J banga started my music journey when he joined Martin Van Buren High School jazz band and orchestra back in his freshman year. He dabbled into production back then but he was mostly into drumming and performance. During his college years he regained access to FL studio and started messing around and cooking up. He would post his beats on SoundCloud and Facebook to get feedback, until one day he met a few local rappers through FB and made some records. Throughout the years J banga worked with talent such as Pop Smoke, Rowdy Rebel, Rah Swish, Fetty Luciano, Ron Suno, Young Chop, OP, Bam Bino, 917Rackz, Young Litty, Hood Hefna, Kha Structure, KGoddess, Leeky G Bando, Toosii, Phi11a, Maino, Dafi Woo, Jahlil Beats, Lex Luger & More.
Q: How did you get your producer name?
A: Funny story. My IG handle used to be “@bangthemdrums” because I play drums. One day at work my coworker called another worker “JMoney”, because his name also started with a J, like mine. Then he turned to me and said “you’re JBanga” so I ran with that til today.
Q: What was your first record placement?
A: Can’t fully remember but my first placements were Young Litty, Hood Hefna from GS9, Bam Bino, and Rah Swish.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you learned while working in the music industry?
A: Being a producer ain’t easy. Takes a lot of dedication, patience, and investing. Learn from the Ls you take and move forward.
Q: Where are you from, and how did it mold you into the person you are today ?
A: I’m from Brooklyn, but I spent most of my childhood in Lima, Perú. My parents and my environment growing up taught me dedication and discipline is key wherever you go and whatever you do. Also being an athlete (soccer) in my younger years has helped me develop that go-getter mentality.
Q: Who is your favorite artist to work with?
A: I don’t have a favorite. Honestly any artist that shows love to me and hops on my beats I enjoy working with. They all got different vibes which a lot of times help me get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
Q: What DAW do you use, and what is your favorite plug-in?
A: Fruity Loops all the way. I could also use Logic to track live instruments and vocals, but FL studio is my go-to. The workflow is super efficient. I wouldn’t say a have favorite plug-in, but definitely Nexus is always clutch VST. Depends on the vibes I’m trying to make though. Arcade, Analog Lab, Xpand, Electra, Serum, and Purity are the ones I used the most. Oh, and we cannot forget about the GOAT, Splice. Always there when I’m suffering from beatblock. Worth every penny.
Q: What is your favorite record placement and why?
A: Street Professor by Pop Smoke, Rowdy Rebel, and Fetty Luciano which will be released soon hopefully. When I started making drill beats Pop was one of my inspirations so I always wanted to get him on a song. I found out I got a placement with him the same say he passed. RIP Pop
Q: What are somethings producers don't know that they should know?
A: The legal aspects of music. Splits, royalties, etc. Also music theory is very important. Learn major and minor scales and keys.
Q: What makes you a hot producer?
A: What I can say makes me a hot producer is my willingness to network and collaborate with younger and up-and-coming producers, as well as artists. Anybody can send me loops, if I think you’re dope I’m gonna use your loops, send you the beat back, and get it placed. Aside from that, I’ve heard my drums knock hard so we can include that too.
J Banga's Social Media
Instagram www.instagram.com/jbangabeats
Twitter www.twitter.com/jbangabeats
Facebook www.facebook.com/JBangaBeats
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