MalekMusic.com Producer Blog

In the Studio with Sean Kingston!

2011-07-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

So back in March, I was flown out to Miami to work in the studio with Sean Kingston! He actually found me from my YouTube videos and it was an amazing experience. Check out the video of my trip!

Pepsi Beat Making Video!

2011-07-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make a beat with sounds from a Pepsi bottle for a long time, and after thinking about it for more than 6 months, I finally decided to do it. This video is for promotional purposes only and I am in no way affiliated with Pepsi. I hope you can spread the word about the video! Enjoy.

New Website! HitsByMalek.com

2011-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

So I have officially launched the new website! The website is more for rappers, singers and artists in general to go and find hot commercial beats to purchase and use on their projects.

I also have released my first drum kit for producers to purchase, which you can check out here: http://www.hitsbymalek.com/drumkits.cfm

Check out the site now by going to: www.hitsbymalek.com

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 17 (July 17, 2011)

2011-07-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

I am having difficulty putting an artist to this beat, so I want you to check it out and let me know who you think this track would be good for.

If you are interested in purchasing the beat, it is called "I Like That".

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 16 (July 10, 2011)

2011-07-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

When I was making this track, I had Drake in mind. It is a smooth laid back r&b/hip-hop crossover type track. Enjoy!

If you are interested in purchasing this beat, it is called "UnderH2O"!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 15 (July 3, 2011)

2011-07-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is my first sample-based hip-hop beat that I've done for my Beat Making Sundays series. I decided to do it because I've been reading the comments on previous videos and it seems like you guys wanted to see a sampled track. The sample is Bob Marley's Sun Is Shining.

PRODUCERS: If you are a producer, sample the same track and post your beat as a video response to this video so we can all share our flips of the song.

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 14 (June 26, 2011)

2011-06-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

This is a soulful deep hip-hop track with real instrument sounds. I can hear someone like Rick Ross on this one, but I think a singer could kill it too!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 13 - Contest #1

2011-06-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

This week's episode is a little different because I'm hosting a contest! All you need to do to enter the contest is download the free beat and make a video response to this video! It is as simple as that.

To download the beat, click here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1IXZNTYU

Good luck to everyone!

New Day's - Destination (Official Video)

2011-06-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a new music video from New Day for their new single "Destination" which I produced.

New Day's sophomore album "The Fast Years II: Destination"

2011-06-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

For the months before my trip, I have been working with New Day on their sophomore album "The Fast Years II: Destination"! When I was on my trip the album was released on iTunes. The album features appearances from Mistah F.A.B. and Jay Ant. I produced 8 tracks on the album!

Purchase the album by clicking here: http://itunes.apple.com/album/the-fast-years-ii-destination/id431811815?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 12 (June 12, 2011)

2011-06-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

This track is an uptempo hip-hop track that includes live elements like the horns and drums. Although I originally had a rapper in mind for the beat, I also think a talented vocalist could make a great track out of this one.

If you want to hear the full version of this track, it is called "Horn Hit"!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 11 (June 5, 2011)

2011-06-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is my first Beat Making Sundays episode since being back from my backpacking trip! This track is an uptempo dance track that would work great for someone like Britney Spears or even a rapper who has a pop sound.

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 9 (Feb. 27, 2011)

2011-06-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to post this video when it went live on YouTube! If you want to get more regular updates on when I post my videos, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/hitmakers

Gone Since March!

2011-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

So I have been backpacking through Sri Lanka and India for the past three months. I apologize for not updating you with this information before I left, but the few days before the trip were pretty hectic. Anyways, I am now back from the amazing trip and have put together a trip video. Check it out!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 8 (Feb. 20, 2011)

2011-02-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

With this episode, I wanted to make an r&b track that works in the clubs. I can see someone like Trey Songz on this. If you're interested in the track, it is called "Hidden Talent"!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 7 (Feb. 13, 2011)

2011-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

This episode of Beat Making Sundays is of a beat I competed with in the Red Bull Big Tune national finals. I decided to remake it for you to check out. The beat is a hard hip-hop track that has some elements of underground hip-hop. Check out the video and leave a comment telling me who you hear on this track.

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/hitmakers

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 6 (Feb. 6, 2011)

2011-02-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here is Episode 6 of Beat Making Sundays! I can definitely see a dirty south or midwest type rapper on this track. Enjoy! If you're interested in the beat, it is called "Skyscraper"!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 5 (Jan. 30, 2011)

2011-01-30T03:24:00.000-08:00

This episode of Beat Making Sundays is dedicated to Sonia Rai, who is a beautiful young Indian woman from Boston, Massachusetts that has been diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukemia). She is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, but is having a difficult time finding a match.

