NEW Interview with Dawaun Parker (Aftermath producer)

[Meho]

Dawaun Parker (Aftermath producer) - Interview (Detox, Relapse)



Aftermathmusic.com:
1st off, thanks for taking the time to talk to the premier Aftermath source on the internet. Please introduce yourself.

Dawaun Parker:
Well, for those who don’t already know, and many don’t - my name is Dawaun Parker aka Amadeus MostArt aka the Illmusician aka The Dr.’s Apprentice, aka Check-For-My-Future Aka’s… (laughs)

Aftermathmusic.com:
How was your childhood?

Dawaun Parker:
Well, times were kinda hard as a kid…single parent, moved around a lot, fam was broke, ya know - the usual. I was always into music but didn’t play an instrument or had an actual desire to be in the business. I just ran around and played basketball, got into a little trouble, the normal stuff…but I had a lotta fun. Shout out to my childhood peoples from Prov and Newport..

Aftermathmusic.com:
What about influences from the past?

Dawaun Parker:
Public Enemy is how I got into rap. I memorized the whole ..Nation of Millions.. in like 4 grade or something. That tape broke from overuse! I watched Yo! MTV Raps every day after school. This was all during elementary school, so I was always a little ahead of the rest of my friends - though I’m sure any true hip-hop head felt the same way. Once I started playing instruments, I would listen to stuff like Take 6, Chick Corea, and Jay Dee.

Aftermathmusic.com:
When did you start to play instruments and which instruments are you playing?

Dawaun Parker:
I started playing drums around 11 or something like that…just a little here and there. I played concert band in middle school and jazz band 9th grade - which is also when I started to take keys a little more seriously. My freshman year of high school, I started to play for different churches and revivals and stuff…I hadn’t started making beats just yet, just would hear them in my head.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Do you think, its important for a producer to play instruments?

Dawaun Parker:
I think it could help. But some of the greatest producers don’t play an instrument at all - or very little. Being a producer is about having great ears and great taste. A killing producer can communicate to a musician what they’d want them to play if they couldn’t do it themselves. In most cases I can play it myself though - so I can save some money (laughs)

Aftermathmusic.com:
Fans wanted to know, how’s Dawaun working … Let’s talk about the production process on making beats. What’s the first thing you do when you make a beat?

Dawaun Parker:
There’s no formula. I really depends. I just vibe out and try to find some inspiration and see where that leads…

Aftermathmusic.com:
How do you make sure the drums fit the beat?

Dawaun Parker:
I think it’s more about the beat or track, fitting the DRUMS! There is no way to ‘make sure’. The track is done when you feel it is. Again, there is no set formula. You either know or you don’t. Some people just aren’t supposed to be making beats…

Aftermathmusic.com:
When you sample, what type of sample do you look for?

Dawaun Parker:
I don’t ‘look’ for a sample really. I just listen to music and if something happens to jump out at me, I may sample it and flip it how I hear it in my head. Every now and then I actually go record digging. What I buy is just personal preference though. I love old music and I love music from Brazil. The women down there are banging too!

Aftermathmusic.com:
What equipment do you use?

Dawaun Parker:
I never like answering this because some people think that if they have the same equipment as another person, then that will equate to making music on par with them…it’s all about your ears though…personally I use a combination of instruments and software to get the sound I want…give me an MPC and I’m good…Or, give me a Rhodes and a SP1200 and I’m still good…or just an iPhone…or my fists and a good lunch table…I can flip whatever.

Aftermathmusic.com:
When did you first meet Dr. Dre and what would you like to tell us about him?

Dawaun Parker:
I met Doc in the summer of ‘05. My first impression was that Doc is just a cool dude. Down to earth, and he’s the man. Thats it.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What would you like to say about the label Aftermath? I mean, signed on the math - Is all of that exciting for you right now?

Dawaun Parker:
This is the best label to be on in my opinion. If you dope enough, the world can be your footstool.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What type of feedback did you get from people about your work with Aftermath?

Dawaun Parker:
I’ve been fortunate enough to hear all positive feedback. People I meet on the street feel what I do and my peers in the industry have shown me a lot of love. It’s a good feeling.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Whats the difference between you, Dre or the others production-wise?

Dawaun Parker:
I think many things. Hip-hop production is very nuanced, and we all have different backgrounds and musical histories. so I would say it’s mostly those things that determine what type of sound you may have. As for myself, I got into hip-hop at a very early age, I’m from the east coast, I play keys, etc…and now have Dr. Dre as my mentor so all those things add up to how my production sounds now.

Aftermathmusic.com:
A lot of artists and producers saying Dre is a “clean-up man”. Is the work with him really that demanding?

Dawaun Parker:
I dunno if I’ve ever heard that expression. but ‘clean-up’ to me doesn’t equate demanding. Clean up means you fix all the spots others miss. Doc has some of the best ears in the game. He hears what others miss.

