Meet Hoodie J: Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hoodie J and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hoodie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I wanted to pursue this career because it brings the creative side out of me that a typical activity throughout the day wouldn’t. Making music allows me to express emotion through these beats and just makes me feel extremely relaxed. I think the majority of producers get into that for those specific reasons. I also just love seeing the reactions of other people when they hear my productions. Knowing that other people really like it boosts my confidence and gives me a sense of accomplishment because knowing that I do something that impacts another person’s emotions is extremely rewarding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a little kid, I’ve always loved music but never appreciated it the way I do today. I started to produce music in the winter of 2017. My cousin, (SkyOnThaBeat), is a producer, and always watched him make his beats. He let me make a beat with him one time and instantly fell in love. So when I came back to Atlanta, I downloaded the producing software and went straight to work. I have progressed a lot over time with hunger, hard work, persistence, and the love to network. When you tell people that you want your career to be a music producer, it doesn’t feel settling at all. I heard a lot of “Get a real job” or “Yeah, that’s just a waste of time” and much more but when you do something you love, it doesn’t matter what other people tell you. Producing has never been a smooth road. There are millions of beatmakers around the world but relatively few producers. So I had to figure out a way to make myself stand out. I had to get behind every track and be the coach that sets the plays to what happens with the track. Many struggles arise when being a producer. The thoughts to give it all up and quit, the lack of drive, the thousands of no’s I hear, and the list goes on. But, there is always a light at the end of the road that keeps me pushing and manifesting success. My style of producing is definitely different than most people in Atlanta. Yes, I produce Trap and Hip Hop music the most, but I can also produce Rnb, Latin, and Reggae a little bit. I am most proud of my ability to hear so many “No’s” from people and continue to keep pushing like I never heard it. I don’t take hate or criticism to the heart, which is a trait that I feel makes me different than others. I want the world to know that Hoodie J isn’t just a beatmaker. He is a music PRODUCER. There’s a misconception nowadays where people who make beats are producers. That’s not the case. Producers are the people that look over the track and make sure the hooks, choruses, etc, are all lined up and sound professional. Hoodie J is never scared of competition or pressure as well. He is always down to work and do anything with whoever, whenever!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
All my best friends live near me so I can’t say that we don’t already most things together. Related to music, we would definitely go to a few studios, concerts, and events that would allow them to experience what music is all about. But when it comes to just hanging out, we would definitely go out to eat at Anatolia’s, Jerusalem Bakery, Ruth’s Chris, and more. I am not a person who likes to go explore every little thing, however, places that involve sports, music, and food, are always a good time. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really want to shoutout my really good friends and family. No matter what I do involving music or not, they are all there to support me and help make my life a little easier every day. Shared interests bring the best out of people as my friends and I make music together, invest in stocks together, and even become financial advisors together. Definitely a huge shoutout to my boys Laith, Iamad, Oussama, Ayaan, Nader, and Alex. The grind doesn’t stop until we all reach the top!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1hoodie.j/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaljhamad/