The second annual Quick's Big Thing event was a solid showcase in DFW music talent last week. The lineup was stacked and included a wide variety of performances and awards from a diverse genre base of local talent.
One of the biggest stories to emerge from this current crop of artists has been Dallas rapper B-Hamp and his "Do the Ricky Bobby" hit single. The catchy club-ready dance cut, themed after Will Ferrell's Talladega Nights character, has been an immediate radio chart topper and remains in steady rotation on the BET/MTV networks. B-Hamp, who was nominated for two Quick's Big Thing awards, has seen a fast ride to being in the limelight on the local and national stage.
This current wave of Southern flavored dance routine hip hop has been a mainstream success but the accolades have also brought along harsh criticism against the artists.
One of the behind the scenes crafters of this popular rap sound is local youngster Youngstarr, producer of the "Do the Ricky Bobby", and last week's award winner in the Quick's Big Studio ace category.
Q: You're only 20 years old, how did you decide that you wanted to "make beats" ?
A: It was a natural step towards production since I started out at an early age rapping in different groups. We had a crew called Dynasty and I spent a lot of time around producers in the studio. I'm still learning but the progression to the studio has been the best move for my career.
Q: How did you connect with rapper B-Hamp, and how was the "Ricky Bobby" hit formulated?
A: I've known B-Hamp since we were both in high school. He worked with different groups and our paths crossed several times while trying to come up in the scene. Eventually we started to work together and he was one of the first artists to rap over my first homemade beats. The "Ricky Bobby" track was presented to me as an idea from B-Hamp and it has turned into a massive hit record.
Q: There is a heap of negative criticism regarding the current Dallas rap style and the abundance of dance routine type songs that come from this area. How do you respond to this backlash against these dance-inspired rap tracks?
A: Personally, I do not consider them dance songs but "club" songs. We are trying to bring something different to the industry and this just happens to be our flavor of music. There are a lot of talented artists in Dallas with different styles including true lyricists or groups like GS Spot Boys ("Stanky Legg) who are blowing up this year. Dorrough Music ("Ice Cream Paint Job", BET/MTV rotation, recent performance on BET's 106 & Park) just performed on 106 and Park and neither of his hit songs are dance singles. We have a specific sound that works for us plus we have already proven ourselves in the game. Atlanta had the "lean with it / rock with it" snap music phase and that did not hurt their scene. Dallas is a very creative city so it's not just about that particular sound for every group.
Q: Has anything changed for you due to the success of 'Ricky Bobby" and what can be expected next from you in the future?
A: It's still crazy to hear my stuff on tv or the radio and walking away with the Quick producer award was exciting for me. There are definitely more doors opening for me in the industry. It's definitely easier to network now and I have plans to work with some of the major big name rap artists. I produced Six tracks on B-Hamps new album ("B-Dash") in addition to work with Dorrough and other upcoming artists. I've been very busy but it's still early so I will continue to work hard on my music.
Youngstarr can be heard at myspace.com/youngstarrproductions5
Comments (0)
Leave comment