Cardo Interview: His Album, ‘H00DBYAIR’, Producing for Legends, Being Underrated, Cow Bells

In this interview, Arshan sat down with legendary producer Cardo Got Wings who has trekked a prolific career designing the sound of some of the biggest hits from the early 2010s to now, a testament to his authenticity and undeniable talent that has made him one of the best producers of our generation. Cardo first broke out on the scene by producing for Mac Miller early in his career with their song “Laundromat” which led to his connection with Wiz Khalifa and ultimately paved the way for his first huge break with their track “Mezmorized.” Cardo leveraged this early momentum to gain a storied run of placements that essentially defined the 2010s era of rap music with his signature sound - and cowbells of course. Even after stepping away from being directly affiliated with Taylor Gang (Wiz Khalifa’s label), the wheels kept moving for Cardo, leading to generational hits like JAY-Z & Jeezy’s “Seen It All,” Travis Scott’s “goosebumps,” Drake’s “God’s Plan,” Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem’s “family ties,” and his recent run producing tracks like “HOODBYAIR” for Playboi Carti.
In their conversation, Cardo and Arshan discussed Cardo’s early beginnings growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, evolving with the times yet staying true to his signature sound, his longevity in the game, “If I’m a dinosaur, I’m a T-rex,” how he discovered Baby Keem and started working with him so early, being stuck in the middle of the Drake & Kendrick Lamar beef after making hits with both, his perspective on the state of today’s music scene, praising the next generation of artists like Teezo Touchdown, skaiwater, Cash Cobain, Ovrkast, and Ken Carson, recent collaborations with Playboi Carti and how his son is certified Opium, and giving us an exclusive announcement of the release date for his forthcoming album Something Wicked This Way Comes. Watch the full interview to learn more about Cardo’s past, present, and what he’s got coming next.
Filming @hammadjawaid97 @kahhre
Host & Producer @ktoarshan
Editing @mikkyfilmz
TIMESTAMPS! We got the goat, now who's another producer you want to see us interview on the channel?
0:00 - Studio with Cash Cobain in New York
1:33 - Minnesota origins and living in Dallas
2:57 - What Cardo’s big break was (JAY Z)
3:35 - Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller “Mezmorized”
5:55 - Leaving Taylor Gang, facing hate
7:24 - Playboi Carti “BACKROOMS,” “EVILJORDAN,” “KETAMINE,” & “HOODBYAIR” production
10:00 - Story of collabing with Carti after Candyman soundtrack fell through
11:38 - “HOODBYAIR” was for Nardo Wick originally
12:52 - Ken Carson & Destroy Lonely future collabs?
13:17 - Cow Bells being his signature sound
15:17 - Discovering Baby Keem early on
16:56 - Producing “family ties” with Kendrick Lamar and finding out him and Keem are family
19:12 - Drake v Kendrick Lamar beef, producing hits for both of them
20:23 - Previewing new album
25:23 - Exclusive: release date for new album, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’
26:03 - State of today’s music is bad, too many copycats
29:10 - Praising Teezo Touchdown, Cash Cobain, and Ovrkast.
30:10 - Goosebumps was not originally for PARTYNEXTDOOR it was always for Travis Scott
31:35 - Reveals hidden talent, voice impressions
32:22 - How much money does a song like “God’s Plan” make
34:45 - Give producers their flowers
36:03 - His son being opium and liking skaiwater
Tags (ignore)
kendrick lamar kendrick lamar drake drake playboi carti playboi carti production production beatmaker beatmaker pi’erre bourne pi’erre bourne producer producer larry june larry june type beat type beat wiz khalifa wiz khalifa mac miller mac miller jay z jay z type beats type beats beats beats

[@KidsTakeOver]

