to the track I produced called “Body.” I took the famous Jodeci “Freek ‘N You” track and sampled it for a new generation. I could honestly say that was one of my favorite and more memorable track.
Whose the biggest name to rap over one of your beats?
As far as right now, I’ve only worked with local BG (Bowling Green, Ohio) artist. This summer I’m teaming up with another musician to form a super production team called “The Office.” We are going to be reaching out to Cleveland artists this summer.
Your originally from Cleveland…are you a fan of the sports teams out there?
I’m a huge football fan. And an even bigger one of the Cleveland Browns. I also follow the Cavaliers and the Indians.
Where are you from in the 216?
Warrensville, the Island
How do you feel about the music scene in Cleveland?
Cleveland’s music scene is growing believe it or not. It’s a lot of talent just waiting for their chance to be heard. I think the resurgence of Cudi and King Chip mixed with new blood in MGK and Ray Jr. has opened the the country’s eyes to that city in the Midwest, that was only known because we caught a river on fire. We had Bone Thugs & Harmony but we can lay our hat on a few more artist now.
You went to school at Bowling Green State University…how was that experience for you?
BG is the place where I came in as a 18 year old boy and came out as a 22 year old man. It showed me on a level what the real world had to offer. Looking back at it, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I originally was set on going to Indiana University. Financial reasons held that decision back. But looking back on it, I don’t regret the path that was laid before me. God is good and I can never take that away from him.
Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I’m thinking working with Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick. 10 years? Probably having my hand in something else besides music. Always gotta think innovative man.
Has anyone ever told you that you resemble Wood Harris?! lol
Let’s see haha. Over the years, I’ve gotten 50 cent, Mos Def, Chamillionaire, Wood Harris and Tyler, The Creator.
Who is your favorite producer and why?
My favorite producer is me. Not to sound vain but you have to value yourself and your craft and I feel like even though there is always going to be somebody better at what you do, nobody can do you better than yourself.
Who are your top 5 producers in the industry?
5. T-Minus 4. RedOne 3. Sounwave 2. Kanye 1. Pharrell
Where can fans/readers/artists find your work?!
You can hear my beats on http://soundcloud.com/prodigefhmg. You can hear the rest of my work on http://freshheirmusic.com
Anything else you wanna add boss man?!
Thanks for the interview man. It’s been a humbling experience. Good luck the rest of the way and to everybody reading, don’t give up on your dreams.