The MixedByAli Interview: The Early Days of TDE, Engineering Kendrick's Classics & More

[@NoJumper]

1:21 Growing up with his Polish grand parents 3:05 Ali didn't grow up being confident but eventually found his way 4:03 Raised on Abba but eventually was inspired by Dre, Snoop etc 5:08 Understanding the intricacy of putting songs together 5:52 Ali was the ringtone hustler in high school 7:05 How Ali found his calling and his inspiration to understand what would become his career 8:41 How Ali reacts when he listens to a track that's not mixed right 9:34 Grew up with Tyga and doing his early beats and such 11:08 No... Ali was never in a jerking crew lol 11:38 Ali quit football after an injury 13:53 Relationship and working with Schoolboy Q before he was Q 14:54 The 10,000 hours theory, investing time in what you love 16:27 While being injured, Ali decided to focus on music and kept building with Q + Study all the people he admired 18:21 How Ali brought Schoolboy Q to TDE 19:59 Hearing Kendrick for the first time in 2005 and how Punch trusted Ali's ear and talent 22:30 Stop partying and sacrificed his early 20s to focus on music 24:53 From sleeping on the floor with Kendrick to starting to see the fruit of their labor 27:09 How Ali was brought in after Kendrick signed and working with Dre 28:41 Traveling the world makes you put things in perspective and inspires you in a different way 31:39 Ali breaks down the role of an engineer 35:08 Learning the fundamentals of engineering instead of thinking about it of a quick way to make money 37:45 The anticipation of GKMC release 39:05 Ali still has unreleased songs from the GKMC sessions 40:22 Is engineering the conduit to producing? Like Blxst who does everything himself 42:17 How Ali became Kendrick's DJ for a few when he was still scared to be in the forefront 45:50 The blog era was one of the illest and realest and Kendrick was very much tapped in 46:16 Kendrick is very intentional, like working with Gunplay 46:59 Working with Kendrick and Fredo Santana 49:02 Was it a conscious decision to stay a tight unit like TDE moves? 50:51 Working with Mac Miller, Vince Staples, YG, Q, all at once was a little too much, Ali popped pills 53:46 Relationship with Nipsey since 2010 + Going on tour with him, Kendrick, Game etc 56:02 Losing Nipsey was surreal, from high wins to sadness 1:02:47 Ali new business model: connect with creatives around the world to spread knowledge 1:04:24 The constant in music is the work of an engineer + Spread awareness with Engine Ears 1:06:10 Now new creators have access to the same contact that labels have 1:07:10 What happened to Black Hippy?: "Everyone got too busy" 1:08:12 Quality over quantity from TDE 1:09:54 Ali's new studio was previously owned by Death Row 1:13:00 How Ali discovers new talent through his platform on Twitch MixedbyAli + Signed Malik Moses

[@jeff_kola]

@savon

[@Sacreddaddy]

𝙻𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚢

[@elgod5947]

@@jeff_kola he can learn a thing or two from Adam

[@oy3ah2025]

-OY3AH! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5

[@YPeezy]

Thanks so much for the timeline

[@kingdomminded2880]

"Ali, you thirsty on Twitter, you boo-boo you T'd you turned down"🔥🔥

[@robertrichardson7641]

I'm tryna learn something new

[@bladadah9984]

2013 days playing bo2 not giving a fuck bout nun

[@Dommy11]

I was looking for "kick her out the studio, Ali" but no one put it up.

[@SevenHunnid]

My job is to smoke weed on my KZbin channel 😂😈

[@canscidy492]

You thirstyyy!

[@LowLeyeF311]

Mixedbyali is definitely one of the greats behind the scenes his ear is impeccable

[@mikeywallis4085]

Damn! Adam has been KILLING it on the interview grind this year

[@Ascension_144]

Actual factuals

[@torusoflight]

I’ve been knowing about this man since 2012-2013. I can’t even express how happy I am for TDE and they’re still coming this year bet on that

[@prodbydramatic]

Best interview no cap! give this legend his flowers. Hes the reason I got into engineering.

[@prodbydramatic]

still good the second time around.

[@burymeinakobebryantnumber8598]

Ali is one of the reason TDE is what TDE is .. one of the first with Jay Rock, K dot , Q and Soul.. South Bay LA good mind and sound for music .. thank you for representing LA the way it isn’t always known for .. salute champ

[@rob7755]

"Aye kick her out the studio Ali" That comment by Kendrick is so much funnier now that i know Ali is really built like a fuckin bouncer lmao

[@learn2xpand862]

😭😭😭

[@tsunamipapi1343]

that’s like was replaying in my mind the whole interview lmao

[@H12379]

I have so much respect for Ali. Not only because of how talented he is, but because of all he does to give back to the community.

