88: From there I started collecting records & linked up with John Carraro who was a record vendor. We hooked up and then the word got out on his (our) record collection which had all of the hot, sought after samples. Then we started getting calls from people such as Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Buckwild, Da Beatminerz, The Beatnuts, etc. This was back in '92 or so. Then from there, I figured since I had an "ear" for picking out good samples for these beat legends then I might as well take a stab @ it m'DAMNself. So I started making beats (hands on) around late '93 & didn't really know what I wanted my beats to sound like 'til about mid-'94. I didn't find my niche until about '96 or so.

DM: Who inspires you- old school and new school?

88: I'm inspired by a lot of producers & mc's. Q-Tip, Pete Rock & The Large Professor have always been my inspiration as far as their melodic beats & knockin' drums; Premier for his sample chops. I also dig J.Dilla's beats. He's 1 of the illest programmers in the game right now. Hi-Tek for his beats & e.q.'s. My good friend Just Blaze for his guaranteed club bangers & chops (I don't think most fans realize that he even samples. He's crazy with it). Kanye West for the way he developed his style over the many years I've known him + his drive to make it to the top & beyond & finally Needlz (whom I've had the pleasure of meeting recently) for his usage of vintage synth' keyboards & the knock of his beats & also Nottz. As far as M.C.'s go, I'm inspired by the usual suspects... Jay-Z, Nas, Jadakiss, Black Thought and Kanye West. All in hopes of recording w/them @ some point in my career. Some of the dudes I've mentioned I already have.

DM: What was your first project?

88: My very 1st paying gig was "Dos Collabo (Hip Hop's Delight)" by The Network Reps. My boy Matt Fingaz [of Grown Man Music] hooked that up for me back in the days. I remember when he gave me my pay (in cash). I was buggin' because I never imagined that I could make cheese off of this.