Interview
Jonathan "J.R" Rotem
Producer
04/08/2005

With two tracks on the new 50 Cent album, song deals with various major labels, and about 30 placements just in the past six months (including Snoop, Fabulous, Obie Trice, and Lil Kim), Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem is quickly earning a name for himself as the hottest new producer of 2004-2005.

In this exclusive interview with hiphopgalaxy.com Jonathan "J.R" Rotem talks about his career, about his production company "Networth Entertainment", and what projects we should look out for in the near future.

Hip Hop Galaxy: What made you want to start making beats?

J.R: I was starting to really make a name for myself as a jazz pianist when the urge to want to compose music more than perform hit me. I also started thinking that hip hop today, is what jazz was in the 50s and 60s and that producers are the modern day composers- not to say that jazz is dead, but that its peak of creativity seemed so have flourished in that era. Hip hop is such a powerful music and culture today, that I wanted to have a voice in this genre and be relevant. Dr. Dre’s production is what really inspired me to want to produce hip hop.

Hip Hop Galaxy: Who’s the first person to discover you?

J.R: My first major placement was actually through Dwayne Wiggins giving my beats to Beyonce resulting on a song on the "Survivor" album for Destiny’s Child. However, it was when I hooked up with my current manager/partner Zach Katz that my beats really started to develop into a commercially viable sound, and through his relationships, I became a producer for the people you see on my discography.

Hip Hop Galaxy: You have been working with everyone in the game, including Dr Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Doog, Fabolous... Who have been your favourite artists to work with in your career?

J.R: Dre, Fifty, Obie Trice, and Lil Kim have all been highlights for me. I have also been working with new artists like Wreckonize and Jae Millz, and we have had a blast cranking out good new music in the studio.

Hip Hop Galaxy: What beat are you most proud of?

J.R: The beat I sold Dre for Detox is one of my favorites. It has a unique urgency and tension that I was blessed to stumble onto. Then hearing his commanding vocals on it was incredible. I gave Obie Trice a real soulful track with Trey Songz (Atlantic) on the hook. I also gave a real hard street joint to Foxy Brown. As far beats that are out, I like both of the tracks I did on Fifty’s Album.

Hip Hop Galaxy: Who would you like to work with?

J.R: Em, Jay-Z, Ludacris, among many others.

Hip Hop Galaxy: How did you get down with the Dr dre?

J.R: Being one of the producer/keyboardists in LA, we hooked up through mutual contacts, as the game is not that big. Initially, after an "audtion", we discussed me playing keys for him when he was starting Detox about a year ago. Since then, he has a new exclusive team of musicians however through the Zach Katz relationship, he picked up one of my beats for the project, and I have played keys for him sporadically here and there. To be honest, I have not worked with him as extensively as I would like, but I am looking forward to it if the opportunity arises.

Hip Hop Galaxy: What are your goals with your music?

J.R: I would like to have an individual and recognizable voice as a producer in the industry. I would love to achieve success as a hit maker, and also build an empire out of my company with Zach Katz. But overall, I just want to connect with people musically - make them feel something powerful and special when they hear my music.

Hip Hop Galaxy: When you sit down to make a beat, what’s the first thing that you do?

J.R:It varies. Sometimes I will just start playing keys, and come up with an idea which I loop up, and add drums and the rest of the sounds. Other times, I will start with a percussive loop from an old record, and I will add the rest of the drums to that. Then I add the music. Othertimes, a writer or rapper will give me a hook, concept or idea, and I will play keys to that. Once I have something, I will build the drums and the rest around that. I try to switch up the process and look for new ways to make beats, because otherwise, one can fall into a mundane routine.

Hip Hop Galaxy: How do you make the perfect Beat?

J.R:Ask Dre! I don’t think I have done it yet, but probably energy, directness, simplicity, and a new flavor are important ingredients.

Hip Hop Galaxy: What equipment do you use?

J.R:Yamaha Motif ES, Korg Triton Extreme, Roland Fantom XR, Akai MPC 2000XL, Korg MS2000B, Proteus 2000, Emu Mo Phatt, Cakewalk Sonar 3, Stylus

Hip Hop Galaxy: What producers influenced you? Your top 5 producers?

J.R: Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Eminem, Denaun Porter, Quincy Jones,

Hip Hop Galaxy: Your top-5 rappers?

J.R: 1. Eminem 2. Biggie 3. Fifty Cent 4. Snoop Doggy Dogg . 5. Ludacris

Hip Hop Galaxy: Who are you working with/for now?

J.R:Honestly, a big list of established artists as well as new. Tony Yayo, Olivia, from G Unit, a lot of camps and good people. I am looking to work with everyone thats talented.

Hip Hop Galaxy: What else can we expect from you in the near-future? Can you talk about "Net worth Entertainment"?

J.R: NetWorth Entertainment is my production company with my partner Zach Katz. We have signed a new artist, Jasmin Lopez who is featured on my song "Bang Out" with Snoop, and "Can You Hear Me?" with Fabolous, and many other upcoming tracks. She is a dope young urban singer from the Bronx. Her style is R&B with a very urban vibe, but also a retro feel good 70s throwback style - she can also do hardcore street hustlaz music - like a new Mary J. Blige. She is an incredible writer as well. We are looking to expand this company to include more artists as well as talented writers.

Hip Hop Galaxy: How can Heads reach out to you?

J.R: Good question - I’d give out my email address but I don’t want any questionable people sending me weird messages!

Hip Hop Galaxy: Thanks

See also Jonathan "J.R" Rotem Biography and productions

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