CG: How did you guys hook up with Stalley?
CP: Stalley’s manager was cool with the guys that were handling G-Side’s PR in 2011. We were familiar with his work, saw his progression and mutually agreed that it would be a good idea to work together. They connected a few dots and he agreed to come down and work with us. From there the relationship naturally evolved.
CG: What was the direction of the production for “Honest Cowboy”?
CP: Stalley is a pretty calculated guy. He doesn’t follow industry rules and releases his music when he feels he has all of the pieces in place to convey the concept he has in mind. All of the songs except A-Wax were done in 2012. I think the general direction was one of maturity. Every line and every bar is critical to him. Overall, we just wanted to make music that mattered.
CG: Explain the whole controversy behind the “Swangin” track going to Stalley?
CP: G-side became a part of BCG later part of 2011 and I was later asked to become one of the VPs for the brand and handle the music end of things. So my job was to do whatever was best for the artists and the brand. The music we were making in NY was great, but it didn’t have the appeal that I knew “Swangin” had. I knew Stalley needed a single. I knew that song was a hit. Stalley is a car head and he expressed wanting something that fit that mold. For clarity, let’s step back six years when the song originally dropped. G-side didn’t have a budget in 2007 to clear any samples, do any sustainable marketing and, in fact, we didn’t shoot any videos or really do anything for the whole Starshipz and Rocketz album. The music kind of moved itself over time. Our small core at the time loved it, however, I wasn’t under any illusion that the song was a commercial success. It wasn’t anything emotional or malicious. I saw it as a great business opportunity to expose Stalley to radio and ultimately ourselves to the millions of people that recognize him through his association to MMG. It was also a chance to involve my team. A few people from the camp wrote on that and it was the perfect way to involve them in this incredible opportunity. Anything of the contrary is emotional in my opinion. Stalley ultimately won with that single. We did our job.
CG: A-Wax is a favorite from the mixtape. Was that track made specifically for Stalley or did he pick that track?
CP: Yes. We spent two weeks in June recording with him at Ross’ house. Stalley is a true MC and he likes the quintessential, East Coast “boom bap” that allows him to flex lyrically. Mali has that gift of updating that sound and giving elements to make it bounce. That was a custom production. He expressed what he wanted and we delivered.
CG: What other artists are you working with now or in the future?
CP: We’re definitely rocking hard with our artists and our city. We’ve expanded our influence overseas and we’re working with a few groups over there. We’ve submitted production throughout the industry. The game is competitive so we’re just focusing on staying current and better than our competitors and making great music.
CG: What artists would you like to work with in the future?
CP: My main focus is us right now. I’d love to work with anybody who feels our music fits what they want. Our ultimate goal is to get all of the Alabama rap legends on one project. I think we’ve connected the dots so things might get interesting soon.
CG: With the current conflict concerning Robin Thicke and the “Blurred lines” sample and artists popping up getting lawsuits from using uncleared samples, what are your thoughts on the use of samples and the future of sampling?
CP: I always say that sampling is a calculated risk. Usually the people being sampled just want to feel respected creatively and from a business perspective. The dynamics have changed since the 80’s and 90’s and the model is a bit more favorable to the producer if they choose due diligence and try to get it worked out. We were able to clear a lot of samples on ST 2 Lettaz’ The G.. The Growth and Development because we were aggressive, willing to compromise and found unique strategies to make it beneficial for both sides.
CG: What advice do you have for up and coming producers?
CP: If making music is your dream and passion, don’t let anyone take it from you. Do what makes you happy.
CG: Any last words or shout outs?
CP: Much love to the Slow Motion Soundz family.