Q&A with Heavy Weights

What have you been working on recently?
Our most current recent single is Ne-Yo's "Do You." The album is RIAA certified Platinum and Nominated for a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Album of 2008. We also have another promo single coming out with Ne-Yo called "Dream" and another song with Nicole from the Pussycat Dollz called "Save Me."

What are you planning to work on next, and where are you planning to work on it?
We are currently working on the Lisa Left Eye Lopes tracks that were either unreleased or released overseas. Her sister, Reigndrop Lopes, is overseeing the project and is in the studio. We are also working on Ne-Yo's Junior album, Boxie from J-records, Brother from Def Jam, Beyonce, Jovie Rockwell and several other projects in the making.

Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Melvin "JoJo Beats" Sparkman was born in Minneapolis, MN and moved to NH in High school where he currently resides. Marcus Allen was born in Waterbury, CT and currently resides in CT.

What was your first project as a musician that you really felt was important?
Our first major project was Heather Headley's album In My Mind, which went gold. We did the track "The Letter."

Who do you look to as a mentor in your career, and what have they helped you to learn?
Marty Weintraub, who was my (Melvin "JoJo Beats" Sparkman) piano teacher from age 4-12, played a major role since he introduced me to the music industry and studio at such a young age. We still collaborate on music and he gives me advice over the phone. He is currently located in Minnesota. John R Mobilio was Marcus Allen's Piano teacher who introduced him to the world of MIDI and composition using technology. As a production team, Kenny Ortiz played a major mentor figure since 2001. He pushed us to bring it to the next level music-wise. Tishawn Gayle, our manager, along with Tango of Compound Entertainment who keeps it real when it comes to making business decisions. He's very passionate about business. We are very fortunate to have lots of mentors who are good people that live by the golden rule. Last but not least Marcus DL of Mass Appeal Entertainment has been an awesome mentor cause he is down to earth and is very knowledgeable about the music industry. He is always there for us and gives the best music/business advice.

— Walter Jones