You can help her in any way by going to: http://www.curesonia.org

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 4 (Jan. 23, 2011)

2011-01-24T12:58:00.001-08:00

Here is Episode 4 of Beat Making Sundays! I have officially become a YouTube partner, so I am very excited. As for the track, I can definitely hear someone like B.o.B on this one, but I think it would also work for many other artists as well.

Please rate, comment and subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/hitmakers

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 3

2011-01-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

Here is Episode 3 of Beat Making Sundays! The beat is called "In The Sheets" and it is a crossover hip-hop r&b track that works both for a rapper or a singer!

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 2

2011-01-09T00:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the second episode of Beat Making Sundays! Check out the video and enjoy! Please support me and rate, comment and subscribe!

Here is a link to my Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/hitmakers

Beat Making Sundays - Episode 1

2011-01-02T03:13:00.000-08:00

First off, happy New Year to everyone! It is officially 2011 and I am very excited for this year! What is your New Years resolution?

Now that I've reached 600 subscribers on my Youtube channel, I have launched Beat Making Sundays! I will be making a new beat making video every Sunday from now on, so make sure to come back every week for a new episode!

Free Beat Giveaway!

2010-12-29T17:36:00.001-08:00

Happy holidays to everyone! I hope all is well! I am doing a free beat giveaway right now so check out the video for more information on how to get your free beat!

Trip To Chicago - Red Bull Big Tune Finals 2010

2010-12-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

I just uploaded a video of my experience in Chicago for the Red Bull Big Tune finals! It was a lot of fun and definitely a trip I'll never forget. Anyways, check out the video and please subscribe to my Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/hitmakers

New Day's new single "Crowd Control" video

2010-12-06T23:10:00.000-08:00

Check out New Day's official music video for their new single "Crowd Control" which I produced! Tell your friends to tell their friends! :)

Red Bull Big Tune: National Finals in Chicago

2010-11-29T11:36:00.000-08:00

I've been in the Midwest for the past two weeks! Primarily because I was competing in the national finals for Red Bull Big Tune! I also competed back in 2008 in New York City, but the competition this year was fierce. Instead of having 16 producers in the finals, this year there were 18 because Red Bull traveled to 9 cities instead of 8 and taking the top 2 of each city.

Anyways, I have a lot of video footage from my trip that I will be putting together real soon into a video, but until then, I wanted to post a video that the talented Jeanette Egenlauf put together from the event! Follow her on twitter at: http://twitter.com/jeanette_ace

New Day's album "The Fast Years"

2010-11-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but it's because I've been busy which is a good thing! Anyways, I will be putting up new production videos soon and getting back on the digital grind. Anyways, I recently was the executive producer of the album "The Fast Years" for a new up-and-coming group out of the bay area called New Day.

I also produced 5 records on the project, so make sure to support the group and purchase the album on iTunes!

Purchase the album today at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-fast-years/id390182920#

Studio Session Making "Heartbeat" with Ryan K!

2010-08-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, Ryan K and myself had the great opportunity to book studio time at the School of Audio Engineering Institute in San Francisco. We've been wanting to record "Heartbeat" for a while now so this was the perfect chance.

The track came out crazy and you will be able to hear the final version very soon. Rest assured, it's a definite hit!

Music on MTV's The Real World: New Orleans

2010-07-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that numerous instrumentals of mine have already been and will be on this season of The Real World! Listen closely this season and you will probably hear a few of my tracks. I've already learned of about 6 tracks that have been on the previous episodes.

Red Bull Big Tune: San Francisco videos

2010-07-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the videos Red Bull posted on the event:

Music on Kourney & Khloe Take Miami

2010-07-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I found out one of the instrumentals was placed on the recent eopisode Scotts-o-phrenia which aired on June 27th. I hope to get some more music on the show, so definitely stay tuned!

Check out the website for the show by clicking here!

That's A Hit Producer Showcase - July 17th!

2010-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

If you're a music producer from Northern California, you should apply!

Making A Dance Track for Dirty Money

2010-06-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of me working with the talented Ryan K and Karim Diane to producer this great record. We did the whole thing in a matter of a couple hours, even though Karim is in DC.

Also, I am currently working with Karim on his debut EP. It's going to be crazy! It should be out early Fall (*fingers crossed*).

New Day - I Swear Music Video (Produced by Malek)

2010-06-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I produced the track "I Swear" off New Day's upcoming album The Fast Years! They also wanted me in the video, so check out my music video debut! :)

Going to Chicago!

2010-06-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

So, two nights ago was Red Bull Big Tune in San Francisco. I was one of the 12 participants and made it all the way to the final round! Check this video that was posted on Youtube, which shows the final round of the night!

Ultimately, both Cam'Rox and I TIED!! This has never happened in Red Bull Big Tune history, but it did on June 4th, 2010. Regardless, both producers who make it to the final round make it to the national finals! So, I will be going to Chicago in November to compete for the national title and work with an established artist set up by Red Bull.

