Just Blaze Interview: The Business of Beats

Justin Smith, known as music producer Just Blaze, who produces for artists such as Jay-Z and Eminem, talks with Lee Hawkins about his role in VH1's DJ show, "Master of the Mix" and the lucrative business of beat-making and production. Plus he shows step-by-step how he built the beat for hit song "Higher."
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[@shawna7813]

One thing I like about Just Blaze is that he came from an educated, suburban, middle class family and though he makes records for a lot of hood folks over the past 20 years, he wasn't seduced by street culture, he never lost sight of who he is. He is very comfortable in his own skin. It's OK to be an intelligent, articulate Black man.

[@creationbeatsuk]

Ha Ha "everyone from Jay Z to Eminem" Massive variation of there!

[@DoitYHWH]

Blaze is one of the most modest Celebs...Ever

[@MrLogicChannel]

Man...Just B has come a long way since then. He has matured enormously & is very business oriented & very professional. I remember when he was real ghetto & unpolished--not that there's something wrong with that--but when you get to his level & work with the caliber of artists that he's worked with, you have to be very professional. You rub a 7 figure engineer working in a multimillion dollar studio the wrong way, you WILL not see too much work headed your way. You do it right? And you'll say things such as he speaks of like: "My accountant, bonds, investments, net worth, etc." Beautiful words indeed....

[@jimmythegent9190]

this man is CLASSIC. Some of his hits/BEATS are timeless.

[@ccgrc4]

Just Blaze is one of those names that is just respected in the hiphop community and in music in general. He's not super "out there" and he remains true to himself. Gotta love that. I hope his protege iamProfessorO can follow in his footsteps because that kid has something special with his beats.

[@CaliforniaTribalChief]

Just Blaze is a classic example of how being smart/intelligent as a black man is NOT a bad thing like some people in the black community make it out to be. The man said he wrote his first computer program at only 9 years old. Any black men that come across this video work hard and educate yourself in AND out of the classroom because knowledge is power. Dont fall into that trap of thinking that being dumb or stupid is cool and appealing to others cause its not...

[@myasantina2832]

+Conscious African Peace brother! More and more balck people are waking up, specially the men

[@KennethBrownComics]

WestCoast Facts

[@skylerlegrande56]

Was the zoom into his hands at 3:00 meant to emphasize the aggressiveness lol

[@alexgray6373]

The cat interviewing Blaze is the manifestation of Tom Dubois.

[@Ganwille]

That suit is just.. funny.

[@SeanBlaque]

This was quite informative. I love the transition music has made over the years. I'm proud to be a part of it. #Seanblaque

[@mistaseeforce]

Btw...just a small point of education on copyrights - they last you lifetime + 75 years, then they become public record

[@boyfromca]

Just Blaze is gone go down as a top 5 producer ever

[@fenixrebornmusic818]

One of my top 10 hip hop producers! JUST BLAZE

[@danritchie2544]

Just Blaze stays around because he is passionate. The host is a fool, Just is a leader of a movement. Thank you sir!

[@dpills133]

Man to me he's like the Clapton of the MPC, but I started writing code at 9 years old too. I have a whole new love for that guy cause of this.

[@jonathangilderubio5296]

Just blaze has always been great!!!

[@oneblood7411]

I love watching producers make beats. It's just awesome how they put their beats together.

[@TheSIMBAJUDAH]

VERY INFORMATIVE AND ENCOURAGING INTERVIEW.

[@dub_uno]

I remember when i first heard this.....i was blown away...

[@FeastTheStoic]

I like Just Blaze's Sample production, over his non sampled based production... Just my opinion...

[@Shadow-Moses]

Miliano Supreme I agree but one can't sample all the time cause some artist don't want sample beat so he still have to master the art of not sampling all the time.. I think he and Kenya its in the same level or I could be wrong but I know they're not like Havoc who focus on just one way of sampling even though he's a genius.. both Just and Kanye are my favorite

[@EricOutler]

Very interesting video. To all the young people who "just do it for fun," pay very close attention to your BUSINESS side. It should be called BUSINESSshow, instead of Show Business.

[@royalsteven]

Even though he is one of my top 10 producers. It is a shame those classic producers today have to adapt their sound to fit in or sell. I would never ever comprize my art to sell. A true artist will always create what they want no matter if it will sell or what people demand. Some people will like it anyway. You don't have to sell out.

[@DreamteamTA]

I'd have to disagree, self survival/preservation of wealth is more important than withholding some perceived egotistical image of yourself. If you already have enough money to live the lifestyle you want to live, then yeah, keep it real and enjoy your art any way you want but if you have to change your style so that you can make it to the top, get a bigger pay cheque to do the things you want to do, then that comes first.

[@royalsteven]

DreamteamTA But money is the root of all evil. It makes you do anything possible. It blinds you. Most people who sold their soul create worthless art because they forgot to put creativity and their talent first. Materialism kills this world. Value your spirit, your talent, love, people...all the things that matter. But money is just material. You can't take it with you when you die. What use is it to gain all the wealth on the earth but lose your soul?

