Songwriters are at the core of music production. A-Rod is one of these up and coming songwriters that has written for greats such as Mary J Blige, Jamie Foxx and Fantasia. What would R&B be without the Smokey Robinsons, Ne-Yos and Babyfaces of the game? They give us the words that make those moments you listen to music memorable. We had the opportunity to chop it up with A-Rod about what he had going on. Check it out!
Magic Studio Moments … I have so many. The Fantasia sessions were like being with family you haven’t seen in a long time…with all the jokes and laughs we had. The Mary J sessions were amazing because we were the first people to work in Marvin Gaye’s (Marvin Room Studio) since Michael Jackson so the vibe in there was amazing! It was an honor to record in the same room where those two legends had recorded while working with Mary who is a legend as well. Jamie Foxx’s sessions were a party every night!!! Lol!!! We were making dope music and learning from one of the greatest entertainers of our time. That was a blessing!
The Formula … I tend to come up with melodies first, but sometimes there is a concept I thought of earlier in the week or day while I was driving or something that I want to write about.
Working With The Folks … When I work with other writers I like to vibe with the track and discuss our experiences so we can draw from those. I’ve written "The Way" for Ariana Grande along with Sevyn Streeter and Jordin Sparks. The song is about being in love with someone and not caring what anyone else thinks. I feel like we’ve all been there at some point in our lives, sometimes it can be foolish and looking back we can see why. But while we are in it, we are happy, and that’s all that matters to us at the time. “Haunted” by Fantasia ft. Tank And King Los is the story of so many young women where I’m from (Newark, NJ) and in every hood in the world, so it strikes a chord with me. The song describes the struggle and pitfalls inner city women and men persevere through their everyday life….Finally “Without Me” by Fantasia featuring Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot is a song about people in our lives who we have been there for and helped develop into the people they are now, but somewhere along the line they act like they forgot how it all went down. It’s just reminding them that even though its all good now, it wasn’t always good…so where would they be without the help and encouragement they got from us?
Renaissance Man … I watched a movie with Danny DeVito and Stacy Dash (I was and still am big on Ms. Dash lol) called “Renaissance Man,” which means to be a man of many hats…different facets of your personality and style. I think that describes me the best. I can be hood with a t-shirt and Jordans or I can throw on a suit and be the intellectual type. I can write rap hooks or bubblegum pop records. I can do the R&B ballad, country, rock and gospel songs … just like the clothes I wear my musical style changes effortlessly.
The Influencers … Babyface is my biggest influence as a songwriter, his catalog and long list of top 10 records speak for themselves. Musically, everything from Jay-Z, Nas, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Sade to Hall and Oates, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton to Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker.
Chasing The Classic … As a writer, I am in pursuit of writing a CLASSIC song…something that will be played a generation later. As a business man, I want to leave the mark of someone who rose to the top of the industry with class and integrity…someone who did it GODS way and showed that we can do GOOD, FAIR business. I want to be a DOOR OPENER for others to come through and usher in a new era in the music industry…
I knew It Was Real … When I walked into my very first session and it was with Jamie Foxx…and also when I got my 1st Billboard hot 100 Top 10 record.
LEARN YOUR CRAFT… Study what your trying to do … read up on it! Check the charts. Set goals and realistic plans of action by which to achieve those goals.
Family & GOD … My family and the fact I know GOD has put me in this industry to affect change in the people and the world.
Surreal … Its kind of surreal…your like wow that’s something that came from my mind…it makes you feel like ANYTHING is possible when you put your mind to it and the timing is right…
If It Wasn’t For This Music Thing … Teaching…I have my degree from Bloomfield College in History.
Hanging Out With The Folk … Don’t do a lot of hanging out…lol I’m busy with all the projects I’m currently working on, but when I do, I like going to PINZ bowling center in North Hollywood, CA.
LA … LA … City of Dreams … I love L.A. its like you took Miami and NY and dumped it on the west coast.
What the ladies like … They like my sense of humor.
