Jimi Kendrixxx: Family Bizness

By Mark Williams-Washington

Imagine selling a beat to Jay-Z on accident. Then selling beats to Ja Rule, Ashanti, Patti Labelle, and a bunch of other people - but this time on purpose. Shine Magazine recently caught up with super-producer Jimi Kendrix, who did just that. Peep the interview below...

Shine: What up fam?

Jimi Kendrixx: Shine what's good?

Shine: Who have you been working with recently?

Jimi Kendrixx: A few people. Alot of new artists just coming into the game, along with those established such as Ja Rule, Ashanti...got some sh*t popped off at Def Jam where a lot of my big records came out of. Kind of making my rounds again as Jimi Kendrix of Family Bizness, not the kid who did the joints at Murda Inc. I say that cuz' lately going in these labels, it never amazes me how people across the country know of me and admire my work, and I have no idea who they are at times. It's a very humbling experience and I'm grateful to be alive today doing what I do.

Shine: How did you initially get into the game?

Jimi Kendrixx: If you had asked me where I was gonna' be now five years ago I'd say either jail, dead, in the military or a millionaire and today I'm neither of those. If I could change it, I don't think I would, because this is where GOD wanted me to be. My family background was either church or music so I guess you see where the influence came from.

Music was always easy for me to hear, understand, express but it wasn't until I accidentally sold a joint to Jay-Z through my uncle Chuck that kind of made me realize how music can change and affect life for me and my family... as well as my pockets too, Lol! The record was Blue Print 2 "Did It My Way," the rest was history.

Shine: When did you make your first beat?

Jimi Kendrixx: Crazy thing is Jay-Z wasn't my first experience in the studio. My god sister is Kelly Price, so we kinda' got a chance to hang around her when she recorded her albums and got a chance to hang around Bad Boy in their prime...going on tour and everything. All of these experiences kinda' shaped my outlook on life and where I seen myself.

The following year, after doing the Jay-Z record, I went to China for a few months and made up in my mind that when I returned home that music would be my career from now on. I left a good job with security and benefits (stupid) but if I didn't where would I be today!

Shine: Do you still have that beat?

Jimi Kendrixx: The two tracks, yes I do, and DJs and rappers still ask me for the instrumental for their tapes cuz' no instrumental was ever released.

Shine: What equipment do you use to make your beats?

Jimi Kendrixx: Anything you have in your studio...but the only consistent piece I keep with me is my MPC 2000XL, given to me as a gift from my boy Nokio from the group Dru Hill. Good looking my nigg!!! I'M STILL USING IT!

Shine: What's the cheapest price you ever charged someone for a beat?

Jimi Kendrixx: Oh that's easy, two hundred dollars...when I first started on my mission to be successful at this music sh*t I had hard times. Had a room in queens, and I paid my bills by selling beats to the local rappers and street entrepreneurs who wanted to get into music as well.

To all my n*ggas out there starting off, things may seem like it's not quite gonna' happen but it's only because you're a turn away from opening that door! I been there, and sometimes I myself get frustrated and wanna' stop but you can't! Queens whatup!!! Farmers, Hollis, Southside, Murdock, all day!

Shine: Has there ever been a time that you were not in the studio with someone who chose one of your beats?

Jimi Kendrixx: Plenty of times, but I'll say the best times were when I was in with the artist, cuz' when they see you put the record together right in front of their eyes, they leave having a different level of respect for what we do.

Shine: Is there any artist in particular you like working with?

Jimi Kendrixx: One of the highlights of my career so far would be getting to meet and work with Jay-Z on his album because it was my first record I ever sold ...and Pattie Labelle on her final project. That was special for me, because she was someone I would listen to and sample, and could only wish to work with, and I had the opportunity. Also she cooked dinner for me while I was down in Philly recording with her. She can cook her @ss off :)

Shine: Can you give advice to upcoming producers?

Jimi Kendrixx: You only have one life--but you can have many chances-- don't give up on your dream. It's literally a song away, BUT it don't come overnight. There're gonna' be some long nights into the morning, and some frustrating days where you feel like nobody believes in you. I SAY SO WHAT, IT'S YOURS TO GAIN AND YOURS TO LOSE! What are you gonna' do?

Shine: How do people get into contact with you if they want beats?

Jimi Kendrixx: jkendrixxx@yahoo.com just leave your contact and if you have music or artists you wanna send me, then familybizpromo@gmail.com or familybiznesspromo@gmail.com one of them...

Shine: Any last words or shout outs?

Jimi Kendrixx: To my team Family Bizness, Smith Bros., amazing, NYC!!! Wake the f@$%k up and let's get it back...if ya don't, I INTEND 2. MUCH LOVE SHINE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND OF COURSE... "JESUS LOVES U"