Aftermathmusic.com:
For those that don’t already know, can you explain your role within Aftermath creative family?

Dawaun Parker:
Well…I play, write, produce and I basically raise the coolness factor around here. If I’m on your team, your swag level instantly skyrockets haha.

Aftermathmusic.com: Now that you’ve worked with a lot of artists on Aftermath, is that sort of a new relationship or family for you?

Dawaun Parker:
Anyone who works around the same people everyday form some type of family-like bond.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Are there gonna be any new Aftermath signees with all the droppings?

Dawaun Parker:
I dunno you’d have to ask A&R.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How do you feel about Stat Quo’s current situation?

Dawaun Parker:
I’m just focused on the actual music at this point. I have no desire or vested interest in ANY artist’s contract situation.



Aftermathmusic.com:
What would you say sticks out the most that happened this year on Aftermath?

Dawaun Parker:
Well we just wrapping up Em’s project so I’ll say that, and Crack A Bottle was #1 on Billboard, so that’s exciting I guess.

Aftermathmusic.com:
We need Em back. Hip Hop needs Em back. How do you feel about the current state of Hip-Hop?

Dawaun Parker:
Hip-Hop is in a transformation stage. Most are waiting to see where it goes or are complaining and then some of us are trying to guide it where we’d like to see it go. I think with the computer and with the way we are all connected, you just need to have dope music. The people will decide if it’s hip-hop or not

I will say that we are in a post-lyricism era right now, with guys like Wayne, Drake, and ‘Ye no really rapping so much, but trying to expand our concept of what a hip-hop record is. Personally I think it’s all hip-hop, there is just good and bad. But then you hear someone like KRS-1 who is a legend, say that Flashing Lights ain’t hip-hop, so it’s all relative at the end of the day.

Aftermathmusic.com:
So, right now you are with Dre in Detroit to work on Eminem’s Album. Please tell me about your role in this project.

Dawaun Parker:
well basically I just run around and challenge Em to emcee battles so he can stay on his toes. other than that, i’m part of one of the best production teams ever assembled. is that too cocky?

Aftermathmusic.com:
Ha ha … no! Can we expect a new Dre type of beat on “ Relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
I mean I don’t think you can expect a huge radical departure from what you are familiar with. Just know we worked hard on it and the quality will be there.
There are some surprises musically for sure; at least in my opinion.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Can you give us some inside info on features and producers on the album?

Dawaun Parker:
It’s mostly us. I think Dre on it and maybe and 50, but no one else far as I know.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What’s the concept behind “Relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
The concept behind “Relapse” I can’t speak on. The title pretty much explains it though. He’s back!

Aftermathmusic.com:
Who produced the track “I’m having a relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
I did.

Aftermathmusic.com:
It’s a great song D. Being that you are so close to Eminem, is there a difference in him artistically, since the unfortunate passing of his best friend, Proof?

Dawaun Parker:
I’ll leave it to Marshall to reveal what he wants at his pace. But it’s gonna be dope I promise.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Has the long wait for Detox made you feel like people were going to expect too much of the album?

Dawaun Parker:
I think the longer the wait the more expected yes. But the fans SHOULD have high expectations regardless of the length of time cuz it’s Dre. However, I wish people wouldn’t think that it took him 7 or something years to make. When I got my deal there wasn’t one Detox track completed. Real talk. He wasn’t working on it at the time. People just knew that there was supposed to be a project. The rest is all rumors and here-say.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Dr. Dre said: “Hip Hop has to grow up, so we can do Detox”. What do you think about this statement?

Dawaun Parker:
It’s factual.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Detox has been pushed back again and again, and is it maybe because of the record sales nowadays and Interscope is maybe afraid of Detox suffering from that?

Dawaun Parker:
No! The album isn’t done, thats all. It’s never really been pushed back, cuz there hasn’t ever been a definitive release date.

Aftermathmusic.com:
We hear a lot of people talk about Dre and his work ethic. What is it like working with him from your perspective?

Dawaun Parker:
He has the best work ethic and he drives me to match and exceed his with my own.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What do you think about all the “Detox - Leaks”?

Dawaun Parker:
I think it’s wack that people heard those ideas in it’s most infant stage, and also that people assumed they were all detox records cuz they weren’t. The hackers or Dj’s or whoever even made up their own titles…fugazi.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Good answer. You know the last Detox question for now and everybody is waiting on an answer. So, when will Detox realisticly come out!

Dawaun Parker:
That’s what everyone wants to know…at this time, I have no additional info of any value.

Aftermathmusic.com:
How is Dr. Dre personally holding up since the tragic passing of his son?

Dawaun Parker:
You’d have to ask him that. But everyone is good and we grinding.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What is one thing that fans don’t understand about music nowadays?

Dawaun Parker:
Everything… Anything. Whoever that upsets, it’s for them.

Aftermathmusic.com:
If you could change one thing about the business what would it be?