TIMESTAMPS! We got the goat, now who's *another* producer you want to see us interview on the channel? 0:00 - Studio with Cash Cobain in New York 1:33 - Minnesota origins and living in Dallas 2:57 - What Cardo’s big break was (JAY Z) 3:35 - Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller “Mezmorized” 5:55 - Leaving Taylor Gang, facing hate 7:24 - Playboi Carti “BACKROOMS,” “EVILJORDAN,” “KETAMINE,” & “HOODBYAIR” production 10:00 - Story of collabing with Carti after Candyman soundtrack fell through 11:38 - “HOODBYAIR” was for Nardo Wick originally 12:52 - Ken Carson & Destroy Lonely future collabs? 13:17 - Cow Bells being his signature sound 15:17 - Discovering Baby Keem early on 16:56 - Producing “family ties” with Kendrick Lamar and finding out him and Keem are family 19:12 - Drake v Kendrick Lamar beef, producing hits for both of them 20:23 - Previewing new album 25:23 - Exclusive: release date for new album, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ 26:03 - State of today’s music is bad, too many copycats 29:10 - Praising Teezo Touchdown, Cash Cobain, and Ovrkast. 30:10 - Goosebumps was not originally for PARTYNEXTDOOR it was always for Travis Scott 31:35 - Reveals hidden talent, voice impressions 32:22 - How much money does a song like “God’s Plan” make 34:45 - Give producers their flowers 36:03 - His son being opium and liking skaiwater

[@bigboi5903]

What happened to the star boy interview?

[@adri.progression]

Great vibe, nice pacing, and glad to hear more from Cardo! Good job, looking forward to more producers on KTO!

[@h.5babylillard716]

Why didn’t u mention Pierre Bourne and there album they have ???I thought bro was a fan apparently not 💯

[@robertcenteno1057]

Mike N Keys

[@Crunkmaster]

clams casino?

[@onyoblocca6304]

Cardo is right. Why do people leave him off lists? Hes produced some of the biggest songs ever every year while having a signature sound

[@KidsTakeOver]

‼️

[@tellthetroops]

slow down it’s a cool sound just not game changing like bynx pierre or wod or legion x lukrstive or even gyro

[@realbosstakea]

cuz his name dont hold weight he a lame

[@tofamous13]

@@tellthetroops Really only one name on yo list that hold weight and that’s Pierre. Cardo has been around since wiz Khalifa days. Cardo also won a Grammy wit Drake gods plan. The people you named do not hold weight like that

[@tellthetroops]

@@tofamous13 influence wise forget numbers we talking real game changing shit

[@RIPFemaleDoggy]

As a Bay Area native, this man really been the 🐐 for YEARS. Kinda sucks that it took the Carti songs for this side of the culture to really really appreciate his talent. This man would do some shit for Taylor gang then some for iamsu HBk gang, then jay z or meek and present day doing full projects w Larry June while working w Carti and Kendrick shits 🔥🔥

[@KidsTakeOver]

Yeah hopefully the newer fans can see this and see some of the history he’s been part of like all the Wiz stuff. Had to pack it all into 40 min but there’s still so much more to cover here (Larry June, Pierre, etc)

[@ground.jordan]

@@KidsTakeOvernawww u did well styll. very comprehensive, very illuminating as to who cardo is both as a producer and a person

[@RoyalTy37]

better late than never

[@logancantu8314]

Keep interviewing producers man they deserve more credit

[@KidsTakeOver]

Got yall who next though?

[@jvzish3239]

The guys in internet money, Clayco, Destin Laurel, Zodiak, Streooo, Sxprano, Whyceg, CONNIE

[@factorymad3236]

@@KidsTakeOver nick mira Jonathan Cunningham(xxxtentacion producer) benjicold metro boomin clayco starboy outtatown southside

[@ripmaz]

nobody watching an interview for an underground asf prod

[@ripmaz]

@@KidsTakeOver bro drop star boy

[@SOSS_MIAS]

Cardo got wings

[@framedmaamer]

based pfp

[@Marshinist]

​@@framedmaamer I miss 2019

[@framedmaamer]

@@Marshinist end of peak pierre (?)

[@juian1904]

Cardo been doin cowbells w/ Wiz

[@cystichd879]

cardo used to play video games with me thru the pandemic :,) genuine guy

[@no_guarantees]

Player!!!

