01/22/03 | Fred Wreck

       West Coast 2K talked to Fredwreck in this exclusive interview about his career, producin in general, his new album, war, his future and much much more. The interview was conducted in January 2003. This here is just Part 1. The full interview will be posted soon so make sure you check back.

Westcoast2k.net - Alright Fred at what age did you start producing and how did you get into it?
Fredwreck - I started experimenting with Producing around 16 or 17 years old, and i got into it by listening to production from Marley Marl, Dr. Dre, Hank Shocklee, Sir Jinx, Dj Pooh, people like that. And Dj Muggz too of course!

Westcoast2k.net - You think it made a difference for you personally or was it harder for you to get into the game since you're originally from the Middle East?
Fredwreck - It wasnt harder necessarily, but better for me i think because rap music is predominatly black music, so peoples first instinct is to be hesitant on givin you props...so I knew that if I was playin my shit for anyone, I had to reeaaaally make sure it was bangin..And after that it's all good..but i havent ever had anyone prejudice me because of my ethnicity

Westcoast2k.net - You said while growing up you were listening to Dr Dre. How much would you say you are influenced by Dr Dre, percent-wise?

Fredwreck - He's defintely a positive role model I look up to, I grew up watchin his career, and listening to his music and sound develop..I look to him for advice and guidance because , he has been able to stay makin hits, and not let bizness & bullshit get in the way. So he's defintely a positive influence. He's musically influencing because you can learn from him, to experiment and try anything..And I defintaly follow that frame of mind when im workin.

Westcoast2k.net - How did you get involved with the whole DPG camp?
Fredwreck - I met Soopafly and gave him a CD of my beats, and he introduced me to Daz n Snoop & Kurupt. I was already workin with Dre, who I met thru King Tee so thats how it started.

Westcoast2k.net - What would you suggest someone who wants to start producing, as far as equipment?
Fredwreck - Get a MPC3000 , get some turntables, and get yourself a keyboard, there are so many, so just listen to the sounds and pick the on that catches your ear. Then from there, you can move on and build a sound library..and when I say sound library, I mean records, Keyboards, percussion toys, guitars, pedals, effects, anything that can make a sound, you'd be surprised what ive used.

Westcoast2k.net - Whats the best produced hip hop album ever in your opinion and why?
Fredwreck - I would have to say..Snoop Dogg's 1st album, because everysong on there is still hittin!, and the whole album was produced by Dre. which gave it a continuity, he was able to record a whole album..not just havin an album with 10 different producers on it..I think that when u have too many producers, the focus of the album gets lost, on what everyones idea of what the music should sound like represents. But Notorious BIG's 1st album isnt too far behind Doggystyle.

Westcoast2k.net - What everybody wants to know is when you're coming out with your own album/compilation?