Welcome to Episode 67 of The Larry Ohh Show! This week we sit down with legendary Music Producer, Illmind to discuss his new position as Senior VP A&R at Empire Publishing, working with J. Cole, whats killing originality in producers and so much more!
Follow Illmind: https://www.instagram.com/illmindproducer/?hl=en
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Must Have Producer Tools: http://yahelpme.com
Join the producer community "might delete later": https://x.com/i/communities/1886169333669191933
This is a weekly podcast where we talk about everything FL Studio and music production!
Larry Ohh (Host):
https://instagram.com/larryohh
John Phelps (Co-Host):
@ItsJohnPhelps on TikTok
@ItsJohnPhelps on IG
https://itsjohnphelps.com
Edited by: https://www.instagram.com/prodkeyano/?hl=en
00:00 - Intro: Illmind’s Take on Originality!
Illmind kicks off with a bold claim about what’s really killing originality in music (00:00:00:00).
00:20 - Illmind’s Empire VP Journey Begins
Illmind shares how Ghazi offered him the Senior VP A&R role at Empire Publishing (00:00:20:06).
00:38 - Welcome to The Larry Ohh Show!
Larry introduces Illmind as a hip-hop legend shaping modern music (00:00:38:15).
01:10 - Illmind’s Gratitude & Long-Time Connection
Illmind thanks Larry and reflects on their years of online connection (00:01:10:13).
02:07 - How Illmind Landed Empire VP!
Illmind details his 20-year relationship with Empire’s Ghazi and the VP offer (00:02:07:03).
07:43 - Power of Relationships in Music
Illmind explains why building trust and showing up is everything in the industry (00:07:43:06).
12:25 - Illmind’s Daily Life as Empire VP
A glimpse into Illmind’s studio routine and creative A&R role (00:12:25:08).
14:01 - Spotting Talent with a VP’s Eye
Illmind reveals how his talent scouting has evolved in his new role (00:14:01:23).
16:05 - What’s a Publishing Deal?
Illmind breaks down publishing and admin deals for producers and songwriters (00:16:05:02).
21:09 - The Drake & Boy Wonder Story
Illmind’s powerful lesson on betting on unknowns like Drake early (00:21:49:14).
26:00 - Why Being a Good Person Wins
Illmind stresses likability over talent in the music industry (00:26:00:03).
30:02 - Staying Relevant for 20 Years!
Illmind shares his secret to keeping his sound fresh and innovative (00:30:02:10).
36:16 - Illmind’s Morning Studio Hustle
How Illmind cooks beats and solves problems before the studio fills up (00:36:16:11).
40:36 - J. Cole’s “Love Yours” Story!
Illmind recounts the emotional journey of producing J. Cole’s iconic track (00:40:36:18).
47:58 - The Universe’s Role in Success
Illmind gets philosophical about serving others and trusting the universe (00:47:58:12).
52:06 - Hot Take: Viral Fame vs. Industry Grind
Illmind debates chasing viral moments vs. building a lasting career (00:52:06:04).
55:03 - Hot Take: Loops Don’t Kill Originality!
Illmind defends loop culture and calls out “sheep” producers (00:55:03:18).
57:37 - Illmind’s Secret to Unique Beats
Illmind explains balancing flow state and conscious choices for originality (00:57:37:11).
59:08 - Closing: Illmind’s Gems for Producers
Larry thanks Illmind for dropping knowledge and teases future collabs (00:59:08:02).
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