Exclusive Big Noise Interview With MPC Beat Maker Confidence

Since this interview titled “Confidence interview by Big Noise” we’ve peeped a few notable hop-hop projects produced by MPC beat maker Confidence worth mentioning. Make sure you check out, Price “Dear N***a” produced by Confidence taken off Price’s untitled debut album, dropping 2014 on Ill Adrenaline Records. As well, you gotta peep SmooVth & Confidence serving it up nice on “Rap Science” produced by Confidence, cuts by D.J Technic, independently released, stream this single on Soundcloud. Confidence is featured on the hot swap Akai MPC 2000XL Card Reader video spot. Now let’s get into the interview!

Q. Big Noise: Respect Confidence, what’s going down with you?
A. Confidence: Chilling kid. Just maintaining trying to create as time allows.

Q. Big Noise: welcome to the confidence interview big noise. We last spoke in 2011, it’s been a minute; what’s the deal with these “Neck Snapping Drums..” I’m hearing about?
A. Confidence: I just wanted to give back and provide producers and beat makers with authentic drum sounds, no filler. It’s not fun investing in sounds to be let down by the quality. I strive for quality with everything I put out and these drums are no different. My track record speaks for itself when it comes to my releases and quality over quantity is always the motto.

Q. Big Noise: Are these your 1st string drums, or bench sounds? Why would you give your quality drum-sounds away?
A. Confidence: This is the first official set of drums I’ve put out. I’m giving them away for a small price because the same way someone would invest in me, I have to invest in them so we can keep this kind of music still evolving and growing.

Q. Big Noise: What’s your thoughts on hip-hop in general, do you think underground hip-hop will ever gain mainstream respect?
A. Confidence: Underground hip hop is labeled that way because that kind of music uses samples. That’s my theory on that. I was watching the nba finals and they played three 90’s sampled joints during highlights. That’s pretty impressive. I don’t think it will gain mainstream respect for the music today only what’s come before us.

Q. Big Noise: Can you tell us anything about your experience with Ill Adrenaline Records, any future projects?
A. Confidence: They gave me my start with the Rashad & Confidence project. I’ll always be thankful for that. Overall it was a good learning experience. As of now I’m no longer working with them but wish success to their future releases and moves.

Q. Big Noise: You signed to Hipnott Records in late 2014, what projects have been released so far? What can we expect?
A. Confidence: I dropped a few singles with HiPNOTT last year but recently we parted ways. I’ll still be in contact with them because they’re good people but I’m not directly involved with the label at this point.

Q. Big Noise: Are you planning on releasing any instrumental beat records in the future? What do you think about that?
A. Confidence: I’ve thought about it but I’m not into letting the real good joints out there. It’s a good and bad experience for me and as of now I don’t have any definite plans.

Q. Big Noise: Any other projects coming out we should know about, what can you tell us?
A. Confidence: I have some things in the works. I don’t want to disclose anything in case things don’t work out. Nothing official right now besides trying to finish up and drop this Rashad & Confidence EP follow up.

Q. Big Noise: Describe your work ethic when it comes to your brand; is it casual, is it structured? People wanna know.
A. Confidence: Honestly I need to work on my brand more. I could be more involved with things but I feel my age and life get in the way. I’m not all young and energetic anymore where I want to be here and there. I like to chill and make music when time permits.

Q. Big Noise: Can independent artists hire you to produce beats? How can they contact you?
A. Confidence: Of course. Artists can email me at: info@schoolofconfidence.com

Q. Big Noise: Any favorite studio gear or equipment; we know you like the MPC 2000XL, what do you like to use besides that?
A. Confidence: I’ve been using the XL since 2000. I’ve never really used or mastered any other piece of hardware. I keep it basic. That machine has treated me right over the years and have no reason to turn my back on her now.

Q. Big Noise: Whats going down with the “School of Confidence”, what’s your experience been with the beat making school?
A. Confidence: The school has been great over the past couple of years. I’ve taught people from literally all over the world. I’m happy to help and continue to give back. Right now I’m on a hiatus with the school and don’t have any up coming classes scheduled.

Q. Big Noise: What are the top 3 things you would say to an up-and-coming music producer?
A. Confidence: 1. Train your ear. 2. Do more with less. 3. Never settle

Q. Big Noise: Confidence, thank you man for your time! Any last shouts or thoughts as we wrap up this session of the Confidence interview big noise?
A. Confidence: Yo thanks for the time fam. Appreciate your interest and best of luck to you as you continue to keep this music alive.

Published in Aug 2015: SmooVth & Confidence “Rap Science” Produced by Confidence Cuts by D.J Technic, Released Independently, Audio Stream via Soundcloud.

Published in Jan 2015: MPC beat maker Confidence & DJ Technic “Interview Part 2″, Released by The Hip Hop Foundation; DJ Technic goes over the step-by-step process of laying down some cuts. Showing us some of subtle details it takes to record dope scratches using the one’s-and-two’s.

After the exclusive Confidence interview with Big Noise, we discovered as a student of the game dating back to the 90’s, Confidence first got a taste of music production in the mid 90′s while learning to DJ with his brother Technic. From there he got involved with sampling but his break didn’t come until 2001 when he copped an MPC 2000xl which he still uses to this day to compose masterpieces. He put in hours of work and dedication over the years, landing him placements from time to time but his ultimate break came in 2010 when he linked up with a relatively unknown artist by the name of Rashad.

Thanks to Confidence’s 2010 mix tape “Recon”, where he remixed sixteen 90’s classics over his production, the two became acquainted. From their initial meeting, Confidence and Rashad discussed doing more than just recording one track. A classic was in the works, and after numerous months of countless hours to craft masterpieces, “The Element of Surprise” was born. This epic record hit worldwide November 29, 2011. It was distributed through Fatbeats and put out by Ill Adrenaline Records. One month after release it shot to #1 on Ughh.com where it stayed in the top 3 for three months and garnered a near 5 star rating with over 100 comments. His work ethic and get down have earned him respect.

In 2012, MPC beat maker Confidence teamed up with Purpose of Tragic Allies and released another album on Ill Adrenaline Records entitled, “The Purpose of Confidence.” This album also went to #1 on Ughh.com . Next up was Beneficence’s LP, “Concrete Soul” where he produced five stand out tracks. This album also found its home at #1 on Ughh.com . It’s safe to say whatever Confidence touches turns to gold. Confidence lent a hand on Neek The Exotic’s EP with the title track, “Comin in Piles.” Neek dropped his album “Hustle Don’t Stop in September 2013 which Confidence produced seven joints for. In March of 2013, Confidence released two singles with The Regiment out of Detroit. Together they teamed up with Ill Adrenaline and Soul Tools to release a 7″ which became available… ( read more )