[@gulfside13]

Ali up there with engineer GOATs like Guru, Mike Dean, etc. Good stuff Adam.

[@miafulse4429]

Timbaland and Scott Storch 🔥

[@juniorp510]

@@miafulse4429 "engineer" goats

[@michaelm2709]

This interview is amazing just off the fact you guys talked about “cartoons & cereal”. Gunplay snaps on that shit

[@jpasch1914]

Classic!

[@zacharyhurley5399]

Hell yeah gunplay snaps on that lmao That song put me on gunplay.

[@idontdoodrugzaudiovisualcu802]

Hell yea gunplay snapped on there

[@austinm6056]

ONE OF THE MOST SLEPT ON SONGS

[@TAB1999]

Ali is such a huge inspiration to me, big respect!

[@zMysTicc]

Mixed by Ali is responsible for some many of our favorite hits gotta give it up 💯

[@lawrencev8771]

Which hits bro? I'm just now hearing about him

[@hydroflow1]

@@lawrencev8771 just about everything TDE

[@jclouseau6595]

@@lawrencev8771 Roddy Ricch - The Box Nipseys & Kdot - Dedication + mixing the whole Album. Childish Gambino - This is America etc. He engineers/mix but also produce.

[@josephparnell1]

@@hydroflow1 facts and other artists

[@360Fov]

Adam's interview skills are off the chain nowadays

[@taken4granite817]

Hey Adam

[@juggcampaign4987]

Until he’s droppin 1 interview a day he’s average

[@winnyjstew]

@@juggcampaign4987 thats stupid. quality over quantity.

[@Dreqsa]

tha questions were good but hearing “definitely” after the response from Ali every time was ass

[@xpla7449]

Adam we need a ScHoolboyQ interview, plz make that shit happen

[@toledoborn1392]

For what?

[@joelouis5118]

We want too with ab-soul for his next project.

[@chaunceyharris5993]

@@joelouis5118 ab soul mos def

[@taken4granite817]

"Make sure the level is tight Ali Like real tight Check" Ab Soul - Turn Me Up

[@Forreal859]

Classic hip hop record

[@Gkknoon]

Crazy he ain’t even know how to mix when he came to tde

[@1stjt]

One of the best

[@swishersweets727]

I seriously hope that shelved good kid album leaks one day. That era of kendrick was wild.

[@yashiyah144k]

I just hope it ages well and doesn’t come out so many years later and sounds like the twayne album Wayne and tpain dropped not too long ago 😬

[@divinesoul7]

Every interview I’ve seen with MixedbyAli is pure dopeness.

[@Jay-jp4nv]

Ali's vocal cadence is like really excited and quick. It kinda reminds me of how people talk after coming back from a really powerful and insightful hallucinogenic trip. You can tell that his expericene with being apart of TDE is really emotional for him, like he's amazed to see how far they've come and he's learned and seen a lot along the way. That's how I feel when I listen to their projects so I get it.

[@hereliesmars]

Haven’t even started watching but i know this interview about to go crazy

[@alecwolff4761]

I can’t believe Alli didn’t get upset about Adam’s mic technique. I know he’s a podcaster not an artist but Alli has that mic placement PERFECT

[@adamjesseotieno4990]

If you know, you know

[@darkskinwhite]

lol tru dat

[@alexanderskjold9511]

Ali is such a genuine dude. Props to Adam for hosting a perfect interview

[@astraljack47]

MixedByAli hands down my favorite engineer. Like, Kendrick already sounds good and this man made him sound God.

[@monjadelic8222]

Mac Miller the 5th member of Black Hippy damn that’s dope. Overall great interview this inspired me all over again

[@LuluH757]

The goat behind it all 🐐🏆

[@wedareal7528]

Overly dedicated one of Kendrick’s best projects

[@esconiro5783]

Never watched an episode of this show but since u giving Ali his flowers im here for it all!

[@DrummerAndyTaiwan]

I love the fact that you guys just go straight into the topics and non stop, no bullshit, hell lot information, yet still articulate and easy to understand! Sick contents! Love from Taiwan 🇹🇼!

