Tag: Los Angeles

What It Sound Like?

We got another special for our fans tonight. It's been a while since RAN had an interview. We're due for one and we got it. A veteran in the  game with over 15 years on his fingertips. Grinding in Los Angeles, CA was not easy, though WESTLYFE has worked with greats from California.

RAN: WESTLYFE, I know you have a new beat tape in stores and we will cover that. Before we go there, I want the audience to know some of the heavyweights you have worked with.

WESTLYFE: I've worked with crooked I, Layzie Bone, Brotha Lynch Hung, Glasses Malone, MC Eiht... and many more.

RAN:That's deep track record. All names that I respect, our fans do too. I remember Caps Get Peeled by Eiht Hype, Creepin On A Come Up Layzie Bone to L Burna days. Brotha Lynch Hung is Hip Hop royalty. And you got Glasses Malone one of the early break through underground cats before the bubble. Not every day a producer could easily meet, let alone work with such artists.

WESTLYFE: I also worked with BG Knocc Out, Bad Azz, Big Trey Deee, and Kid Frost.

RAN: This is dope, I grew up listening to these cats. I never got into East vs West. I knew it was bait by oppressors. So, I probably heard songs you produced at some point. Who would you say is most memorable, and something they did you never expected?

WESTLYFE: Man 2Pac was most memorable artist... and going to Death Row was least expected.

RAN: He left a lasting impression on this world. You're a living legend, yourself. Your production sound is healthy brother. It's all quality, and you engulf that low rider music. Outside the music, what influences your beats?

WESTLYFE: My fam, my wife, and kids. My daughter is really into music, so I like to take her and show her the right way. I had nobody to give me direction in the music game.

RAN: I love to hear that. I have a little son, he already likes variety. It's cool to see a toddler going in to Boom Bap. I try to lead him right, also. Is your daughter you mentioned the oldest?

WESTLYFE: She's the youngest and she tries to rap.

RAN: Learning already, give her a discount on some beats. About your new album, I could hear some bangers on those tracks! Now, musically who influenced you?

WESTLYFE: Of Course Dr Dre... Lol, but other than him, DJ Quik, Sir Jin, DJ Pooh, Crazy Toons, Ant Banks, Johnny J...

RAN: Wow bro, you brought me back. My cousin had joints from Ant Banks. Quik and Pooh are more known to the mainstream, but Ant Banks is another kind of gem. I'm glad when names like these get brought up. I hear you also worked with Spice 1, Yukmouth, and Kurupt. This list is insane!

WESTLYFE: I got traxx with them... but I didn't mention, because I don't think they got released.

RAN: Well, we gotta have an inclusive Rhyme All Night listen session, soon. What do you like to use when your creating?

WESTLYFE: I use Propellerheads Reason software for beat making.

RAN: We had Reason in our studio, before. Quality program to work with. I think Reason is kinda young. What did you use before?

WESTLYFE: Akai MPC 2000, Triton keyboard, and Roland vs Multi-track. Then I got Reason 2.5 and still use it till this day. I'm On version 10 now.

RAN: How does new products compare to what you used before?

WESTLYFE:  Man, before no computer. Keyboard and drum machines had tiny a__ screens. Recording on real or dots, or multi-tracks when they first came out was a hassle. Now with computers and software you can connect to a 60 inch screen. Then, cut, paste, slice, copy, and edit everything. It's just really easy now.

RAN: Yo, people really used to work off them tiny screens haha. Big difference now. You've seen a lot.How do you think social media affects the music? If you put the new tape out back in the day, what would be the difference?

WESTLYFE: I did put a beat tape out back in the day, and I put it on CD, because there was no social media in the early 2000's. I left the beat tape CD at certain Studios, and with certain artists, that's how I hooked up with some industry artists. And now it's all social media uploaded to a site and it's on.

RAN: Right,  the CD game was serious. Today, we see it coming back with physicals being bought everyday. You left that CD with right people, for sure. Glad you said that. Myself and readers would like to know how you made those links?

WESTLYFE: My boy Young Trav hooked me up with a lot of the West Coast OG's. Just being in the studio, and making beats for them was a major learning experience. I grew up listening to a majority of them, and working with them has been a humbling experience.

RAN: Indeed, I know life ain't been easy, but dreams came true for you. You got Bay Area elements in your tunes, Mac Dre would be proud. Any shout outs or artists you want to work with?

WESTLYFE: S/O to my wife for backing me up all these years... this music lifestyle can put a toll on a relationship. I would love to work with Ice Cube, Dr Dre, and the one artist I would want to work with over anybody would be Scarface.

RAN: Peace to the Queen holding your corner down. That's a blessing.Peace to Young Trav, too for being a real friend. I honestly don't see a reason why those artists wouldn't work with you. I also don't feel Cube and Face are brought up enough in best writer, best rapper convos. To be continued, I guess. I do want the fans to go download your new beat tape, V1. Thanks for choppin game with us. Blessings for Yeshua!