Victoria Hill Style Editor, also known as MIZZ V has interviewed the talented man himself Mike Will Made It. For those that do not know him, you will now. Mike was the creative who produced the legendary track “Tupac Back” for MayBach Music Group artist Meek Mill featuring Rick Ross. He has been on the scene for a while working with various artists such as Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka. I had the pleasure to have a real talk with him about not only how he started out, but on a more personal level on the drive force and passion for what he does as well as his thoughts on the one and only Odd Future.
MIZZ V: What does an average day in Atlanta working in the mix tape scenes consist of?
MIKE WMI: Late nights, early mornings, dedication, humbleness and persistence. That’s what you have to be ready for to stand out and stay relevant.
MIZZ V: Where do you get your inspiration for beats from, a feeling/mood, film or artist?
MIKE WMI: I lost my uncle Al to cancer, he was a musical genius, very talented but without the chance to express his talent. I feel like since I have the chance to express mine, I gotta go twice as hard for him. Then I snap into the mentality of knowing that whatever track I make has to be bigger and better than the last.
MIZZ V: From a young age you could play songs by ear that you heard on the radio, was this because you came from a musical family background?
MIKE WMI: No, I was never interested in making music until the age of 14, which is when I figured out that I could play music by ear. Then I started to see the light in being a creator in music. I bought my first beat machine, taught myself bars and the little basics; it’s been on ever since.
MIZZ V: What inspired you to get your first beat machine at the age of 14 and what were you doing to make beats before this?
MIKE WMI: I was playing basketball prior to buying my first beat machine. The fact that I had the natural talent to teach myself how to play melodies and make the beats, I figured why not let me try it out. I was still young I wasn't exactly positive with what I was going to do in life. So why not try it out, lol and from there I paved the way and started letting everyone know I had that heat. The first artist I worked with was Gucci Mane and the Bricksquad camp, which was at the age 17 to18, from there everyone else, until now I'm 22.
MIZZ V: How did you get into the music scene as a producer? In my industry as a stylist you have to work for year’s unpaid-is this the same in your line of work?
MIKE WMI: I mean it really depends on the song and of course it’s for the majority. It’s a political game and when you are new there are dues to be paid in order to build your name up. Then after the dues are paid and you prove that you can still be consistent with your craft, then you can get the big money you dream about.
MIZZ V: When you were growing up, what tracks did you blast out in your room that have been influential in your career?
MIKE WMI: I did a lot of listening to Pac, of course Outkast and the whole Dungeon Family coming from Atlanta, Big fan of Master P and the whole No Limit, as well the whole Cash Money a big fan of the Hot Boys, TI, Gucci Mane, Jeezy , etc. Also grew up in the house with older sisters so they would listen to a lot of RnB/Pop like Mary J, Toni Braxton, Beyonce, Pink , etc. I really listened to everything, been a fan of music, just never thought I would be creating it. So having a blend of the street and pop music was influential. Growing up kind of explains my catalog. I have dope tracks for every genre no ceilings.
MIZZ V: What software and program do you work with to create your sick beats or is this top-secret information that only integration could bring out?
MIKE WMI: Naw lol it’s not about what you got, its all about how you use it lol... But I have them all: Fruity Loops, Reason Logic, all the way to the MPC2500, the Motif, the Fantom, and the Triton.
MIZZ V: Do you always connect by titles of songs to inspire the beats?
MIKE WMI: I might name the beat after whatever I was feeling, while making the track or after listening back and seeing whatever picture comes to my head.
MIZZ V: What was your initial reaction when you heard the Rick Ross/Meek Mill hit song “Tupac Back”? Do you get goose-pimply when you hear a masterpiece coming together?
MIKE WMI: I liked the record I knew exactly what kind of ruckus it would start, as soon as it dropped. Then the energy from both the track and the song were crazy so it did exactly as I visioned it doing.
MIZZ V: After producing the Rick Ross/Meek Mill hit song “Tupac Back," which has taken your career to another level, which artists would you like to collaborate with?
MIKE WMI: Everyone, That means Everyone I haven't worked with yet. There's no ceilings, I'm talking none. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jay-Z, and all the way to the talented kid in the ghetto or suburbs that’s working on their chance to be heard.
MIZZ V: What are your thoughts on the group Odd Future?
MIKE WMI: Dope, cant wait to work with them.
MIZZ V: Right… now I have to relate this interview to style….Being that I am a fashion stylist. I would like to know…. Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
MIKE WMI: I been fly since my baby picture's, so really I feel like I just have a little catching up to do with a couple cats other than that I'm a trendsetter.
MIZZ V: Which artist’s fashion style do you feel at the moment?
MIKE WMI: I really be looking at the females to be honest, lol and I'm not to sure about what they really be having on. I just know what looks good. Love to see the spikes red bottoms designer bags with the right fit and accessories with a crazy walk. Don't really get too locked in on other dudes fashion they're doing what they do.
MIZZ V: Are you a BLING or HAT man?
MIKE WMI: Love Hats, Bling kind of went out of style for me. I just like the right bling in my ear, and wrist but nothing to crazy gotta be real cool like nothing looking to crazy.
MIZZ V: What item of clothing is your signature must have that you couldn't live without?
MIKE WMI: I can’t really call it, I can switch it up as long as I'm looking brand new and everything is fresh then I'm good. But if I had to choose it would probably be a hat.
MIZZ V: So tell us what do you to kick back and unwind after working?
MIKE WMI: I like females so it’s always cool to kick it with a cool female to unwind after working in this crazy business. She has to be cool though lol. Cant deal with a crazy chick, mixed with this crazy business, could never work.
MIZZ V: What does the future bring for the talented Mike WiLL Made It?
MIKE WMI: Ear-Drummer Ent my production company to be an Empire in the music/entertainment industry. To set trends, make great records for each genre of music, as well as commercials, video games and movies you name it. Other than that I can't call it...stay tuned.
MIZZ V: I would like to say a big Thank You to Mike, for your time and a great interview for sideviewmagazine.com
To Keep up-dated with Mike follow him on twitter: @mikewillmadeit
Written by Victoria Hill, Style Editor for Side View Magazine
Twitter: @vclairestylist
