Atlanta, GA
Q&A with Atlanta Music Producer Mr. Hanky
A local of Atlanta, Mr. Hanky is a passionate Hawks fan, who has been behind among the largest hit data in hip-hop and R&B for greater than a decade. The multi-faceted beat technician began his profession signed to Collipark Music, the place his manufacturing prowess helped jumpstart the careers of Soulja Boy and V.I.C., in addition to supplied savage beats for Ying Yang Twins.
Since then, the Atlanta native has constructed membership anthems for artist resembling Gucci Mane, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti and Younger Dolph. The chart-topping producer/songwriter has additionally labored with 2 Chainz, Queen Naija and Snoop Dogg and is most lately a part of two chart-topping hits with Metropolis Ladies, “Twerkulator” and “Good Love” that includes the music icon Usher.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO GROW UP AROUND MUSIC?
“It had a big impact on me. I didn’t notice that everybody didn’t have entry to musical abilities till I bought to varsity. I might go into studios or sections and will play sure issues with no drawback, and it wouldn’t come as straightforward to different individuals. I spotted how blessed I used to be round that point.”
WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR FIRST TRACK?
“I figured it out by myself. That got here from being round music and understanding how music is written and sequenced. There was a program known as Magix that was the structure for Professional Instruments and different packages immediately. I spotted it was like studying music on a digital manuscript, so I performed round with it and figured it out.”
WHO ARE SOME OF THE ARTISTS YOU’VE WORKED WITH?
“Soulja Boy was one of many first artists that I labored with. Considered one of my first main placements was Younger Jeezy’s document, ‘What You Talkin’ Bout’, on his second studio album. The remainder was historical past. I’ve labored with Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Bubba Sparxxx, Ying Yang Twins, Waka Flocka Flame, Travis Porter and Lil Wayne. The checklist retains rising. Most lately, I labored with Queen Naija, Lil Duval, Snoop Dogg, Ball Greezy, and the Metropolis Ladies. Their track with Usher, ‘Good Love’, goes up the charts proper now.”
WHERE DO YOU PULL INSPIRATION FROM WHEN YOU CREATE TRACKS?
“The vitality of town. That’s what’s cool about this mission as a result of I actually perceive Atlanta’s vitality, from pop to nation to hip-hop. The inspiration comes from feeding off the individuals, as a result of I was a DJ. Usually occasions it’s onerous for me to be at sporting occasions or concert events as a result of I’m continuously pondering, what would I play subsequent to drive the group loopy? I take that very same course of into the studio after I’m creating.”
WHAT DID THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEAM UP WITH THE HAWKS MEAN TO YOU?
“It was enormous! I met with [Chief Marketing Officer] Melissa Proctor. She recommended that I make some tracks for the workforce as an concept, and it took off. I used to be very excited and was able to get to work making tracks. Rising up in Atlanta, the Hawks had a few of my favourite NBA gamers resembling Dominique Wilkins, Steve Smith, Josh Smith… The checklist goes on. It’s an enormous honor for me to be working with my hometown workforce, and I take it very severely.”
WHAT DOES BEING ‘TRUE TO ATLANTA’ MEAN TO YOU?
“It means every part. I’ve seen Atlanta develop tremendously 12 months after 12 months. So many alternative individuals and cultures have come to town, however we’ve at all times maintained a ‘true’ Atlanta tradition. Being ‘True to Atlanta’ means every part genuine from The Varsity to J.R. Crickets to our well-known nightlife spots. From 2 Chainz and Quavo sitting courtside to having the Braves supporting the Hawks. It’s all concerning the metropolis – win, lose or draw.”
HOW DO YOU SEE PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL ARTISTS AND SPORTS TEAMS GROWING IN THE FUTURE?
“I feel it solely is sensible. There are such a lot of superb songwriters, producers and artists particularly in Atlanta. I used to be blessed to see the Hawks play in Abu Dhabi, and the vitality was so totally different for the Hawks’ house recreation. From DJ Mo to Huge Tigger’s voice inflection, it was electrical. For Atlanta, particularly, the synergy between the sports activities and leisure industries must occur extra typically. No different metropolis can duplicate our vitality.”
HOW DO YOU THINK THE TRACKS THAT YOU’VE PRODUCED WILL ENHANCE THE HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE THIS SEASON?
“It’s super. The vitality is so excessive, and it’s simply so Atlanta. You’ll be able to really feel it within the air. These tracks will preserve the vitality up.”