[@tadknuf7979]

One of the best producers out. Every beat be hard.

[@KidsTakeOver]

Facts!

[@KosherLifeMir]

Wiz Khalifa & Dom Kennedy & Larry June, Curren$y mixtape/blog era!! Iyktyk! Since 2010 we been fw Cardo! Glad bro finally gettin his props 😤🔥🔥🔥✅

[@Steveeeg]

Brooo fr! Glad someone commented this. Got put on to Cardo listening to Kush and Orange Juice

[@jmzjbz1498]

I love Larry but i wouldn’t include him in the blog era, he ain’t pop out till 2015-2016

[@firstnamelastname3414]

First heard Cardo was with the collab with Pierre Bourne. The “wild adventure” tape. To hear that and now hear him on Larry June songs and stuff. Man is a valid genius and god in his class.

[@rrrrrrmp]

man that tape with pierre was around 7 years after his first hit, he is timeless

[@silvos4271]

Smokin gas man that shits my elixir

[@Xevics]

That’s actually tight as fuck as an introduction to Cardo, mine was Every Season by Cousin Stizz, then I went down the rabbit hole of his discog

[@AJBuddha]

Yea bro that tape is fire

[@Marshinist]

I got into Cardo with that tape too, that's also one of my top 3 Pi'erre tapes. Cardo definitely deserved his flowers for those beats, and the beats he made up until now fs

[@1iArielx]

Cardo is the reason why these kids are using Claves, Rims & Cowbells in their beats💯💯❗️

[@BrothaEnock]

New Orleans bounce beats use cowbells right?

[@ASAPJermz]

If it wasn’t for Cardo, Sledgren, Johnny Juliano, SSO, Vybe beats & the whole early 2010 vibe I probably wouldn’t have kept producing music. These guys literally were the sound of that time period 💯

[@heemdollas8016]

What to happen sledgren

[@ASAPJermz]

@@heemdollas8016 He still producing from what I heard

[@user-xx3uz9pu4u]

Damn Johnny Juliano he defo made some classic cuts for wiz

[@Joshuatheartisan]

Not mentioning Pierre with cardo is crazy

[@Charlie-lg7bf]

Love seeing producers getting their props. They’re literally the backbone of all the music we love

[@jaxsmp3]

Cardo rly been producing the biggest songs of the past decade +

[@KidsTakeOver]

Facts!

[@clos888]

genuinely the most underrated producer of our time

[@Sender1257]

Cardo’s versatility is insane. The Larry and Payroll collabs are fan favorites but the mainstream bangers are undeniable. Him co-producing on Euphoria is yet another accomplishment 💯

[@PabloSanchezzzz]

Good to see Cardo getting his flowers. One of the most consistent producers of the last 15 years, so many different styles of beats too

[@fernandocamarillo3710]

Arshan you, and the KTO team have a way of matching the interview setting/set design with the vibe of the interview. I noticed it especially with the OpiumBaby interview.

[@KidsTakeOver]

Love 🙏🏽 everything curation, taste, design, etc is so important to myself & the brand

[@fernandocamarillo3710]

@@KidsTakeOver It really does show from A through Z. You’re a huge inspiration to me and many creatives. Much love from Texas

[@MikeMulahMusic]

Cardo’s beat for “Can’t Stay Sober” by Wiz Khalifa is underrated. It sounds so angelic and euphoric, one of my favorite beats.

[@antaslandavisoev4629]

Check smoke break from Sledgren, same melody

[@KRiMEKiDSK]

This is actually such a legendary interview

[@dushhitkush2883]

Cardo is a LEGEND in this shit! forever one of my faves

[@user-ey1ph3gh4x]

Man, this was so dope to see! Been a fan of Cardo since hearing him produce stuff for Curren$y back in the day - would love to see a fully produced project for Curren$y

[@elijahflippin]

man the different sounds cardo be coming with is amazing

[@TacoRangel]

met homie in Dallas at the night shift listening party, humble dude and always stays true to himself. good job cardo 🥂🍊

[@GodMcQueen]

