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MIAMI LIVING 103 Over the years, music has served as a source of entertainment, topic of conversation and a creative outlet for those listening and creating the music. We often only give credit to the lead singer or group for the great song we hear on the radio, but behind every song is a crew of talented music professionals who create the song and sounds. The process begins with the music producer. Miami Living caught up with one of the most talented, yet humble, music producers in the business, D. Grant. He has worked with a roster of notable clients and serves as the right-hand-man to mega producer Jim Jonsin. How did you get started in the music industry? I've been in the business for more than 15 years and it has been a long road. I started out, like most producers, as a DJ. My best friend Gil Green (www.gilgreen.com) and I loved Hip-Hop music so much and wanted to be a part of it in any way, so we turned to DJ-ing. Ultimately, I grew from playing the music on turntables to making the music. Back then Hip-Hop was about passion and truly about the love of the hip-hop culture, and if you loved the music as much as I did, you tried anything to try be part of it because you could see it was history in the making. You recently signed a deal with Jim Jonsin's label. What is it like to work with a multi-platinum producer? How did you get connected with his label? Ironically, the situation with Jim Jonsin and his label, Rebel Rock, popped up on me out of nowhere. I previously worked with one of his artists and former manager. They loved my music so much they signed me. It has been great experience! Jim Jonsin is a multi-platinum producer and has worked with so many top artists such as Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Danity Kane, and the list goes on! He has a very unique and distinct sound and I've learned to become a better producer working with him. How has Miami influenced you and your music? I grew up in Miami. My heritage is Jamaican, and anyone who grows up in South Florida knows there is a very strong Caribbean and Latin community here, so I definitely have those sounds in a lot of my music. Also, Miami is home to many of the founders and originators of bass music. A majority of my songs have heavy bass sounds, so you can feel my music. What would you recommend to an aspiring producer? Never stop trying to live your dream! Work very, very, very hard. This is a tough business and it usually takes a long time to get where you want to be. Even now, I still work extremely hard and I'm no where close to where I want to be. You'll probably hear a lot of "Nos" and wonder to yourself if you really have what it takes. You'll hear a lot of record labels tell you that they want "Hit Records" and that usually means they don't know what type of song they want! Always try to improve on yourself, I'm my worst critic and you should be too. But keep at it and if you're truly talented, eventually your talent will shine through and it will happen. What can we expect from you in the future? I'm working on many projects and things can change very fast in the music business, so I won't name names to jinx anything, but if you would like to know more or would like to contact me, visit www.myspace.com/dgrantmuzic or email me at D@riceandpeasmusic.com. ML PEOPLE Sound Advice A chat with D. Grant, Miami-based music producer Words by Tatiana Lora