Ron Browz: The Man Behind the Music

Ron Browz' name may not sound familiar, but this 24 year-old producer has already established himself as a major player in the music industry. After successfully producing hits for artists like Big L, Fat Joe, DMX, Lil' Kim and, most notably, Nas (the "Ether" track that sparked the rapper's comeback), he has nowhere to go but up. Shine spoke with the Harlem native about how it all got started, and what's in store for his future.

Shine: How old were you when you became interested in making music?
Ron Browz: Eleven years old. I used to watch a lot of music videos. As soon as I got out of high school at 17 I started working with Big L.

Shine: How did you start working with Big L?

Ron Browz: He's from Harlem. Harlem is big, but small. One day he was walking by randomly and I told him I had some music for him to hear. That's when he did "Ebonics."

Shine: What is being a producer all about?

Ron Browz: I use keyboards, records-anything that makes sounds--and create music. Compose.

Shine: Who are some producers today that you think stand out from the rest and why?

Ron Browz: Timbaland has his own sound. DJ Premier has his own sound, the Neptunes have their own sound.

Shine: Is it important to have your own sound?

Ron Browz: It's good, you know. I don't think I have a distinctive sound, I do so much different stuff. But that's what makes me unique. You can't pinpoint something that I did--too many styles.

Shine: Are there any artists you would like to work with but haven't yet?

Ron Browz: I haven't worked with Jay-Z yet. I'd like to work with Jay-Z, Nore, Capone, 50 Cent. I'd like to work with everybody who's creative. I wouldn't mind working with anybody who's contributing to hip-hop.

Shine: Who are your favorite artists?

Ron Browz: I don't have a specific artist. I like everything. Anything with hot beats.

Shine: What do you think about producers who sample a lot?

Ron Browz: As long as it's hot. But if it's wack, don't sample it. As long as it's hot I don't have a problem with sampling.

Shine: There are a lot of aspiring artists, including singers and lyricists, but what advice would you give to an aspiring producer?

Ron Browz: One thing, it's not like an overnight success. It takes a while to get your sound out there. You gotta' make beats every day. Approach an artist if you see him. I have a manager that does the footwork for me. Me and my manager have good chemistry 'cuz he can shop the beats and I can be creative. Get a manager--or you could send your beats in to a label.

Shine: What can we expect from you next? Do you plan on going from producer to artist, or performer?

Ron Browz: I plan to be an artist, I plan to develop an artist--his name is T-Rex and his single should be out this summer--and I plan to run the production company I have called Money Ave.

Ron Browz Discography:

Big L : Ebonics, The Big Picture, Casualties of a Dice Game, The Heist, Size ˜Em Up, The Big Picture

Nas: Ether, Stillmatic; The Last Real N**** Alive, God's Son

Fat Joe: We Run This, Loyalty

Lil Kim: What's the Word, Hollyhood

DMX: F***Ya'all Niggas, Album TBD