By Tamone Bacon with additional reporting by Joncier "Ms. Boogie" Rienecker
Producer extraordinaire, Supa Dups has gradually become the music industry’s go-to guy. After breaking out onto the scene with Nina Sky’s, “Turnin’ Me On” in 2004, he soon began crafting hits for the likes of Sean Paul, Rihanna, and Estelle. His poignant and pulsating production has earned him another Grammy Award nomination at the upcoming 2012 ceremony.
Taking a break from his busy schedule, he chatted with Playback about his claim to fame, the Black Chiney Sound System, and describing his sound in one word.
Last year, you won your first Grammy Award for your work on Eminem’s Recovery LP. What was your initial reaction to your win?
Man, I was excited! The album won “Best Rap Album,” but I think it should have won “Album of the Year.”
Not only are you credited as a producer, but you are also known as a drummer and DJ. Which role do you enjoy most and why?
I love deejaying and producing. Basically, I’ve been deejaying, since I was 12. It taught me how to make music and get strong on the drums.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica but moved to Miami when I was about two or three.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
As stated before, I’ve been deejaying, since I was 12. When I was 13, I began working at Power 96 in Miami. From there, I got into Reggae and started doing remixes. Then I met Mr. Morgan who was a fan of my mixtapes. From there, I did Nina Sky’s “Turnin’ Me On” in 2004.
How would you define your sound in one word?
Universal.
Who or what inspires you to create music?
A bunch of different stuff. I listen to music that I don’t make. Other people’s music inspires me. I also get inspired from Alternative and Rock music.
You are affiliated with the Black Chiney Sound System. For those who may be unfamiliar, who are they?
It’s a sound system that I started in 1999. I needed money to pay a phone bill, so I began making mixed CDs just to make money. It got popular and my partner Bobby Chin and I blew up in 2001 and started touring.
You have had the opportunity to work with John Legend, Mary J. Blige, and many other prominent musical artists today. Is there an artist(s) that you have yet to work with and aspire to do so?
Adele. I love Adele. I ask myself, often, “Where the hell did that white girl get so much soul?” I think her and I would come up with something great.
What are you working on, currently?
I produced the track, “Buried Alive” on Drake’s current album, Take Care. I worked on the Tyga and Drake single, “Still Got It For You.” I am working with Kendrick Lamar, John Legend, and Akon on some records. I am also working with Cris Cab – an artist that’s signed to Mercury Records here in Miami. I am hoping to get back in with Bruno Mars soon. I am working on my project, D.A. and the Supa Dups. We have two new singles out – one is called, “Who Do You Know” and the other is called, “Too Cool” featuring Vybez Kartel. You can get both these tracks at dasupadups.com.