J-Rell

About three months ago I received an email requesting my presence at the Red Bull Big Tune Beat competition, a tour that pits producers in head-to-head beat battles. I've been to functions like this before, but I wasn't sure what to expect considering this one was sponsored by Red Bull, which, as a brand, seems to have its finger on the pulse of the underground hip-hop scene. Walking toward the entrance of the Metro, I noticed a mammoth black SUV with the Red Bull logo splattered on the side. Inside the beast a DJ was spinning and in the trunk was an Xbox 360 available to pretty much anyone wanting to play. It was obvious that a lot of money went into this event. Could these producers measure up?

There were some notable names among the 12 competitors, including last year's winner, Tall Black Guy. As the competition progressed, though, it was clear some belonged there while others didn't; it was also clear that the producer who stood head-and-shoulders above the rest was Chicago's own J-Rell. The ease with which Rell dismantled the competition was noteworthy in itself, but what really impressed me was his humble, matter-of-fact demeanor. It's clear that regardless of who he's "competing" against, ultimately he makes beats for himself.

In the end, J-Rell edged out J-Mac of North Carolina, and the affluent crowd there knew they had just witnessed an important moment. Since the competition, Rell's name has been floating around some deep circles and big projects seem to be on the horizon. Centerstage recently caught up with him to see how he got started in producing and how winning the competition changed his life.

What was it about hip-hop that spoke to you?
Two words: no restrictions. To me, hip-hop is a culture that many misinterpreted as a bad culture to be part of. In the world of hip-hop you can turn nothing to something, from something to a much greater height of discovery. I first got into hip-hop around the age of ten. First group I ever heard of was Wu-Tang Clan through a relative. As time flew by I started listening to artists from mainstream to underground to unsigned hype. Overall I just love everything about it from the music, fashion and the creativity behind it.

How did you get interested in production?
I started off DJing at the age of twelve. The mentor who played a huge part in why I do both DJing & producing is Boolumaster. He's a well respected DJ in the city and I was the lucky kid who received the pair of turntables from him on Christmas day. It was also on his MPC 2000 beat machine where I had my first taste of making beats. I didn't start getting more into it until I received my first computer on which I downloaded a version of Hip Hop EJ. The program was loop only and you can only use the sounds built in it. As years progressed I was able to buy more equipment and software to help mold my sound.

Who are some of your influences inside and outside of hip-hop?
I'll have to say inside the genre will be producers such as J.Dilla, Kanye West, Focus, Nottz and Rza. Outside the genre I'll have to say the veterans such as Gamble & Huff, Quincy Jones and also Daft Punk. Doing your research on producers before you can really help your style in a good way.

As a producer you're the architect. What's your philosophy going into it?
Making whatever feels and sounds good to you. A lot of "beat-makers" go out of their way to just make what seems right for the radio or playing it safe. Not realizing that they are just a clone of the original creator of that particular sound at that moment. Hence why a lot of songs out now sound the same. When I approach a beat I go through my checklist. Is it creative but not over the top to where it'll be hard for the artist to express their creativity over it? Above all else, do I like it? I'm my own worst critic and won't save a beat unless I feel like I can play it twenty times that day and enjoy it every time.

Do you have a different approach if you're producing for an MC?
Not really. What normally happens is I'll know beforehand what that particular artist likes. I'll play or send a few beats that I can hear he/she over, give them my idea as far as a song subject matter and we'll build from there.

Are you working with any MCs right now?
Yes. To be honest ever since the Red Bull Beat Battle, the demand has definitely increased. I'm currently working with artists such as Enigma, Prallem, Dave Pracyse, YP, 3tre, Esohel and a list of others. I'm focused on making the best music possible with those that appreciate art.

Tell me about the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle?
It's a head-to-head producer battle that was held here in Chicago. Out of around 220 submissions, twelve producers were chosen. Each producer played two beats and the crowd made the ultimate decision on who stayed and who went home. I was blessed to be - Centerstage Chicago

About three months ago I received an email requesting my presence at the Red Bull Big Tune Beat competition, a tour that pits producers in head-to-head beat battles. I've been to functions like this before, but I wasn't sure what to expect considering this one was sponsored by Red Bull, which, as a brand, seems to have its finger on the pulse of the underground hip-hop scene. Walking toward the entrance of the Metro, I noticed a mammoth black SUV with the Red Bull logo splattered on the side. Inside the beast a DJ was spinning and in the trunk was an Xbox 360 available to pretty much anyone wanting to play. It was obvious that a lot of money went into this event. Could these producers measure up?

