Rapper/Producer
Qu’ran Goodman, formerly of Philadelphia rap trio Da Youngstas is preparing
to launch his solo career and developing his new production company, Face Off
Entertainment under Sony Urban Records.
Goodman’s last
name should ring bells for Hip-Hop historians. His
parents are Lawrence and Ann Goodman, owners of the first Hip-Hop label in Philadelphia,
the legendary Pop Art label.
Goodman hopes to
establish the kind of label that made stars out of the likes of Will Smith,
Salt-N-Pepa, Marley Marl and others.
Face Off’s first
artist is Jack Frost, who will release his major label debut Cold World in 2005.
Goodman produced 90 percent of the album.
Frost has a large
following in the Philadelphia and has enjoyed airplay on both of the city’s
commercial radio stations.
Goodman called
himself a multi-tasker and likened his skills to prominent Hip-Hop entrepreneurs
who have expanded their horizons beyond producing.
“I am a perfectionist
so I try to make sure every beat I do is crazy, Goodman told AllHipHop.com.
“I am not a follower, but if I would compare the situation I want to establish,
it would be to Dr. Dre’s, because I’m an artist as well as a producer,”
Goodman told AllHipHop.com.
And while that
situation would a dream for any producer, Goodman feels he’s ready, having learned
lessons from some of the most legendary figures in Hip-Hop history, at a young
age.
“It gave
me a passion for the music at a younger age than most,” Goodman told AllHipHop.com.
“I remember Roxanne Shante being in my house when I was like 5 or 6. I
was around history & Pop Art doesn’t get the credit it deserves. This is
the label that started Will Smith, Salt & Pepa, Roxanne Shante, Marley Marl,
Steady B, Cool C, 3XDope, & Da Youngstas.”
Goodman, 24, said
watching such authentic and quality Hip-Hop artists work is what motivated him
to get involved in production.
“I watched
them,” Goodman said. “Being in that [environment] is how I started
making beats when I was 11.”
In addition to
producing “Slow Dough” from 50 Cent’s Power of the Dollar
album, Goodman worked with Roc-A-Fella artist Peedi Crak and produced a song
on Nas’ upcoming album Street’s Disciple.
“I want to
bring that quality back to beats,” Goodman said. I have my own sound and
I want to make it hard for these corny producers to sell a beat. You’re
going to have to come with your best s**t.”