[@AnAngryFormerDemocrat]

We need TDE back in the spotlight. Still waiting for SOUL to drop something!!

[@visualsensationz]

i think they were waiting for touring to open back up before they drop

[@kungfukennytde6065]

visualsensationz they should drop now because next year everything will be open

[@diskretemuzik]

58:00 you can tell bro had real love for nip and Mac

[@natefrm3rdnation332]

One of the best interviews hands down, I usually gotta watch the interviews in parts but this one I couldn’t turn off had to watch it all the way thru 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tanneryadig4451]

this podcast is getting better honestly, it's really refreshing to see other creators in the music industry other than rappers on here. Derek is one of the best engineers in the game hands down. Please keep bringing on more producers/engineers/A&R's/etc 🙌

[@tycallahan3423]

Ali been poppin out lately. I’m thinking this is the start of the TDE rollout 👀👀

[@slimjimigari8836]

shit you right

[@TheRealNativeSun]

Ali and Young Guru and Jimmy Douglass are my top 3 Hip Hop Engineers ever to mix albums. Thank you Adam. You redeemed your “Journalist” moniker. 💯

[@geovannimartinez603]

This is the content we need

[@Anbulord8tv]

Bring it back Ali, Is the best quote to hear before a TDE song 🙏🏾

[@toxicking9934]

Mixing a Kendrick album must be a lot of work

[@Sosa7one4]

You mean must be a lot of FUN

[@joedirt3611]

You can see how fast he talks and moves it must he hard asf keeping up

[@TheRealNativeSun]

😂. For real. Check out the Crank Lucas engineering parodies.

[@imfroms6nd1e9o]

Would have never known about Ali background and his nationality...Much respect!!! ADAM22👍🏿

[@shaoshao759]

Finally getting his flowers🔥👏👏

[@privateproductionstv]

This is so dope! Dude seek humble asf and speaks about books that helped him achieve his goals 🔥

[@Official2WavyBaby]

Jay Rock made TDE blow up feel like people always forget about him also Jay Rock brought KDot around

[@jaikhaleaf501]

Facts

[@mac-ill3274]

Ali: "I put myself first before anything material" 🔥 🔥 most important line for someone who does it for the love of music or anything they put time on

[@himagain4292]

this one legendary. Ali really one of the most grounded dudes ive witnessed in the industry. bless him, his daughter, and all his endeavors

[@Forreal859]

Seeing Ali get all this live in the comment section is inspiring after watching these guys 10 + I literally grew with them ❤️ TDE

[@kuey_v]

Ali a dope dude man...

[@10Trillion707]

Wow! High impact audio. This is the type of quality that the game needs. Fuck all that extra shit, let’s get to the brass tacks. Adam and Ali gave us the 3 step process of engineering, the community/culture needed to support a legitimate movement (TDE: top, punch, Ali, Sounwave, Jay Rock, Soul, Q, And Dot to name a few) and the work ethic which pertains to sacrifice. These 3 Keys alone will truly add value to anyone serious about micromanaging a sustainable career in this thing called rap! Salute!

[@pbender97]

"Ay ay, kick her out the studio Ali"

[@Trunks7500]

IF U EVER LISTEN TOO THE EARLY KENDRICK LAMAR THIS IS THE FAMOUS ALI K-DOT WOULD ALWAYS SHOUT OUT

[@IvanM-dy4dd]

Incredibly well spoken 🙏🏽

[@z1onyoutube]

let it run ali

[@abelcastle4898]

That Devine feminine album is crazy it’s a classic he sees vision for sure

[@kadosuniverse]

ali is a legend in la frfr. every artist in la goal is to get mixed bro him.💯

[@AMMixes15]

Thanks for this interview! So happy for Ali and everything he’s doing to shed light on the engineering community

[@LaynoProd]

I started out as a producer/artist recording my raps over my own beats in 2011 and didn't learn what mixing was until 2014...learned more of the craft from audio engineering school and KZbin and always had the intent of learning engineering to become a better producer and better artist, now as an artist wearing those hats early on and learning how to become resourceful when I lacked the resources early on had molded me to becoming a skilled artist who stands out and understands others during the whole process because I was always involved every step, this had so many gems shoutout MixedByAli hope to work with you someday!