There were some notable names among the 12 competitors, including last year's winner, Tall Black Guy. As the competition progressed, though, it was clear some belonged there while others didn't; it was also clear that the producer who stood head-and-shoulders above the rest was Chicago's own J-Rell. The ease with which Rell dismantled the competition was noteworthy in itself, but what really impressed me was his humble, matter-of-fact demeanor. It's clear that regardless of who he's "competing" against, ultimately he makes beats for himself.

In the end, J-Rell edged out J-Mac of North Carolina, and the affluent crowd there knew they had just witnessed an important moment. Since the competition, Rell's name has been floating around some deep circles and big projects seem to be on the horizon. Centerstage recently caught up with him to see how he got started in producing and how winning the competition changed his life.

What was it about hip-hop that spoke to you?
Two words: no restrictions. To me, hip-hop is a culture that many misinterpreted as a bad culture to be part of. In the world of hip-hop you can turn nothing to something, from something to a much greater height of discovery. I first got into hip-hop around the age of ten. First group I ever heard of was Wu-Tang Clan through a relative. As time flew by I started listening to artists from mainstream to underground to unsigned hype. Overall I just love everything about it from the music, fashion and the creativity behind it.

How did you get interested in production?
I started off DJing at the age of twelve. The mentor who played a huge part in why I do both DJing & producing is Boolumaster. He's a well respected DJ in the city and I was the lucky kid who received the pair of turntables from him on Christmas day. It was also on his MPC 2000 beat machine where I had my first taste of making beats. I didn't start getting more into it until I received my first computer on which I downloaded a version of Hip Hop EJ. The program was loop only and you can only use the sounds built in it. As years progressed I was able to buy more equipment and software to help mold my sound.

Who are some of your influences inside and outside of hip-hop?
I'll have to say inside the genre will be producers such as J.Dilla, Kanye West, Focus, Nottz and Rza. Outside the genre I'll have to say the veterans such as Gamble & Huff, Quincy Jones and also Daft Punk. Doing your research on producers before you can really help your style in a good way.

As a producer you're the architect. What's your philosophy going into it?
Making whatever feels and sounds good to you. A lot of "beat-makers" go out of their way to just make what seems right for the radio or playing it safe. Not realizing that they are just a clone of the original creator of that particular sound at that moment. Hence why a lot of songs out now sound the same. When I approach a beat I go through my checklist. Is it creative but not over the top to where it'll be hard for the artist to express their creativity over it? Above all else, do I like it? I'm my own worst critic and won't save a beat unless I feel like I can play it twenty times that day and enjoy it every time.

Do you have a different approach if you're producing for an MC?
Not really. What normally happens is I'll know beforehand what that particular artist likes. I'll play or send a few beats that I can hear he/she over, give them my idea as far as a song subject matter and we'll build from there.

Are you working with any MCs right now?
Yes. To be honest ever since the Red Bull Beat Battle, the demand has definitely increased. I'm currently working with artists such as Enigma, Prallem, Dave Pracyse, YP, 3tre, Esohel and a list of others. I'm focused on making the best music possible with those that appreciate art.

Tell me about the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle?
It's a head-to-head producer battle that was held here in Chicago. Out of around 220 submissions, twelve producers were chosen. Each producer played two beats and the crowd made the ultimate decision on who stayed and who went home. I was blessed to be - Centerstage Chicago

Directed by the super talented Brandon Riley

Here’s a birds eye view into the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle that went down in Chicago a few weeks ago. Congrats are in order to J-Rell, who took home the trophy.

In this recap, lookout for appearances from Little Brother, Just Blaze, Rob Bates, Nascent and others. Also, you’ll get to view the final round between J-Rell and J-Mac. Where my J’s at? - Fake Shore Drive

Directed by the super talented Brandon Riley

Here’s a birds eye view into the Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle that went down in Chicago a few weeks ago. Congrats are in order to J-Rell, who took home the trophy.

In this recap, lookout for appearances from Little Brother, Just Blaze, Rob Bates, Nascent and others. Also, you’ll get to view the final round between J-Rell and J-Mac. Where my J’s at? - Fake Shore Drive

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM FOR CHICAGO PRODUCER J-RELL

The Metro was bursting at the seams tonight when more than 1,000 people crowdedthe floor to root for their favorite producer at Red Bull Big Tune Chicago. In traditional dancehall fashion, the winner of each battle was decided by the audience and moved on to the next level in the bracketed competition. Although many East Coast producers took to the stage, it was once again a Chicagoan, J-Rell, who took home the title of Red Bull Big Tune Beat Master. J-Rell will represent the Windy City in the national championship
in Atlanta this fall.


“It felt good. I finally made it,” said J-Rell who after three years competing finally finished first. “It was really nerve racking with people like Little Brother and Just Blaze watching you, but the crowd really responded. Ya know, you just got it, and you couldn’t wish for more.”