[@DreamteamTA]

Money is not the root of all evil, greed is, they are 2 totally different things. Money is actually a great source of happiness and this has been scientifically proven. Money can be used to buy music equipment, vacations, shelter, and food. Money can allow you take care of your parents when they're older so that they can retire early, money can help you yourself retire early, money can make your life and the life of your loved ones easy and enjoyable, heck money can be used to donate to others so that they can have a better day and a safer tomorrow. Money itself is just a tool, if can be used for good just as much as bad, that just depends on the person. You have to keep in mind, the human soul is just a concept but self preservation is real. As much as you would disagree, I would change my styles to make more money, I dont need other peoples approval of my music, I can easily go home and make my own music my OWN way and enjoy it for myself but if someone is paying me to do a project a certain way, it will be done to their liking without prejudice.

[@amaribrown3752]

Royalsteven *The love of money*

[@royalsteven]

Amari Brown I put God and my soul/spirit above anything mortal and not everlasting.

[@romebx]

Why is James Bond interviewing Just Blaze?

[@Juniversal]

Why doesn't it surprise me that Just was going to school for computer programming? Clearly a smart dude. It's appropriate that he started making beats on a computer and not an mpc like most cats back in the day. Just is a cool nerd lol..

[@Loudrapbeats]

Nice interview: Super talented and one of my favorite producers.

[@MichaelDaniels241]

best interview....real transparent....thank you

[@joryharris8002]

Just Blaze is an amazing Black man! If you're a young Black man you should completely dedicate every part of your life to what Mr. Blaze is showing you. Listen to his passion for learning. He made (and I'm assuming taught himself) how to code-at age 9. I'm guessing his IQ is above 120, but that doesn't mean everybody can't have his work ethic and drive to achieve what he wants. If music isn't your passion put his philosophy towards whatever good, productive passion you have. I'm White(Disclaimer). It's in my best interest(not really) for you to ignore me. There have to be losers to be winners. This is a fact. If someone says otherwise their stupid or idealistic, and I for one am tired of Blacks having to be the losers for other ethnic groups ( it's not just Whites who typically succeed) to be the winners. PLAY TO WIN. It's not called acting White. It's called playing to win -so you're not the loser.

[@jumpman366]

Lol just stfu and watch the video. He's a smart dude and leave it at that.

[@joryharris8002]

If I just left it at that then I'd feel bad when his own race destroyed itself,--like I didn't do anything to stop it.

[@pnoplyr14]

Jory Harris You don't know enough black people.

[@myasantina2832]

+Jory Harris Thank you but no.. We'll become great by ourselves, we don't need or want the support of white people to feel like we can achieve greatness.

[@GregorPQ]

Whow, what a interview!!

[@falldogg8606]

"Its hovi baby", my fav just blaze beat

[@GoldCoastKid]

Great Interview WSJ

[@mnash3]

Hey.... That was really cool interview... I started with a Tandy 1000 and programming basic. I was horrible in Pascal. The early financial connection was really cool. Although the two kats at the end were cool, y'all should have put them on a separate video and not as part of this interview. In either case, the Just Blaze interview was really cool and I agree with the other poster informative. Nice work.

[@paulmayerpiano]

Great inverview. Thanks for posting!

[@WordizbonDon]

Great interview.

[@mustafa_ali_]

wow this is amazing to know how such a big bass beat came out

[@Thisisdco1]

Great interview man.

[@WATCHSONICS]

quirks aside this was useful content... thanks also to Just Blaze for sharing a lot of his background info...

[@Gusstra]

Sick Producer! Respect from Latvia!

[@cedericrodgers3409]

Mad respect!

[@rustyjames1727]

JustBlaze is an OG

[@VMUSICPRO]

Much Respect!

[@termtables]

Just blaze is talented. Good video wsj.

[@ProjectDystopia]

Lee Hawkins, you continue bringing THE PAIN, .....good interview

[@christophers4011]

Studio etiquette 101...never ask someone how much their drop cost or beat cost...unless they reveal it themselves

[@Albertmars32]

yall gotta hear this man track call exhibit c b jay electronica

[@warnutztheloser]

This wuz an Amazin Interview

[@SucioRojo]

yes.

[@mrtrackharrasser]

+warnutztheloser that was some amazing spelling dude! well done

[@warnutztheloser]

+mrtrackharrasser No Doubt Kid

[@ChrisHavok]

this man knows how to make a beat drop

[@daillmeskin]

Great video.

[@donpthedon5832]

His work with Flying Lotus is crazy

[@donnjones5829]

big up to all the creators

[@dglesterhardunkichud1721]

Legend.

[@DjUncleTone]

My favorite record of 2013 #Salute 2 my Brother @justblaze

[@otherthings7571]

how just blaze make such good music with those lil ass ears. Just fuckin wit you blaze.