*LEGENDARY*

[@technology_2047]

i gotta say that outro iphone video you recorded was honestly life changing you were speaking straight facts, ty for inspiring

[@KidsTakeOver]

I tried my best

[@loo9407]

Legendary producer!!! All time favorite fr 🫡

[@robertjr8474]

really great interview man. cardo is under rated af

[@1LilFiji__]

Well deserved interview

[@shelikethewayigrrr]

The accent killed me😂

[@Mavrock954]

I be using cowbells from old school rnb but hearing how Cardo uses those percs definitely inspires me

[@domolargo]

Cardo & Wiz made magic back when I was in HS. Cardo always goated in my books.

[@anthonybeston9]

One of the legends frfr

[@mbailey802]

that was great. this interview alone will add respect to KTO and bigger interviews will come. no TMZ bullshit like all the big intervewiees. great stuff thanks.

[@viccens925]

real og. shoutout to KTO for your choice of guests. it's like a crazy on point beat choice run.

[@KidsTakeOver]

Love 🙏🏽🤍

[@nimamadani1492]

one of my favorite prods right now, thank you KTO

[@KidsTakeOver]

Got you

[@ValleyClubRecords]

Hard. Legendary 🫡🌵

[@tones_]

One of my biggest inspirations, goated

[@dtherealone]

Levi Carter and bruh got one of the songs in the SoundCloud era

[@coviwatson7425]

everything okay

[@006G1]

Cardo a legend fr !

[@LaynoProd]

Cardo the goat and was always the most authentic, glad i met him in NAMM 2019 in Anaheim, CA - my top 3 fav producer of all time and im very influenced by his drums especially the cowbells and kicks

[@jaefiend]

real legend

[@deadphone4k]

Cardo is an absolute goat bro, respect to the producers fr 💪🏾

[@xavierthevirgo]

Bro took over the year in 4 months Og 💯💪🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@26daysleft]

real humble dude

[@hazardouslegend937]

🐐 interview

[@cwfngm]

amazing interview

[@KidsTakeOver]

🤍

[@4DaFam]

Cardo on the beat it’s a hit fasho 🍊

[@neilk]

cardo funny asf lmao

[@ronald19721]

I ain't invent the instrument 💀💀💀

[@adri.progression]

@@ronald19721 The UFO's are stealing our cows brother 🤠

[@FunkieFelix]

I was today years old when I learned cards did mesmerized....🐐

[@ohdagee]

Him and Larry June together come with the gems 💎🤞🏽

[@Pharoah510]

Him and Payroll Giovanni Also

[@Sender1257]

All 3 of them (and HBK) did an album together, it’s Cardo - Game Related on streaming services

[@GPODante.2]

And Pierre

[@cetrick_yeanay]

This podcast is so dope! Love this style

[@KidsTakeOver]

🤍

[@agthaog1986]

cARDO is easily one of the best if not the best in the last like 15-20 yrs. i feel like in the last 5 or soo hes been a bit more quite n working with alot more underground artist, but u cant deny his career and growth. not many can go work n produce a whole album with an uknown artist, and then right after put out a record with the biggest artist in the world

[@xavierwashpun1348]

Great convo 🤝🏾 need that WA2 from him & P 😮‍💨

[@JaytasticalReacts]

‼‼‼‼‼

[@GabyMillz]

enjoyed it 💯 btw nice fit arshan

[@KidsTakeOver]

🤍

[@alexortiz8145]

First heard his production on a smoove song. Didn’t know he was from Texas tho! Glad to see him getting recognition.

[@dalereid4199]

He’s number 1 right now point blank

[@KSUBIKAYY]

My guy 🤞🏾 certified legend

[@SaintUnoATL]

Cow bells have always been and will always be my favorite beat noise 🐄 🔔

[@lebontare]

one the best interviews he's so real he remind me of Vince Staples

[@VivekRama]

Legendary

[@moipulledupinabimmer]

Legend

[@JXSHFIGUEROA]

Cardo a livin’ legend no 🧢.

