(AllHipHop Interview) Sometimes it only takes one year for a person’s life to change completely. That is definitely the case for 23-year-old producer Anderson “Vinylz” Hernandez. The Washington Heights, New York native has been making tracks since the age of 15, and around this time just 365 days ago he was still a mostly unknown beatmaker. Then Hip Hop artists, blogs, and fans began to take notice of Vinylz’s production skills when songs by rappers like Roscoe Dash (“Like Diz” featuring 2 Chainz) and Joe Budden (“NBA” featuring Wiz Khalifa and French Montana) starting making the rounds on the net and radio.
Fast forward just a few months later and now Vinlyz’s name is attached to some of the biggest Hip Hop songs of 2013. Armed with his FL Studios software and electronic keyboard Vinylz teamed with Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels to create Drake’s “5AM In Toronto,” DJ Khaled’s “No New Friends,” and Jay Z’s “F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit.”
AllHipHop.com caught up with the rising beatmaker to get the scoop about some of the tracks he’s produced, how he hooked up with Boi-1da, and what the future holds.
AllHipHop.com: What was your reaction when you found out your beat made it on Jay Z’s album?
Vinylz: I was shocked. I didn’t believe it at first. [Bo-1da] text me like, “yo, we made Jay Z’s album. Thank me later.” I was like, “what? what?” I still didn’t believe it until my lawyer hit me up and said, “yeah, I think this is pretty real.”
“F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit” was originally a Rick Ross track. How did it end up on Magna Carta Holy Grail?
Basically, Rick Ross wanted Jay on a feature for his record, but I guess when Jay heard it he was like, “I need this for my album.” You know Ross is not going to say no to Jay.
Why did you decide to use that particular Pimp C vocal sample for the track?
Honestly, I thought it was real inspiring. He was just saying a bunch of dope stuff about the reason behind why he wears his gold chains. I like searching for interviews. It makes the song bigger, and it gives you direction of what you’re going to talk about on a song.
Because of Jay’s Samsung deal he was recognized with a platinum plaque already. Did you get one for your participation as well?
I was told I’m suppose to get one, so hopefully soon. I don’t think anyone’s got one besides him yet.
[ALSO READ: Jay-Z Gets His Platinum Plaque For Magna Carta Holy Grail]
How did you first connect with Boi-1da?
I’m really close to Boi-1da. I met him back in 2007. We were in Atlanta. Before that he hit me up on Myspace and was like, “I think you’re really dope.” We just happened to be in Atlanta at the same time. He was working with Drake, and I was working with Cassidy. I invited him to one of my sessions and from there we just played beats and cliqued.
You’re currently working with Boi-1da on Drake’s new album Nothing Was The Same. Can you give some insight into how that project is going?
It sounds amazing. Drake is always bringing something original to the table. That’s all I can say right now.
How did “No New Friends” come together?
Around Grammy week, Boi-1da was basically like, “I need to link up with you to work on this Drake album.” So me and my partner Allen Ritter flew out to L.A. and stayed at Drake’s house. We had a room there, just working, and Drake would come upstairs and listen to beats and tell us what he thought we should change. He said, “1da, I got this hook I want you to flip.” He said it was going to be the “Started From The Bottom” remix. Once we heard the hook we got to work on it. Later Drake heard it, and he was going crazy.
So the song started out potentially being a Drake remix?
Yeah, it was going to be Drake’s song at first. It was going to be the “Started From The Bottom” remix. He’s got a great relationship with Khaled, so he let Khaled have it. Drake got hits, so he passes off hits. He got those for days.
Are you currently producing any upcoming tracks for other artists?
I got a record with Future and Drake for Future’s album. I got some stuff with 2 Chainz. I got a record with Yo Gotti. I’m working with Sammy Adams. It’s a whole bunch of people I’m working with now.
Your profile has really blown up over the last year. Has that hit you when you’re sitting back and reflecting?
Definitely, it’s surreal. It’s crazy how everything has happened in like one year. I had some records out last year, but this year has been my biggest year. It’s an amazing feeling to just hear your records on the radio. I got like 4, 5, 6 records on the radio right now.
Do you have any interest in making a full album or mixtape?
Probably in the future. As of now I have two artists, one is an R&B artist and the other a Hip Hop artist. I’m focused on their projects right now. Allen Ritter is the R&B artist. He actually co-produces with me on a couple of tracks that are out there already. Jae B is a songwriter and artist as well. He’s dope. You will hear a lot from both of them this year.
Who are your favorite producers right now?
Boi-1da, T-Minus, Hit-Boy, Mike Will [Made It].
You have a lot of pictures of food on your Instagram. Do you consider yourself a “foodie?”
Definitely. I gotta stop though. I’m gaining too much weight. I’m having a lot of meetings lately. They always want to take you out, so I take advantage. We also celebrate a lot now. We’re always eating.
Where do you see yourself one year from now?
Hopefully, executive producing my artists’ albums. Trying to be better than this year.
Follow Vinylz on Twitter @VINYLZ and on Instagram @Vinylz.
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