[@DJKrowbarKE]

WOW!!!! So eye opening... #respect

[@iamd.e.e.p4707]

Super, Super, Super Thank you

[@karlistjarve4273]

Just Blaze is the real deal! :)

[@MikeBeatzcom]

Love Ableton Live +Reason 6= Rewire ***Hot Beat***

[@ogwallywest]

Legend

[@audioplugg5310]

Blaze always gives an intricate explanation about the beats he makes. then you hear the beat and there's no complexity to it. shout out to Blaze though. keep gettin' it.

[@EvilEvil66]

That guy interviewing is HIGH AS HELL LOL

[@JoelHernandez-ry1np]

Just Blaze is a fucking legend

[@supadjmq]

Good info

[@PhilGallardo]

"that bass" when he talked about snares haha.. dumb (3:00 ~)

[@QuakeSide]

Lol it is a snare you dumb ass -_-

[@PhilGallardo]

let him act clever, np

[@QuakeSide]

Oh okay sweet

[@chriswellz5993]

+Phil Gallardo Instrumentals He was actually talking about everything pertaining to drums. Kick, Snare, Hi-Hat, Crashes, Percussions, etc etc. As a hip-hop producer, ALL the drums are important. So when he said "that bass" he wasn't far from the truth (considering that a kick is actually called a Bass Drum) and the kick and snare do have low frequencies pertaining to bass. Because Just Blaze was referring to all the drums. Make drums, make melodies and then make the drums harder. I know I'm a year late. lol

[@PhilGallardo]

Chris Wellz wow take it easy bro :D

[@HITTofMCM]

haha, Lee Hawkins seems like a cool dude!

[@MrDaz1992]

awesome

[@MarkHimley]

wasn't looking at the screen when this started and I've never heard his voice before, comes on and I'm thinkin wtf is Cuba Gooding Jr doin talkin beats? hahah

[@dariophilippe3035]

Genius.

[@1Labonnevoie]

sick

[@JDiggiti]

14:55 software etc is now gamestop

[@marcusflair68]

very intellectual interview

[@bankruptmusic9806]

Just got heat....

[@majidhasan3848]

Just Blaze is a smart dude.

[@NardCity365]

Just Blaze One Up

[@Tone202]

The key word here is CHANT. Using the drum and chanting is a spiritual form of worshiping in Africa and African history it's tribal.

[@fadedoutt]

when Blaze explains the making of a beat you get the vision that it's something made from out of this world. then when you hear the beat, it's hot, but it's no where NEAR the explanation lol. still respect dude for everything he's done though. it's just funny listening to him explain the beat making process.

[@BakemonoShiz]

oh!!! Video Music Box name drop = why I fox w/ Just Blaze

[@MICHAELTURNERPaperM8]

This shit is dope

[@doomzy8622]

A beat is a beat simple or complicated. And he's prolly mastering his own tracks!

[@mim-zeemims]

THE 'INTRO' OF ANY SONG IS THE EQUIVALENT OF THE 'FIRST IMPRESSION' , WHICH WE ALL KNOWS CARRY THE MOST WEIGHT. ITS THE INITIAL ATTENTION GRABBER. FOR INSTANCE, ANYONE WHO LIKES THE TEMPTATIONS' CLASSIC SONG, 'ITS GROWING', THE INITIAL 6 SECONDS 'INTRO' PIANO KEY NOTES ARE FOREVER STUCK INSIDE YOUR HEAD. CHECK IT OUT!

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

I like how it's clipping the entire time.

[@RichRayBeatsnFilms]

Dope interview. Btw, No excuse for hating.

[@dasjay1458]

so the three elements of trap 1. 808 Drums with high hard hitting snare 2. Catchy synth melody 3. Rapper vocal sample

[@thepostoffice8582]

Mainstage uses instruments from Logic.. I use Logic. I think its a great program

[@sincerelyjerry244]

With out Engineers, Mixers, and masters! It's all shit! Love the craft and all those involved!

[@Snooglez]

Sounds very similar to A$ap Rocky ft. Skrillex "Wild in the night" I thought that was a cut up mix until he broke it down. :P

[@thestainNY]

"Ableton" !!!

[@utahjazzedupbrianb9575]

he hella look like cuba gooding jr!

[@sooutstanding31]

UtahJazzedUp BrianB yooooo i never notice that.

[@DefenseMode]

Can you say SELLOUT!

[@pigeonistvideos]

Noticed that as well but on another interview he says he only uses Logic.

[@MrDaz1992]

fucking awesome

[@mirzaboric4640]

i hate they never mention the sound designing and stuff

[@b33lz]

Ableton Live!!

[@bigpun2k6]

dudein the bowtie looks like a vampire lol

[@JBIRD575]

Carleton from fresh Prince at end in purple shirt???

[@thestainNY]

"What are the last 2 effects he's using on his vocals" !!!

[@kennyduarte6744]

what program is he using

[@QUAN81880]

JERZEY!

[@checkerace50]

Ya'll trippin. They both do the same thing and have the same audio engine codec build. It sounds the same. It's just the workflow.

[@JashJhaveri]

Just likes to get blazed and look at pictures of space

[@TheTerrortory]

Very articulated