It goes without saying that when it comes to Hip Hop, and music in general, the recording artist are pushed to the forefront receiving all the shine. But there's a magic behind the music that often goes unmentioned, and that ladies and gentlemen is the producer. Without the mastermind who constructs the beat we nod to, the artist would have no foundation. And with that I introduce to you, North Carolina's own super producer Manifest.

Hailing from the streets of Rocky Mount NC and reigning supreme in the production game of the underground and mainstream industry, Manifest can easily be vouched for as one of the best in the game. With an excellent ear for great music and a rare skill for quality engineering, he's one of the few in the game who is responsible for the energy fueling hits ranging from Carolina mega stars to mainstream players. There's more work than you can imagine that goes into the careers of producers, and ShellyBThat.com has got the exclusive.

We had the pleasure of catching up with Producer/Engineer and Business man Manifest who graciously broke down the ins & and outs of the production industry. Join us as we take you deep into the world of a star Producer.

ShellyBThat.com: Lets talk status. There is no traditional record deal or award that defines a producers success. This ladder or journey for an artist is very different from that of a producer. What would you say is the difference between a super producer and an aspiring producer?

Manifest: A Super Producer is one that has already established himself as a brand. Most people are familiar with his/her work already. An aspiring producer is one who has all the drive in the world to be the best he/she can be. Most aspiring producers do it for the love of passion and is not worried about the money yet. 

ShellyBThat.com: Elaborate on the work, skill, and process that goes into successfully making a great song.
Manifest: Creating a great song is an unusal process. Most great songs aren't pre-meditated. 

-  One it all starts with the a beat that fits you. Remember just because a beat is hot doesn't mean it's for your style of music. And just because a beat isn't all that great doesn't mean it can't be made into a hit. Be Honest with yourself and chose beats that you can handle.

-  Two you must have a great hook/chorus. This is one of the most important things in creating a great song. If your song is played in the club or on the radio you want your listener to be able to know your hook/chorus by the time your song has completed it's full spin. Catchy hooks usually lead to a hit.

-  Three you wanna surround yourself with people who will be honest and give great criticism in your work. Keep the Yes people away from you, they could cost you a hit record. Keep in mind it's a difference between constructive criticism and haters.

ShellyBThat.com: Lets explore your background. Your track record can be accredited to the foundation of Carolina Hip Hop, this we know, but lets talk about some of your collaborations with major recording artist outside this region.
Manifest: I have records with artist such as Gorilla Zoe, Max B, Jim Jones, Lil Wayne, Gravey, Remy Martin, State House, Ricco Barrino etc....The list goes on.

ShellyBThat.com: Now you own one of the most popular recording studios in Carolina. What are the benefits and challenges of running a business catering to making artist music vs. just producing beats?

Manifest: The benefits of running my own recording studio is that I can showcase my beats to many of the artists that record there. It's also beneficial because I get a lot of hands on experience with different recording artist contributing to their careers. One of the challenges of running a recording studio is making time for myself. Sometimes I never have the time to make beats because I'm overwhelmed with studio time. It's all good in the end though.

ShellyBThat.com: I'd agree that you are a well known and respected producer/engineer who supports the NC entertainment market, how do you go about your selections of clients, artist you work with, or is there a process?
Manifest: I don't discrimiate with clients. If a client is less talented than other artist I offer production deals to get them ready for the next level. As long they are serious about what they do I will work with anybody.

ShellyBThat.com: Are there any producers in the industry who influence your ideas or sound?
Manifest: There aren't any that influence my sound but they influence my work ethic. DJ Premier, Nottz, Black Jeruz, Dr. Dre, Organized Noise just to name a few.

ShellyBThat.com: Music Constantly evolves over time, especially with artist. Do you see these same changes with beats, track arrangements/format and the overall sound of music? If Yes, how so?
Manifest: Most certainly, in the past songs were 3 verses long 3/16's, now a days songs are more hooky with shorter verses. Songs have less substance now so the beats have to have less substance so they do not over power the lyrics.

ShellyBThat.com: Hip Hop Artist, Top 5 Dead or Live..Who's yours?
Manifest:
1. RAKIM
2. BIG DADDY KANE
3. NAS
4. KOOL G RAP
5. DERTY DEN
 
ShellyBThat.com: Do you prefer a chemistry related relationship with artist and exclusively producing or just selling your beats/getting your sound out? Whats your ultimate goal as a producer?

Manifest: I'm open to any situation. If I don't have chemistry with an artics it's because this is our first time working together. I guarantee after our first song together we will have the chemistry from that point on. My ultimate goal as a producer is to keep the torch of great music going. 
 
ShellyBThat.com: Paint this picture for me, When Manifest is about to make a beat...
Manifest: Dim Lights, by myself gatorade and a comfortable environment!
 
ShellyBThat.com: Being a vet in the game of production, what advise would you give that young man with nothing but his beat machine, an ear for good music and a dream?
Manifest: Stay consistent, keep up with what is going on in the Industry and Brand your name!
 
ShellyBThat.com: Lets talk about your Quarterly Mixtape Series. You just dropped the 1st Quarter N.F.L Mixtape which is the buzz on the streets right now. Take me back into the history of the project. And let us know how we can get our hands on a copy of the latest release.

Manifest: I drop these quaterly mixtapes to coincide with the industry. 1st QTR is usually when every artist hits the reset button on their careers and it is also the time when you hear from the new up and coming artist. 1st QTR Mixtape represents that for the artist that I deal with. 2nd QTR people are more familiar with you and your fan base becomes stronger. 2nd QTR mixtape usually consist of the people who capitalized off of the buzz from the 1st QTR. 3rd QTR is usually when a lot of artist drop solo projects so my 3rd QTR mixtapes usually consist of artist who capitalized off of the 2nd QTR. 4th QTR usually sets up for the first QTR, this is when most scouting is done for the industry, it's a proven fact that once an artist have completed 4 QTRS of my project they definitely are ready for the industry and have numerous industry looks. I can get anybody to the position of getting signed, its just up to you once you are in front of that person who cuts the check. In other words these mixtapes are vital to artist development skills.

ShellyBThat.com: I've got to know lol, are you ever gonna go Kanye or Khalid on us and hop on one of your tracks?
Manifest: LOL Of course when the time is right. I was an entertainer before I started making beats. I'm nice son! LOL....
 
ShellyBThat.com: Lastly, for artist, industry professionals or fans interested in networking with the good brother Manifest, any contact info??
Manifest: legionofmuzik.com, myspace.com/manifest7, facebook.com/jerardmanifestwiggins, 252-969-3331 or 252-977-3115