Featured performer Little Brother brought the house down when they performed one of their original tracks from 2003, but it was hip hop producer Just Blaze that couldn’t leave the stage once he heard the crowd’s roar. Mixing the old with the new, this Seattle celebrity’s original and legendary beats served as inspiration for the competing producers.


An important element of the Red Bull Big Tune program includes educating the next generation of music producers. Event creators Vitamin D, Jake One, and Jonathan Moore hosted a music workshop for a group of young musicians from the organization Dime Child Foundation. Seventy-five kids came out to meet the Red Bull Big Tune producers and even created their own track. The crew demonstrated the art of creating beats, the important role past musicians have played in shaping today’s music and discussed tips for navigating the music industry.


About Red Bull Big Tune
Red Bull Big Tune is the passionate vision and venture of DJ/producer/emcee—Vitamin D and Hip Hop visionary/event producer –Jonathan Moore, which began in 2004 with the purpose of bringing emerging and established talent to the forefront. After three years of hosting thriving local battles in Seattle, they forged a creative partnership with Red Bull. The event evolved beyond a beat battle into what it is today… a dynamic national producer program.


The next stop on the Red Bull Big Tune tour is Seattle; where twelve more participants will take the stage on to find out who might have the next big tune.


Other regional battles will be hosted in Long Beach, Minneapolis, Detroit and Houston. The top two producers from each city will square-off at the Red Bull Big Tune National Championship in Atlanta, GA.


The winner of the National Championship will receive an opportunity to collaborate with a recording artist of his/her choice in the prestigious Red Bull Recording Studios in Santa Monica, CA. Last year’s Red Bull Big Tune National Champion, local Chicago producer C-Sick, recorded a recently released track with Nas.


Red Bull Big Tune made its national television debut on the BET Network last spring with a half-hour show chronicling the 2008 national finals in New York City. All-star acts such as Digable, Planets, Ghostface Killah, Alchemist and Sha Money made cameos. - Red Bull USA

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM FOR CHICAGO PRODUCER J-RELL

The Metro was bursting at the seams tonight when more than 1,000 people crowdedthe floor to root for their favorite producer at Red Bull Big Tune Chicago. In traditional dancehall fashion, the winner of each battle was decided by the audience and moved on to the next level in the bracketed competition. Although many East Coast producers took to the stage, it was once again a Chicagoan, J-Rell, who took home the title of Red Bull Big Tune Beat Master. J-Rell will represent the Windy City in the national championship
in Atlanta this fall.


“It felt good. I finally made it,” said J-Rell who after three years competing finally finished first. “It was really nerve racking with people like Little Brother and Just Blaze watching you, but the crowd really responded. Ya know, you just got it, and you couldn’t wish for more.”


Featured performer Little Brother brought the house down when they performed one of their original tracks from 2003, but it was hip hop producer Just Blaze that couldn’t leave the stage once he heard the crowd’s roar. Mixing the old with the new, this Seattle celebrity’s original and legendary beats served as inspiration for the competing producers.


An important element of the Red Bull Big Tune program includes educating the next generation of music producers. Event creators Vitamin D, Jake One, and Jonathan Moore hosted a music workshop for a group of young musicians from the organization Dime Child Foundation. Seventy-five kids came out to meet the Red Bull Big Tune producers and even created their own track. The crew demonstrated the art of creating beats, the important role past musicians have played in shaping today’s music and discussed tips for navigating the music industry.


About Red Bull Big Tune
Red Bull Big Tune is the passionate vision and venture of DJ/producer/emcee—Vitamin D and Hip Hop visionary/event producer –Jonathan Moore, which began in 2004 with the purpose of bringing emerging and established talent to the forefront. After three years of hosting thriving local battles in Seattle, they forged a creative partnership with Red Bull. The event evolved beyond a beat battle into what it is today… a dynamic national producer program.


The next stop on the Red Bull Big Tune tour is Seattle; where twelve more participants will take the stage on to find out who might have the next big tune.


Other regional battles will be hosted in Long Beach, Minneapolis, Detroit and Houston. The top two producers from each city will square-off at the Red Bull Big Tune National Championship in Atlanta, GA.


The winner of the National Championship will receive an opportunity to collaborate with a recording artist of his/her choice in the prestigious Red Bull Recording Studios in Santa Monica, CA. Last year’s Red Bull Big Tune National Champion, local Chicago producer C-Sick, recorded a recently released track with Nas.


Red Bull Big Tune made its national television debut on the BET Network last spring with a half-hour show chronicling the 2008 national finals in New York City. All-star acts such as Digable, Planets, Ghostface Killah, Alchemist and Sha Money made cameos. - Red Bull USA