Wish me luck and if you're in the Chicago area in November, you definitely should come out to the event and support!

Making A Dirty South Beat

2010-05-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished up this track! Check it out and let me know what you think. It's available both for lease and for exclusive so contact me if you're interested!

Studio Session with Mr. BeatTree

2010-05-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

I recently was in the studio with Mr. BeatTree making a track for New Day's upcoming album. The track came out hot! Check it out!

Making A Club Beat (The Bernie)

2010-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a session with my boy Dee Jay Rome! He has an innovative idea that he came to me with and we are working to make it come out through the music! Check out the video!

Beers & Autotune Free Mixtape

2010-04-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

My boy Ryan K. and I created a 6 track free mixtape in about 3 hours while drinking a bunch of beers! Therefore, the mixtape is called Beers & Autotune! I made the beats from scratch other than the first one and Ryan K. pretty much killed the vocals! Download for a limited time only and enjoy this gem! For those picky mothasuckas out there, no we didn't care about the mix at all when we produced it! It was completely on the fly, so enjoy it for what it is...not for what it could be! Haha!

Download this mixtape now by clicking here!

'Crazy Chick' on ABC Family "10 Thing I Hate About You"

2010-04-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my song "Crazy Chick" from my debut production album Life In 3D was featured on the ABC Family show "10 Things I Hate About You"! The episode is called 'Meat Is Murder' and the song is played about 6:40 in! This placement is really special to me because not only did I produce the track, but I also wrote and recorded the vocals - my songwriting debut! Haha. Anyways, if you're interested in check it out, the link to the show's homepage is below.

Purchase 'Crazy Chick' today on iTunes by clicking here!

Go to the show's website by clicking here!

Watch the 'Meat Is Murder' episode by clicking here!

"Work It" on ABC Family show 'Greek'

2010-03-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last night, my song "Work It (Like A Supermodel)" which features the talented Alexandra, was featured on the ABC Family television show 'Greek'. The funny thing about it all is that I found out around 11pm the night before it aired. If you are wondering where it was in the show, it was during the pageant which is about halfway through the show. The episode title is The First Last (Episode: 3019).

Go to the show's website by clicking here!

Purchase "Work It (Like A Supermodel) [Feat. Alexandra]" on iTunes by going to: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=294319864

I guess my mantra for this year, "new year, new perspective" is really helping me out!

Music on VH1's show "Secrets of Aspen"

2010-03-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

First off, I'm sorry I haven't updated my blog since the beginning of 2010. Happy new year to everyone. My mantra for this year is "new year, new perspective"!

On February 22, two of my instrumental tracks were placed on VH1's show "Secrets of Aspen". The episode is titled Cubic Zarconias, the season finale, and the link to the show's website is below.

Go to the show's website by clicking here!

Bekay "I Am" Remix Contest Video

2009-12-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

I participated in the Bekay "I Am" remix contest. The original track was produced by Alchemist. Check out the video! I was the second they reviewed in the video.

Bekay - "I Am" Remix Contest (Judging Roundtable) from Coalmine Records on Vimeo.

Free Download: Life In 3D Album Preview

2009-11-25T11:25:00.001-08:00

I've decided to release a 4 track album preview of my debut release "Life In 3D". If you want to download it, the link is below. Please support me and purchase the entire album on iTunes by clicking http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=294319864

Here is the album preview to download for free: http://www.mediafire.com/?myfhydgzwwx

Track on JumpOffTV

2009-08-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that one of my tracks was played in the background of JumpOffTV. Its a popular online hip-hop news channel. My friend actually was the one to discover it and called me. But at the end of the video they mispronounce my name at Malik, not Mal-ick...get it right!

Bay Area Producers Conference

2009-07-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I competed in the iStandard Producers Beat Showcase at the Bay Area Producers Conference in San Francisco. There were 8 talented producers in the showcase. The top 4 producers advanced to the second round and then the top 2 competed in the final round for $1,000. Ultimately I made it to the final round and ended up winning the $1,000. It was a great night and I met a lot of cool people from the bay area and beyond (Paro Paro Beats came all the way from New York).

Studio Tour

2009-07-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

This is a video of my studio! Check it out. I will be posting up a new battle video very soon from the Bay Area Producers Conference that happened this past weekend in San Francisco.

Hitmakers: Studio Tour from Malek on Vimeo.

Last Six Months In Review

2009-07-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

This video I recently made to show everyone what I've been up to for the last six months! It's been a great six months and I feel like I've really worked hard to get my name out there even more! Check it out and let me know what you think!

Last Six Months In Review from Malek on Vimeo.

iStandardProducers Interview

2009-06-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

This past month I was interviewed by iStandardProducers.com for their Member i.D. section. Click on the link below to check out the interview.

