Livin Proof is a producer well known in the Bay Area, and has a solid reputation in his hometown area of the 209. Music and character go a long way for this producer, who has worked with artists like E40, YG, Keak Da Sneak, to name a few. Some of the work you will know, if you don't already hear this producers tagline in your head, "LIVIININPROOOOOOOF BEATSSSSSS!!"
ABM: Explain to us how you got put on and how you got your start in production?
Livin Proof Beats: In 2008 I met Beeda Weeda at 17 Hertz Studio in Hayward during a recording session for a "Free Dubee" compilation that was in the works. I was in the studio everyday making beats and sending them out to different artists, just trying to build relationships and what not. I stayed tapped in with Beeda and landed a beat on his first album, "Da Thizzness" which was under SMC/Town Thizzness/PTB. The song was called "You Aint Scarin Nothin". It became one of his singles that ended up getting heavy rotation by 106.1 KMEL DJ Rick Lee. I was also in the loop with Biaje, he introduced my beats to the Livewire camp before any artists from the label had solo albums. My next placement was with Philthy Rich, I sent him a beat and he sent it back to me two days later mixed and mastered. The track was titled "I Represent It", it was one of three tracks I produced off his debut SMC/Town Thizzness/Livewire release "Funk Or Die".
ABM: Tell us how you got linked up with Shady Nate
Livin Proof Beats: Once again I give credit to Biaje for introducing me to Shady. Biaje hit me up one day and was telling me about this rapper from West Oakland, and that he was feeling the beats I had made for Beeda and Philthy. To keep it real with you I had never heard of Shady Nate at the time, I really didn't know what to expect. I sent Shady the beat to "1 Mo Lick" not knowing if he was going to be feeling it, because I really wasn't even sure what his style was like. I ended up going to PTB studio in the town later that week to peep the track and meet Shady for the first time. He ended up not being able to make it there that day, but the engineer, Jamon Dru, showed me the final product and I just remember I was really feeling everything that Nate was bringing to the table. "1 Mo Lick" was placed on Shady's debut album, "The Gasman", which was also released under SMC/Town Thizzness/Livewire. I later went on to produce "Onion Cry" remix from his Mob Marley Mixtape featuring Jay Jonah. Free Jay Jonah by the way.
ABM: What was it like working with Livewire Records?
Livin Proof Beats: It was pivotal for me because every artist I was working with from Livewire was in the early stages of their careers. There was always a new mixtape or album that was getting ready to drop so I just stayed in that loop and remained busy. I did a remake of "Everlasting Bass" for Stevie Joe ft. Willie Joe called "Clockin". It was placed on Stevie's debut SMC/Town Thizzness/Livewire album "80's Baby". Its no secret that Livewire made me hot as a producer in The Bay and vise versa. From Livewire Radio vol. 1, Philthy Rich & Messy Marv's Neighborhood Supa Star 3, to the recent recordings I have with Shady Nate, I salute the movement for being one of the most relevant in The Bay period.
ABM: Obviously, you have been instrumental in the Livewire Empire, what other artists have you produced for and what other projects have you had your hands in?
Livin Proof Beats: One of my favorite tracks I produced was off of Bandaide and Scoot's Hoodstarz Radio called "The Definition" ft. Stone Da Realist (RIP). I enjoy working with The Hoodstarz, they've always showed love and we make good music together. Our latest joint in rotation is the Warriors Anthem "Splash City", with Young Sight, J Stalin, and San Quinn. I basically remade Rack City, but flipped it for the Golden State Warriors. Another one of my notable production credits is "Bass Rocks" from E-40's latest double cd "Sharp On All 4 Corners". I also have a track on the way with a dope visual, "Shut Em Down" by Lee Majors ft. Yukmouth and Dru Down.
ABM: Thats whats up, How did you get in line with E-40?
Livin Proof Beats: A good friend of mine by the name of Kevin Kash is an extended relative to the Stevens family. He basically put me in line with 40's younger brother Mugzi, whom I also give credit and the upmost respect to for being instrumental in my play with Uncle Earl. I made "Bass Rocks" a year prior to actually getting it into 40's inbox. I took a sample from "World Went Crazy" off The Click's "Game Related" album and placed it over some drums and heavy synths and there you had Bass Rocks. S/o Charlie Hustle, Mugzi, and Kevin Kash y'all are truely a blessing.
ABM: Dope, What other projects do you have brewing in the pot?
Livin Proof Beats: Right now I'm putting the finishing touches on San Quinn's latest project, its an EP titled "89". This is Frisco at its finest, he's the city's real mayor when it comes to this rap shit. We titled it "89" because he's The Almighty Quinn, The Earthquake, a real Bay legend not to be slept on. We're waking everybody's game up with this one.
Block Bizz artist J. Mitch aka Jucealini has an EP titled "Dollar And A Dream", also in its final stages. You can expect back to back bangers on the production side, with songs that express the struggle, and hustle of coming up and starting with nothing. The project has dope features and "Juce" definitely delivers all gas no brakes.
I linked up with Bompton OG Tee Kay, who is CEO of Trojan Boy Ent. We're collaborating on an album called "Bay 2 Bompton", which is on schedule for a summer release. This project is gelled together with artists like Trojan Boy front-runner, KedaRu, Slim 400, San Quinn, and Yukmouth to name a few.
After the success of Shady Nate's "1 Mo Lick", both Shady and I decided to give the streets that gas once again. Be on the look out for the "Shady Livin" EP, and the single "Strapped with Macks".
I'm also in the beginning stages of recording an EP with strings enthusiast Einerbankz. Einer is the truth, I first got wind of his talent from watching him play classic Bay Area cover songs with his ukelele on IG. We linked up and the more we worked together in the studio he proved to be versatile and talented with multi instruments. Our collaboration is sure to be a mobbed out musical with a wide range of dope artists.
ABM: Any other shout outs before we close this segment?
Livin Proof Beats: I want to shout out All Bay Magazine for showing love off top. Shout out to my Block Bizz fam, peace and love to all my affiliations, you know who you are.