Interview with Buda Da Future: Producer for 50 Cent, Fred Da God

N.A.B.: “Buda Da Future”, break your name down.

Buda Da Future: Buda is a nickname that was given to me by my family at the age of 6. I was a lucky child my mom always said. When I was a teenager, I added “Da Future”. Buda Da Future is bringing that futuristic sound to hip-hop.

N.A.B.: Most rappers have someone they look up to and inspire them to rap. Do you have a producer or producers who inspire you?

Buda Da Future: Yeah, I have two that I would consider mentors. Super Producer Amadeus from Platinum Boy/Hitman/Bad Boy. He’s Trey Songz’ Music Director on tour. Steve “Styles” Rodriguez, he’s a world-renowned bass player on tour currently with Britney Spears. Rza, Dr. Dre, Timberland, DJ Premier, Showbiz & Buck Wild, and 6 Figga Digga. Also not to throw you off guard, Julio Iglesias & Jose also inspired me. I grew up around lots of Spanish music.

N.A.B.: How important is it to you to have your own style? For example, when you hear a Dr. Dre beat you know it’s a Dre beat. What is your style?

Buda Da Future: It is very important to have your own style. That’s what makes people try to duplicate or rather emulate someone else’s style. As for Buda, I try to mix the influences from all the names I’ve mentioned. But the hardest part is to separate yourself from that. What I try to do is create a sound that will leave an imprint ten years from now.

N.A.B.: I noticed you’ve worked with mainstream and underground artists alike. Besides the budget difference, is there a difference between working with a 50 Cent & a Fred Da God?

Buda Da Future: Well a person like 50 compared to an independent artist, I will have to say the hunger that 50 has compared to most of the unsigned artists I work with is far and beyond. He is well worth over half a billion dollars. His work ethic is mind-boggling.

N.A.B.: You’ve been a return judge several times at The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program and volunteer at any and all relevant showcases. How important is it to stay connected to the streets?

Buda Da Future: Well first and foremost, I love music. Two, the hip hop game moves so fast, you may never know who the next big thing is. My main focus as a producer is to research and find the next big thing. You have to keep your ears to the streets. The next big movement might be in Seattle or Utah. You want to develop a relationship with everyone. So when it pops off you are already a part of making that movement happen. As a producer, I have to be my own A&R. I find that it helps me with my production and helps me understand what the masses want to hear. I’m praying there’s an A&R out there following me the way I follow artists, and will look at me as one of the up and coming producers.

N.A.B.: Do you have any new projects out?

Buda Da Future: Right now, I have the Lloyd Banks double CD Mix tape V5. I produced tracks for Kool G. Rap on his current mixtape. I’m working with Goods, Charlie Clips, A.D. The General, Vic Damone signed to Universal/DTP. I’m still working with 50 Cent, Fred Da God and his new mixtape The Big Bronx, with production from Buck Wild, 6 Figga Digga, Just Blaze, Remo The Hit Maker, GrandzMuzik, and of course Buda Da Future.

N.A.B.: Where do you see Buda Da Future five years from now?

Buda Da Future: I see myself in a major label, helping great artists get signed. I see myself as an executive and as a super producer making hits. Hopefully a couple of Grammys, a couple albums sold, movie scores, getting Fred signed, working with Amadeus, and working on the A.D. The General up and coming project. I want you to go platinum too! These streets don’t have a new Dr. Dre so why can’t I be the first to give it to them?

N.A.B.: Do you have any shout outs?

Buda Da Future: I want to shout out everyone who has been supporting my career. Everyone who believes in God, don’t give up on your dreams. I want shout out the whole world. Thank you for believing in me!

Check out Buda Da Future on his Myspace, Twitter and Facebook.