Here is the link: http://blog.istandardproducers.com/2009/06/malek-of-hitmakers-prod-june-2009-istandard-member-i-d/

Also, I just got back from my trip to Chicago so I will be putting up new stuff real soon.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

I've been in Wisconsin this past week for vacation and now I'm spending the weekend in Chicago and as I was on my way to the hotel I find out on Twitter that Michael Jackson was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center after being found not breathing in his home. It wasn't reported yet as to whether or not MJ was still alive but people were already twittering that he was gone. I was hopeful that he would pull through but then I found out about an hour later that it was true...the king of pop was gone.

I remember growing up listening to Michael Jackson and Madonna only, so for the majority of my childhood his music was the only music I really knew. All of this is really sad and I don't think it's really hit me that its real. "Thriller" was one of, if not the, best pop album ever released and MJ truly changed music forever.

I'm going to enjoy my weekend trip in Chicago and I will update everyone when I get back, but definitely make sure to listen to your favorite MJ song for the next few days.

The truth...Accept it

2009-06-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

I once read this, and I think it is crucial for all musicians trying to make it in this industry to read:

"You might get your first job without a network on sheer academic credentials and well done interviews, but nearly every job after that will be because of your network. It may be in the form of a referral, suggestion from a peer, someone you meet through your first job dealings, etc... but in almost every case you will find the next opportunity through your network. With that said, your network will only recommend you if you continually show competence in the roles you take on because they will not recommend poor or average performers as it is their reputation at stake too." -Anonymous

If you plan on making it in this industry, make sure you aren't only working on the music side of things. That is only half of the struggle. The other half is the business. Do your research and learn the industry before trying to jump head first into something you have no idea about. I hope this helps anyone and everyone, even those that are not trying to make it in the music industry. Good luck to all.

The future of Sampling

2009-06-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

Am I dreaming or is this for real? I might be a little late to this, but I stumbled upon this video and my jaw dropped seeing all the possibilities with this program. It shows how you can take a sample and divide chords from that sample into individual editable notes just like controlling sounds in MIDI. This is crazy! Check it out and let me know what you think.

Skyzoo's "Strung Out" Remix Contest

2009-06-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

I took part in Coalmine Records and Skyzoo's "Strung Out" remix contest. I was in the top 5 for the original (non-sampled) entries, but unfortunately I was not chosen as the winning track. However, I still wanted to post this video because my track was reviewed in the video. I was going to post my remix of Skyzoo's "Strung Out" but I think I might keep the beat and try to get it placed. Shout out to Matt Diamond for the opportunity man. I appreciate it. Look out for me in future contests. We'll be doing business in the near future.

Also, if you want to jump right to my remix on the video, its at 6:54 or so!

Foundation Fridays (Part 8): The "Strung Out" Remix Challenge - Judging Panel from Coalmine Records on Vimeo.

'Stop' vs. 'Walk'

2009-06-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to San Francisco to visit my college roommate from freshman year and also crate dig, of course. We were on our way to one of our friends' place when I saw this sign. I thought it was real cool and decided to take a picture of it. If you look close enough you see that both the 'Stop' and 'Walk' signs are lit up at the same time. I know a lot of people don't really look into things too much, but I found this sign to be symbolic.

I just graduated from college with a bachelors degree in business law and have been struggling with what I am going to do with my life - do I go to law school, get a job, or focus on music. Obviously, for now, the first choice (law school) is ruled out because I would've had to apply back in November if I were attending law school in the fall. As for getting a job, luckily I have a job set up for the next year, which not too many fresh college grads can really say right now. I will be starting my job in late July or early August, so right now I feel I have two months to make something of my music and see what I can do this summer before I start working 9 to 5.

Music will always be with me and I know regardless of what I do I will always make music - it's just a matter of how much time I will be able to devote to it. So I leave you with this, if you had the choice to 'stop' or 'walk' your dream with no idea of the future, which would you do?

Intro...

2009-05-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Whats up world,
Its Malek of Hitmakers Productions. I decided to start a blog to keep everyone updated on what's going on with me, as well as what is going on in the world of hip-hop and beyond.

Background: I am a music producer from California, and recently have been getting my name out there. On November 11, 2008, I released my debut production album "Life In 3D" which has created quite a buzz online and I hope it only gets bigger. The album displays all the styles of production I specialize in because I know the importance of being a versatile producer.

This past December I competed in the Red Bull Big Tune national finals in New York City and placed top 4 in the nation. During my trip out to NYC a camera crew was following all of us and made a short documentary on the Red Bull Big Tune which was aired on BET last month.

Just earlier this month (May), I went to Sha Money XL's One Stop Shop producer conference and was selected to compete in the beat showcase. There were 10 producers overall and I ended up placing 3rd. I cannot complain about any of the exposure I've been getting in the past year and I know its only going to get bigger and better. So follow me on my journey...