First Day Feature: maticulous discusses the creation of “The maticulous LP”, the collaboration process and his upcoming instrumental project

From Brooklyn by way of Pittsburgh maticulous brings a feeling all too familiar in hip hop. The easy way to describe it is “Black Hoodie Rap“, that old school feeling of boom bap that fits perfectly with the New York aesthetic. That being said the budding producer also makes strides to push that sound forward in a time when the sound is not as dominate and does so with grace and style that has him set to do even more great things. The new self-titled maticulous LP that dropped July 14th found him paired with lyricists of legend like Fame of M.O.P., Masta Ace and Rah Digga to those carving a lane for themselves more recently like Blu and Your Old Droog all the while keeping the project seamless and interesting. FDF was blessed with the opportunity to get some exclusive info behind the process creating the album and poke into maticulous’ brain on some other matters as well.

To start can you give us some of your history for the individuals
being introduced to you?

-I’m a producer originally from western PA, DJ’d in college & had a radio show, then moved to NYC & released my first project in 2011 on vinyl with Fat Beats called “The maticulous EP.”

Was it music in specific that lead you from Pittsburgh to Brooklyn?

-yes, 100%. I started out as an intern with DJ Honda for college credit haha!

In prior interviews you’ve stated that one of the biggest hurdles for you when arriving in Brooklyn was building connections and getting your name out. For those who haven’t quite gotten to your level what advice can you give them?

-I’d probably say find the most genuine people in your artistic circle & build with them. It really comes down to networking…

As a whole what do you feel hip-hop lacks more than anything and what is your plan to help fill the void?

-I feel it lacks soul, which is why I really love Kendrick Lamar’s new album. You rarely see major label artists make a true classic album these days. There is room for evey style, but there is zero balance.

You spent several years working behind the boards before getting to your first project The maticulous EP in 2011, what made you want to take the patient approach in an industry that is so fast paced?

-I really wanted to make sure that what I brought to the table was quality enough to give to credible artists…also, learning about the craft, and the sound I wanted to achieve.

Speaking of sound, yours is one that takes me to 90’s NYC in its vibe. Heavy beats fit for lyricism and wordplay. I see the nostalgia comes full circle to you as well so much so that you’re selling cassettes of your new project. Who from the era influenced you most?

-First, thank you…I appreciate the words. I really try not to replicate the 90’s but still give it a similar feeling if that makes sense? I’ve always wanted to do a cassette & since it’s sort of resurrected on a smaller level, doing tapes made sense for this album. As far as hip hop producers my biggest influences are DJ Quik & J Dilla…along with many others but those two are definitely at the top.

With The maticulous LP in stores now what more than anything do you hope to accomplish with the album?

-I hope people listen to the record front to back, and I hope it hits the ears of more people. It’s difficult to listen to producer compilations because most times it doesn’t feel like an album.

As a producer I’m interested in what the process is like creating an album that largely incorporates the artistry of people other than yourself. Could you expound more on that?

-It’s not easy because you are dealing with so many people other than yourself. You aren’t always in the studio together, it’s rare these days. Most times it’s via email, phone calls etc.

Do you typically create beats and have the artist pick from a selection or create the track with an artist already in mind?

– I always present artists with one track I had in mind for my personal projects. If people ask for beats, I send a few.

Of the tracks on your new album which did you have the best time making and why?

-Each one is different & special but getting in the studio & working face to face with Masta Ace, Fame, Rah Digga, Droog is always the most rewarding. I had fun doing the last track on my album too, the instrumental called “Souled Outro,” sort of a different sound than I’ve done previously.

You collaborated with a slew of artists on this one. Masta Ace, Fame, Rah Digga & Droog like you mentioned and others like that fit well into your booming sound . Of the artists you’ve had the opportunity to work with in the past which stands out as a favorite collaboration?

-Working with Lil Fame from MOP was fun, we recorded it in DJ Skizz’s studio, the collaboration with Masta Ace was great too. I just love being in the same room when the music is created. The Blu was fun, we spoke via email & he was hype to do the joint with Ace…he killed it!

Who would you most like to work with in the future?

-I’d really like to produce for Kendrick, Freddie Gibbs, James Fauntleroy (he’s a song writer but I’d like to make a track for him to sing on), Vinia Mojica, Black Thought, Nas..the list could go on…

With the project now out what is next in your plans as far as promoting it and moving forward with other endeavors?

-next up after promoting this album will be an instrumental project which will be my 3rd beat tape project.

Thats a good look, keep the projects coming. Do you already have a title set for it?

-The new instrumental project will be called “The Chrome Tape”

What direction can we expect from The Chrome Tape? Is there a particular theme?

-It is basically beats to ride out to in the car. I made it with the idea of after a night out, riding back to your spot playing it loud & vibing.

Is there anything you’d like to share with your fans before we conclude?

-I appreciate you listening & if you’d like to hear more of my music please spread the word so that I can continue to create…and just so it’s out there officially, there are no caps when you spell maticulous, haha!

Whats the best way for the people to contact you for work?

-Hit me up on twitter @maticulous21 or check out the soundcloud page soundcloud.com/maticulousmusic. Also if you’d like to purchase some of my music you can do so via my bandcamp or website maticulousmusic.com. Thanks!