Nflated Talks Money Man, How To Get Your Beats Placed, Plans For 2020 & More
Nflated is new to this game as a producer but has already been able to connect with some of the biggest names in the game. His unique style of beats makes him stick out more than everyone else. His beats are so ahead of there time they catch you by surprise every time you hear his tag. Nflated has been able to accomplish a lot so far in his career, but he's not stopping any time soon. He's got a big year ahead of him, so make sure you keep an eye out.
Where are you from? What was your upbringing like? What was the music scene like in your area? And who were you listening to growing up?
I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. When I was little, music was always a special thing to me because I used to play the drums, and I was involved in a band when I was in the 8th grade. Around this time, music was just about trap and dancing in Atlanta. Growing up, I would mainly listen to Future as well as Kanye West's albums. The only albums I would blast back in those days were Future's "Pluto" and Kanye's "Yeezus" album. If these never dropped, I doubt I would even be making music today.
What made you decide you wanted to produce music? Where does your sound originate from? And are there any influences that helped you shape your style?
I first wanted to produce music when I was 16 years old. What really inspired me was when I saw a Metro Boomin interview on how he got rich off of making music. I was already into music at the time, but I never thought of actually making beats. So thinking to myself I was just like "if he can do it, I can do it to". I would say I originated my own sound because I like to do more on my mix than what the average person does. I wouldn't say I have any influences like that, but I love listening to Gunna and Future. That is what tops my sound.
Your producer tag is "Yo, Nflated, spice that bitch up". A lot of producers struggle to create a memorable producer tag? How did you come up with yours, and what's the importance of having a producer tag that stands out?
I came up with my tag because the saying spice up is basically saying "make it better", and I was trying to make all my beats sound hard. Having a tag that stands out is everything because the more catchy it is, the more people are going to say it and rock with you. But, If your tag is wack and just all over the place, artist are not going to mess with you nearly as much. You'll know if your tag is hard or trash.
Almost every producer's goal is to get their beats placed with a major artist. You have been able to do so. How were you able to network yourself to bigger artists and get them to pay attention to your beats when they have thousands of producers sending them beats every day? Any tips for a producer trying to get their first placement?
One thing a producer needs is connections. Not saying just being cool with anybody but working with other people in general and building relations is the key. Also, the main thing a producer has to have is a sound that stands out more than anything else.
You got two songs on Money Man's latest album "Epidemic". How did you and Money Man connect?
I first connected with Money Man when I was sending him a couple of beats. I didn't get a response at first, but then he started to mess with them heavily, and that's when he got in touch. My first reaction was, "this ain't real, somebody hacking this man". But soon after this, I realized that wasn't the case, and it was just time to go harder on my production 24/7.
When "Epidemic" came out, the first song that I happened to listen to was a song you produced, "24". The beat on that song caught my attention right away, so I knew I had to reach out. How did that beat come together? How did that beat end up in Money Man's hands?
When I was making the "24" beat, I was just looking for the right vibe. I honestly was about to delete the beat because I didn't think it was hard enough, but thank god I didn't. When I finished it, I knew to send it to Money Man, and like the next day, he posted the snippet of him on the beat.
Another notable placement of yours, which also appears on "Epidemic" is "Courtesy". Can you run us through the process of making that beat? How did Money Man end up hopping on that beat?
When I was making the "Courtesy" beat, I knew the beat was a hit, but at the time of when I was making it, I didn't want to send it to anybody because I knew it was too good to go waste. So it was in my stash for about eight months until I met Money Man. I forgot I even had the beat, so when I played it again, I knew who to send it to. When he heard the beat, all he said was "this the one".
What's one thing you've learned so far in your producing career that you wish you knew when you first started?
As I've advanced, I've learned that I should have always tried to work hard on my work ethic and to stick to the sound that I like best. As I do this, everything gets easier and easier day by day.
Message to all the producers out there?
Just work hard and don't quit. Producing is not for everybody, but if you want it, you must put in the time it takes to get to it.
What can we expect from Nflated this year? Any projects or singles you're apart of that we should be on our radar?
Yes, plenty of more music is going to drop this year produced by me, including more Money Man x Nflated. 2020 is going to be a big year. So be on the lookout.