Exclusive interview with this dope producer "Ice Cold"
A great look for real hip hop heads
In an era of trap beats that has strayed so far away from Hip Hop's original foundation, there are still talented artists out there making magic. "Ice Cold", a producer who came up in the heart of Brooklyn, is keeping the golden age of Hip Hop production alive. But with his latest track Lofi Fresh, he's also pushing it forward.
The laid back track showcases his ear for classic rap music, but the anime heavy visuals and Lofi feel in the video is something anyone can get with. Ice Cold's unique blend of inspirations is evident in his music and we spoke to him about what exactly inspired him when he was coming up as a youth. We also discussed the moment that led him towards producing and his views on the music scene today. As it turns out, we may get a full length album from Ice Cold soon. As far as the details to that, check out our interview below.
1. Let's start from the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about where you're from? What were some of your earliest inspirations music-wise?
I'm originally from Brownsville Brooklyn. My first musical inspiration was watching the Jackson Five as a kid. Michael in particular. Seeing someone my age and who looked like me on television planted the seed. Hip Hop wise, I was inspired by whoever was out in the mid 80's. Marley Marl, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, and Dj Premier was the template I modeled myself after production wise.
2. How did you get into music production specifically? How has your production style evolved from when you first started?
I started making beats in 1999. I had a PlayStation two at the time. I went to a video store to buy videos. Then I came across a video game called the MTV music generator. That's how I learned to make beats. I evolved production wise by being able to adapt to the times. The same techniques that I learned from using samplers and drum machines, I can just apply it to beat making apps.
https://youtu.be/CqnN_T4pSd0
3. Your single Lofi Fresh is a refreshingly laid back hip hop track. How did the concept come about for this track? Can you walk us a bit through your production process?
The concept for Lofi Fresh was a random idea. I told the artist to write something for the ladies. When I heard what he wrote, the name Lofi Fresh just popped in my head. Being spontaneous makes creating music more fun for me. So there may not be any deep meaning to whatever I'm creating. The track itself was created while I was at work.Sitting behind a desk for twelve and a half hour can get boring sometimes.
4. What made you decide to go with anime, and that particular anime for the visual?
To me it seems as if people associated anime and lofi hip hop. That's where the idea for the music video came from.
5. As an artist yourself, what are your views on the music scene today?
I think that today's music sounds the same and has no substance. At least as far as radio goes. To me the illest hip hop won't be heard in the radio. Unless it's a mixtape show.
https://youtu.be/4jIuKz1Yu0s
6. Are there any musicians out there who you'd like to work with? Who is ideal for Ice Cold production?
There's plenty of artist I'd like to collaborate with. But one of them would be Masta Ace because he's an mcs mc. When I hear him he sounds like Fulton St. His subject matter is always something that the everyday person can relate to. So nuff respect to him.
7. What's on the horizon for you artistically? Any upcoming projects or tacks that you'd like to highlight?
I'm planning on releasing a full length album in the spring of next year. It might be called Lofi Fresh. I'm not sure yet. I just wanted to say rest in peace to King Von and all of the rappers who lost their lives to senseless violence. Now is a time to show human compassion for each other. I'd also like to say thank you for taking the time to listen to my music or watch a video. Peace.