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Rome | The Eternal Producer
I guess the first question should be, who is the producer Rome, and can
you tell us a litte bit about your background?
I'm Rome, I'm the R.O.eM.Eee… Homie! I'm 23 years old, music
producer/artist, born and raised in Van Nuys, California. My background is
100% Salvadoreno. I come from a poor family but with rich work ethics. I
started doing music when I was 15 years old, all self taught. I started
working out of my moms garage, using the most basic equipment. In order to
buy equipment, my brother and I opened up a graphic design business and
invested all the profits to my music. I can honestly say that I never in
my life filled out a job application, and never worked for anybody.
Finally, when I was 18 years old, I met Lulu the CEO of B.Y.I. and helped
create one of the biggest movements in Latino rap history.
The background of my music is based on Spanish oldie samples. I'm talking
about Sandro, Leo Dan, Los Terricolas, Los Galos, etc. (ask your
parents, they all love these guys). Don't get me wrong, I can make
original music and play the keys, but I love that old school Spanish soul
sound. I’m glad that my style is being embraced by all the fans and A-list
artist who I have a chance to work with.
What can you tell us about B.Y.I. What Exactly is it, who is it makes
up the B.Y.I. team and how did you link up with them?
B.Y.I. Entertainment, which stands for “Beyond Your Imagination” is composed
of the smartest most talented Latinos in the game right now. We think BIG,
everything must be done on a major scale. I met Lulu (CEO) through a
friend, back when LuLu was managing the Clipse from Startrak. Lulu then
signed Omar Cruz and I was given the chance to work on his fist mixtape.
Since then, we released 4 mixtapes, signed to Geffen / Interscope and now are
working on the first album to be released on a major label. B.Y.I. is a
movement that represents the struggle and never settling for nothing but
the best, listen to the music and see for yourself.
You been working on Omar Cruz's album, what can you tell us about the
album, how different was this experience from any other project you had
worked in the past?
Omar Cruz and Rome, The Hit Factory Miami, Florida
Well Omar's Album is phenomenal. We have Interscope/Geffen backing us up
100%. Omar Cruz is on Interscopes Top Priority list right now! Do you
know what that means? His music is crazy, the lyrics, the sound,
it’s all brand new!! You know when I'm in the studio working with him.
I'm a fan, I still get goosebumps when he says certain things.
Overall, it’s crazy the magnitude of this project. The only difference is
that we are working in these multi-million dollar studios now, but the
music is the same. I’m just happy that I have the opportunity to do the
majority of Omar's production for this album. You have to remember. I’m
not just a beat-maker. I produce songs! I can arrange vocals; I help
write with the artist.
Working with Omar is magic; we have that chemistry that comes naturally.
He’s really who put me on in the game as far as giving me a chance to
produce almost every record he has done since B.Y.I. I learned a lot working
with him and struggled at the same time. But, Omar's album is coming out this summer so be ready!
What are some of your past projects?
Before B.Y.I. I worked with many local artist and gained basic experience.
I produced and engineered all of Omar Cruz's mixtapes City of Gods, Blow - The Final Chapter,The Cruzifixion, and 2007 B.C. (Before Cruz)
Despite the past artists you worked with, which
artist would you ever consider working with in the future?
Jay-Z, Nas, and Wu-Tany's Ghostface Killa. But really I’d like to work with a lot of artist, even some that aren’t
signed. I want to work with Spanish artists too. I can do more that just hip-hop. My wings spread wide and my
knowledge is building everyday, so anything is possible.
What are some of your influences?
I’m a mixture of the Notorious B.I.G., The RZA, and Piero,
blend them all up sprinkle a little Just Blaze on top and you get me.
There’s more that influences me than just music, Movies, books, the
struggle, being poor, My momma still working day and night. I’m a real
passionate person in anything I do, so everything I do has to be an event.
In the beginning you make no money so you work off infuences and inspiration.
It all works out though together, the best thing is when you work with people that influence you as well, because
when everybody influences each other in a crew, it makes you want to work even harder.
What does would you say are your top 5 Hip Hop albums of all times?
1. Ready to Die by Notorious B.I.G.
2. Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z, Capital Punishment by Big Pun, IllMatic by Nas, and Wutang's 36 Chambers
3. The Chronic by Dr. Dre
4. Doggystle by Snoop Dog
5. Ironman by Ghostface Killa
If you don’t know the artist, Go kick yourself!
the music industry had a revolution within the last ten years and a lot
of it has to do with today's technology, how has that effected that way
you as a producer will be marketing your new music and how has it affected
your sales?
We will see this summer! Omar Cruz - Sign of the Cruz.
What is the element you see missing in most of the up and coming Latin
Hip Hop artists, and what advice would you give to any new cat looking for
a deal or trying to build a name for themselfs?
Leadership! A lot of Latinos don’t have anybody to look up to. They either
think they can do everything themselves or have to much pride to ask
somebody for help.
A professional basketball player works on his game everyday, whether it is
his jump shots, lay-ups, or free throws. It’s that love for the game and
wanting to get better everyday. Well that’s how it is in the music game
too! I’ve sacrificed it all so I can make music everyday. I make sure I
touch the keys everyday, that I mix a record everyday, or read books, even
watch some documentaries. Everyday I have to do something regarding music
because this is my life; I want to get to the point where I can’t make a
wack beat anymore... or a wacky song, and the only way to accomplish that
is by experience.
"An amateur works until he gets it right, a professional works until he
can't get it wrong!"
I got that from a TV commercial, but think about it!
Now you're a Latino do you label yourself as a Latin Hip Hop producer
and if so do you think that helps market you or limits your market?
I have this theory, listen up... "Undeniably hot music cannot be denied!"
What that means is: it doesn’t matter what race you are or how you look, but
if you have hot music, nobody can deny it. And once you’re respected and
viewed as a hot producer, nothing can stop you. People think that just
because they are Latino, labels aren’t interested. It's not true, because
look at us. I get happy when I see Latinos in the game, it makes me proud,
and it lets me know anything is possible. Latinos will be everywhere soon,
you better hope that your one of them.
Long term goals: Did you ever played them out and have succeed in
them? If yes, what were they?
My long term goals are to be one of the greatest and to have my music
heard around the world. Besides my long term as a producer I have
long-term goals as a business man. I already own a graphic design and
print business, but I want to own many more 10 years from now. I also want
to be able to provide jobs, and help people succeed 10 years from now. My
goals are to help myself, my family, and my people, and I’m a couple years
away.
Hip-hop is a global force today, but the media still presents it with
a very American focus, is the world Hip Hop market something you think may
be over looked by US artists in general?
I guess I need to travel the world before I can truly answer this question.
Thanks for the interview, do you have anything else that you would
like to add that we didn't cover already?
Omar Cruz - B.C. 2007 out now!
Omar Cruz - Sign of the Cruz out this Summer!
Make sure to request "Vatos Locos" on all of your local radio stations and
to hear more of my music log onto...
Myspace.com/Rome
Myspace.com/BYIentertainment
Myspace.com/OmarCruz
Interview by Danny for BrownPride.com
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