Love & Pain … Love in its purest form of what life was intended to be about…when its tainted its pain…life as we know it is about the balance of both…I accept them and pray for the scales to always tip in the favor of love…
Artists To Watch … Hahaaha my artists Bianca Imam and Khristian B…they are two young talented performers that I think will make a great impact in the industry. Their sounds are unique to them and people will be able to find themselves in their music.
The Chosen … I don’t think I’m special…I do believe I’m called and chosen to do some AMAZING things with my life…
If I Was A Character From A Movie It Would Be … I would be Simba from the Lion King lol.
We are watching new talents fill in the ranks. It will be interesting to see the change in music as the names slowly change.
It’s no secret that A-Rod is one of the most successful and respected figures in Hip Hop. From producing hits with Party Animal Jamie Foxx to collaborating with Mary J Blige on Marvin’s Room, there’s not much this artist hasn’t done. Now, he’s ready to share his story through a series of “Pen Sessions” – an intimate look into his life as an artist.
In these sessions, A-Rod will discuss everything from working with Fantasia Barrino to writing songs for some of today’s biggest stars. He’ll also open up about the highs and lows of being a musician and what it takes to stay at the top. Fans can expect an honest glimpse into the world of music from someone who has been living and breathing it since day one.
A-Rod promises to deliver real talk about his journey so far, as well as an insight into how he deals with success in such a cutthroat industry. His Pen Sessions are sure to be packed full of stories you won’t find anywhere else – don’t miss out!
A-Rod Discusses Collaborations
A-Rod has had a successful career working with some of the biggest names in music. From Party Animal Jamie Foxx to Mary J. Blige, A-Rod has created hit records for many artists. In his pen session, he opened up about these collaborations and what it was like to work with them.
He started off by talking about Fantasia and how she inspired him to take risks musically. He talked about how her ability to go outside the box allowed him to see things differently when creating their record together. He said that working with her pushed him out of his comfort zone and gave him an opportunity to try something new.
Discussing his collaboration with Jamie Foxx, A-rod mentioned that despite being a party animal at heart, Jamie is incredibly focused when it comes to music and knows exactly what he wants from each song they make together. He also spoke highly of Marvin’s Room which turned into a classic R&B tune after countless hours of crafting it in the studio.
Overall, A-Rod proved himself as a master collaborator during this pen session, highlighting all the great talents he worked with over the years – showing just why he remains one of today’s top producers.
Behind The Scenes Of Notable Projects
Having worked with some of the biggest names in music, A-Rod had plenty of stories to tell about the behind the scenes action. From Party Animal Jamie Foxx to Mary J. Blige, A-Rod revealed what it’s like working with these stars and how his creative process differs from artist to artist.
As he discussed Fantasia, A-rod spoke about her willingness to take risks musically which allowed him to explore new ideas when creating their record together. He said that they were able to find a balance between creativity and commercial appeal – something not all artists are willing or capable of doing.
When speaking on Marvin’s Room, A-rod highlighted the fact that even though many hours were spent crafting it in the studio before release, it was still one of the most successful records he has ever produced. This is just another testament to his skill as a producer; knowing exactly what an artist needs and being able to capture it without compromising quality.
A-Rod has certainly proven himself as an incredible collaborator over the years, no matter who he works with – highlighting why he remains one of today’s top producers.
Conclusion
I. Reflection on A-Rod’s Career
A-Rod has been a major player in the music world for many years, and his recent interview with Pen Sessions sheds light on just how diverse and talented he is. He’s worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry as well as some lesser known artists, proving that he can bring out the best in any creative collaboration. His work with Party Animal Jamie Foxx, Mary J Blige, Marvin’s Room and more demonstrate just how versatile A-Rod is as an artist and producer.
II. Appreciation for Diversity
It’s so encouraging to see such diversity from one person in the industry; it shows us all what is possible when we open our minds to new ideas and collaborate across genres. From hip hop to R&B to pop, A-Rod proves that great things are achieved when people come together through their love of music. I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear of him either!
III. Final Thoughts
Overall, it was fascinating learning more about A-Rod’s collaborations through his Pen Session chat. It makes me excited to think about where his career will take him next – hopefully collaborating with even more amazing musicians along the way!