[@GrayxCode45]

Ahhh finally a quality guest on the show

[@seanmcelhaney6407]

You know you’re early when people start blessing your family

[@snowycaine1697]

Lol god bless yo my broza

[@riptide312]

Adam coming thru w/ a more thoughtful energy. great interview

[@domcarrillo35]

First time actually watching Adam do an interview and he did surprisingly well

[@victorrashad]

I appreciate hearing these stories . Let’s me know I’m on the right path

[@FrankEcks]

Its been amazing seeing your growth as an interviewer. This is incredible. Please do more Producers, Engineers, music lawyers, managers etc

[@patrickreilly81]

This is a fire interview. Ali is a living legend in the rap game I think. This dude has been a part of so much good music and so many people have no idea who he is. Y’all gonna learn tho

[@TheTentailsnaruto]

Wasnt expecting this. Some shit gotta drop now that Ali doing all these interviews..somethin comin

[@user-fq9bx2em2s]

Such a well spoken intelligent young man.

[@NelsenGChess]

this was so cool to hear an engineer really talking about the work. would love to get to his level

[@czabeats2964]

This interview is super motivating thank you for interviewing this legend. saw him at Namm it was dope.

[@juanpancho9980]

Ali is one solid ass dude. LA shit baby. Great interview.

[@user-hc1ge3vt9d]

1 of my favorite interviews inna while

[@MrNickywattz]

This was a great interview. Good job for putting this one together. I watched the entire video. He asked some great questions and Ali spoke clearly and he is very knowledgeable. All the best.

[@tdawg3420]

No Jumper Podcast Nothing else Now‼️ Thanks Adam !

[@mihu.]

A true role model and an inspiration to us all! Respect!

[@knowendsports84]

Classic interview!!! Best one of the year so far!

[@annabellawr]

I've really been enjoying your interviews, Adam! You ask such great questions that keep the conversations flowing.

[@ryanrhodes9732]

“I’ve definitely put 10k hours into studying rap music & I’ve definitely put 10k hours into writing on the internet”... me too, Adam... me too 🤔💡

[@g.neptdadaaa]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GreaseBiratella]

Rip Fredo Santana! That song is legendary!

[@Bantassssuuuiiii]

You are awesome!!!!! You made me start my own channel and videos. Thanks for that.

[@VULCAN1135]

Coolest Kendrick in the world

[@soularslaps]

shout out Ali, dope work bro, very inspiring hearing your work and kendrick really opened my eyes when he shouted you out, the behind the scenes is where the magic(hard work n knowledge) is made

[@jerrycabral4309]

MixedByAli - Really good interview. Real-Genuine Person.

[@royalbillionsmusic]

Definitely needed this💪🏾 One of the best ears in the game..

[@pain____full]

Ali a genuine ass dude you can tell he really loves this shit

[@dm0516]

Saw this guy and Kendrick front row at SXSW in like 2012/2013. What a show! Good Kid Maad City had just dropped too 🔥

[@bigez4024]

I always hear the tde artist saying turn me up ali in the beginning of songs but its cool to finally get a face with the name.

[@father_sg]

mans killin' it with the uploads lately. keep it up Adam, really enjoyed this interview. get Q in if u could xD

[@Patrick-cl9uc]

Great interview. They vibed really naturally, like they've already been friends.

[@carlosguerrero6077]

Glad he mentioned the Fredo and dot song that shits still bangs

[@lordrapgod4803]

This interview is gold. I love the TDE story !

[@CASSOBLVCK]

MixedbyAli is a legend. Iykyk

[@patrickgarrity5529]

Super dope.. Mixed by Ali is the truth.. super inspiring.🙏

[@redpillstepdad]

“Let it run Ali” 🔥

[@DavidtheCrook]

This is raw 🔥 Ali is inspiring and putting a spotlight on Engineering 💯 I know I’ve learned a lot from him 🎚

[@babag21]

GOATED INTERVIEW

[@NickKhronic]

Legendary interview , Ali is the goat .

[@Music64378]

This is the content we want 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Xevics]

Producers & engineers fw with this one. Good job Adam 🥂 a dj paul interview would be legendary

[@bigcasey2245]

Love interviews with people other then rappers and ball players 💯

[@jamesmiley6146]

Need to see some more TDE on the podcast.

[@allswaggedout007]

This is the culture... thank god for TDE

[@tsunamipapi1343]

fye interview . ima huge kendrick fan and always knew abt Ali but never knew what he looked like lmao. “aye kick her out the studio ali“ 😹

[@jarrodkearns926]

Most enjoyable podcast I’ve watched in awhile 🙏🏼

[@prod.peytonthealien6423]

glad to see a engineer getting love