Dawaun Parker:
Put people who actually love music in the check-cutting and decision-making positions.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What is the biggest source of validation in your career?

Dawaun Parker:
The biggest people can big you up and it doesn’t matter at all if you don’t believe it yourself.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Which projects will we be hearing Dawaun & Dr. Dre production on in the next couple of months?

Dawaun Parker:
Relapse, Before I Self Destruct, We Are The GodBody, The Reformation and Detox.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What are your predictions for the direction the hip hop game is going to take this year?

Dawaun Parker:
Take a trip to Europe and that’ll give you a decent guess. Not verbatim but a good indicator.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Who are your personal favorite up and coming artists in the game right now?

Dawaun Parker:
Slim Da Mobster, Drake, Fashawn, Theo, Donny Goines, Problem, and probably Jay Rock.

Aftermathmusic.com:
Ok, last question: What do you want to say to everybody reading this interview?

Dawaun Parker:
Keep God first, stop rapping about swag, and ban skinny jeans and tight v-necks. Hillside stand up!

[Dre-Day]

it's Dawaun Parker 
not Dawuan 

[JRK]

Dawaun Parker (Aftermath producer) - Interview (Detox, Relapse)


Dawaun Parker:
Keep God first, stop rapping about swag, and ban skinny jeans and tight v-necks. Hillside stand up!

Chuuuch

[The Predator]

Aftermathmusic.com:
Ha ha … no! Can we expect a new Dre type of beat on “ Relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
I mean I don’t think you can expect a huge radical departure from what you are familiar with. Just know we worked hard on it and the quality will be there.
There are some surprises musically for sure; at least in my opinion.

So that means Dr Dre still does not have a new sound created yet.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What are your predictions for the direction the hip hop game is going to take this year?

Dawaun Parker:
Take a trip to Europe and that’ll give you a decent guess. Not verbatim but a good indicator.

 

[dameons]

Thank you. Fantastic questions ( on the real ) ..

[David Gutterman]

good stuff, thanx for the interview 

[amin_54]

Aftermathmusic.com:
Ha ha … no! Can we expect a new Dre type of beat on “ Relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
I mean I don’t think you can expect a huge radical departure from what you are familiar with. Just know we worked hard on it and the quality will be there.
There are some surprises musically for sure; at least in my opinion.

So that means Dr Dre still does not have a new sound created yet.

Aftermathmusic.com:
What are your predictions for the direction the hip hop game is going to take this year?

Dawaun Parker:
Take a trip to Europe and that’ll give you a decent guess. Not verbatim but a good indicator.

 

 No,i think that it means that he won't use it for Relapse beats...

[dubsmith_nz]

Gppd straight up answeres, nice interview. Props

[Dre-Day]

Aftermathmusic.com:
Ha ha … no! Can we expect a new Dre type of beat on “ Relapse”?

Dawaun Parker:
I mean I don’t think you can expect a huge radical departure from what you are familiar with. Just know we worked hard on it and the quality will be there.
There are some surprises musically for sure; at least in my opinion.

So that means Dr Dre still does not have a new sound created yet.

no it doesn't.

it just means that Relapse will not be the birth of yet another sound.
there's nothing wrong with that, as the current sound is in good shape IMO

[Dre-Day]

Aftermathmusic.com:
What do you think about all the “Detox - Leaks”?

Dawaun Parker:
I think it’s wack that people heard those ideas in it’s most infant stage, and also that people assumed they were all detox records cuz they weren’t. The hackers or Dj’s or whoever even made up their own titles…fugazi.

yeah, fuck the gossip culture

Aftermathmusic.com:
Has the long wait for Detox made you feel like people were going to expect too much of the album?

Dawaun Parker:
I think the longer the wait the more expected yes. But the fans SHOULD have high expectations regardless of the length of time cuz it’s Dre. However, I wish people wouldn’t think that it took him 7 or something years to make. When I got my deal there wasn’t one Detox track completed. Real talk. He wasn’t working on it at the time. People just knew that there was supposed to be a project. The rest is all rumors and here-say.

^^^^^^take note!

[Dome]

Aftermathmusic.com:
Which projects will we be hearing Dawaun & Dr. Dre production on in the next couple of months?

Dawaun Parker:
Relapse, Before I Self Destruct, We Are The GodBody , The Reformation and Detox.

who is this?

[Adriano]

http://www.godbodymusic.com/

[MediumL]

Aftermathmusic.com:
What are your predictions for the direction the hip hop game is going to take this year?

Dawaun Parker:
Take a trip to Europe and that’ll give you a decent guess. Not verbatim but a good indicator.

 

If hes referring to UK hip hop/grime then its gonna be a lot more electro influenced. With more synth based tracks than the old soul samples the US rap uses a lot of. Check out Boy In Dar Corner by Dizzee Rascal or Treddin on Thin Ice by Wiley to see what i mean.

[stillinrehab]

Good to hear some straight up answers for a change!  Good read!