[@OGJAYDEE]

W interview 🔥📈

[@sacaladro]

the best fr

[@morenativeboytae]

Legend!

[@steven3hunnid446]

Cardo A LIVING LEGENG!!! HITS FOR DAYS!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@yawsteez]

Cardo dropping his album on my birthday? 24.09 damn can’t wait

[@ahooks06]

Huge fan of this man's productions! This interview could've been 3 hours long and I would've watched the whole thang! Man yall left out all the classic with Payroll though! That Pi'erre tape was classic. Definitely when he work Wiz, Spitta, and Larry, its a instant smash! Man got hits with Chang Chang too! Wiz got Wings was outta here too! Yall need to do a part 2 of the interview!

[@user-lz1qb4hu4d]

My favorite producer of all time, his $pitta catalog alone.

[@domg650]

One of the best producers out yerrr

[@TRESHONCURRY]

The definition of underrated

[@halfpricemusic]

Been inspired by Cardo since Everything I$ Gold.. real MN legend ☝🏽

[@shootingbysal]

we need the ovrkast! interview !!

[@8percentjaguargas]

Definitely in my top 3 as far as producing wise

[@Prodjam1]

Cardo!

[@prxblvm]

Was just telling bro the other day cardo my top three producer influence

[@_iz_baby]

i was just gon do 1 verse, but cardio this beat toooo clean🍊

[@MrQuise1234]

Cardo onna beat so yk that shit knockin 🔥

[@Gadi11]

Cardo is a legend

[@MM-mq9xj]

Man if you know you know Cardo been the GOAT for a minute!

[@RanjhaTube]

Arshan Drip Goin Better man really came far!!

[@kungfuko27]

damn im late bro, cardo from my city man dude got a good head on his shoulders. Im in study mode.

[@nickdijcj1]

THE BEST

[@cosmicbeats_]

cardo goated

[@fazerxiii]

So damn inspiring bruh I remember first hearing kush & OJ Yall kids wouldn’t know how that tape shifted culture . One day ima work with Cardo the goat 🤞🏽🦅🎧

[@gaqil]

Need that Hardrock interview 🙏🏿

[@AudioHittaz]

Cardo legendary

[@Charlie-lg7bf]

Ever since euphoria came out I’ve listened to this euphoria/hoodbyair mashup. I think if he or someone posted that on his SoundCloud more people would be exposed to how talented of a producer he is

[@Cevensities]

Been fucking wit Cardo since Sir Michael Rocks & his Lap Of Lux mixtape. 'Connect' is still one the illest beats for me. Much respect.

[@Kev_-qm1je]

Waiting on "Big Bossin Vol. 3 " w/ Payroll Giovanni & Cardo!

[@apeaceofhype]

Let’s fucking go slept on legend ‼️‼️‼️

[@brennenscott7534]

Bro mesmerized is my fav song off kush and oj by wiz I was like 8-9 in 2nd grade in 2011-12 when I first heard ts and it’s what pmo to wiz bc my dads roommate was bumping ts and the ONIFC album when it dropped. He also pmo to rocky whej he dropped wild for the night with skrillex I’m glad I had cultured mfs around me growing up😂😂

[@slime-disease]

I bought the kush and oj vinyl just for that song. Changed my life no corny shit

[@brennenscott7534]

@@slime-disease I believe you the album that changed my life tho was the dark side of the moon by Pink Floyd while tripping off 6.8g of shrooms istg the meaning of life is in that album like I see why it’s a top10 selling album of all time even tho it’s not their most popular album which is even crazier. I can see why the oldheads LOVE them bc they was all tripping listening to ts too 😭😭😂😂😂😂

[@swapnildawar6426]

Shoutout to cardo

[@srisrinivasan2225]

Goat

[@shawnyarrell181]

Cardo all love all the way from Baltimore bro that was real when you had the mentality to turn all the way up after the TG split I felt that and can we get another cardo+curren$y collab please 🙏🏾

[@kingleo9981]

Cardo the 🐐

[@lebontare]

cardo is smart and REAL ASF

[@geminisoul777]

Good job Cardo 🍊