Producer Spotlight: Hustle

Anyone who has listened to music by popular DMV artists has heard the infamous "Yo Hustle" tag. Reputable producer and engineer Hustle is responsible for many hits of our favorite DMV artists. The Maryland producer got his start in music in 2015, working with local artists Kayvo and RugerBone. He has also worked with Bankroll Shawty, Big Flock, Pooh Shiesty, HunnitPlugg, MoneyMarr, Julio Mobb, Z Wayne, Lil Moe, YSW Flaco and more.

Responsible for such a plethora of hits locally, Hustle cannot be left out of the conversation when we mention the "DMV Sound". Increasingly, though, an ongoing conversation is happening about what exactly the DMV sound is. "The DMV sound right now is strictly based off of gogo. Everybody is putting their lil gogo effects into the music, giving it more of an 'us' feel." says Hustle. "I really do like it, we just have to get the sound more mainstream." the producer continues.

With various discographies reaching over 10,000 streams, we asked Hustle what he thinks the recipe for a hit single is -- he tells us its all about the relationships an artist has and who they have around them that will ground a single. In other words, when it comes to DMV music, who you surround yourself with provides some form of validity to your music making it more digestible and appealing for listeners. Secondly, the District Heights producer says how you introduce your music also plays a major role.

"Its a lot of people rapping right now, but like it's not a lot of people that's good." Hustle expresses.

We talked further with Hustle to pick his brain about things that could help rising artists and/or producers. Checkout what he had to say:

• What do feel DMV artists lack?

-Knowledge of the business side of things. I feel like people do anything with their music. It's a lot of stuff you can do, a lot of ways to connect and network. Professionalism too, people don't know how to pay what they need to pay, they don't know what the standard is for quality.

• Have you worked with anyone not local?

-I got a track with Gunna. Everybody knows about the Pooh Shiesty track.

• Did you always want to just produce or have you tried other avenues of music like rap?

-Nah, I really like producing. I like putting the pieces of the puzzle together. I like scouting people who I think would sound good on certain songs. That's what makes me different from everybody else, I bring more than making beats to the table. I have connections to people.

• Who are some of your favorite recurring artists to create with?

- RugerBone, BabyFifty, Big Flock, WhoppV3 and a few others.

• What are your favorite projects from 2021?

-"Catcher of the Year" by RugerBone and "Just Me and Hustle" by Bankroll Shawty.

• What producers do you think are up next out of the DMV?

-Juu2x, Terk (Sparkheem), YB On Da Beat, Double R, Maxo...Everybody is doing their thing, that's whats making it fun again. It's not a race or competition, but more so everybody getting active.

• What advice would you give a rising producer? A rising artist?

-Producers, get from behind the computer. Make sure your face is shown and don't be a bot. Get out here, get in these studio sessions, see where these people are recording. Get your face out as much as possible, relationships are more important that the beats. Rappers, brand yourself, release some videos. Come out clean cut and act like you care about the sh*t. Make sure you're perfecting your craft. Try to record in the studio and not a microphone sitting on the floor.