Billboard Top Hip-hop
“Zara616 Drops Some Game On Producing With His Guide To Success”
My name is Patrick Mazara, professionally known as Zara616 and I am a producer from Grand Rapids known for my work with well-established artist such as Skilla Baby, Baby Smoove, Jdot Breezy, Baby Money, YN Jay and more. I’ve always been big on growth and I love to see people, especially producers thriving so I wanted to take the time to drop some free game on how in a year I built my name and began solidifying my spot in the producer game with “The Grease Guide.”
The Grease Guide :
Step 1 : BRAND
Understand that YOU ARE YOUR BRAND. Your producer tag is crucial especially when starting because it can direct people towards more of your work and when it does you should make sure your social media accounts reflect you as a producer to maintain their interest. I went about growing mine by providing my audience with authentic content of video edits to my beats that would keep them interest and later on I allowed people to put a face to the name by also posting myself. To continue to build your brand my advice is to also invest in meeting artists in person, advertise yourself and your beats and finally, stay consistent.
Step 2 : Publishing and Beat Store
Get your publishing together by creating a BMI or an ASCAP so that when the bigger placements do come, you’re eligible to sign the paper work. If you make music you can still register your music so it works if you also rap/sing. Do keep in mind that PUBLISHING AND ROYALTIES IS NOT THE SAME THING. If you produce for artist that are signed to a major label make sure you should be getting an advance, net artist royalties, and publishing. Do not sign a bad deal but do not be ungrateful especially if the terms you’ve signed and advance being given is something you do not have. That especially goes for loop-makers. Lastly, look into creating a beat store such as Airbit and Beatstars so that you’re audience can both listen to and purchase your beats.
Step 3 : Networking
Networking is one of the most crucial steps! You’re skill will only get you so far and if you have no way of having it heard you won’t get any placements. So network with producers, work with the smaller artist in a camp and soon the bigger artist will want to work with you because they hear what you’ve provided for their mans.
Step 4 : Genuineness
Stay genuine. When you’re so hungry for success we tend to just jump the gun but staying genuine and realizing people are still human is one of the best things you can do. I personally get tired of people trying to work before even forming a connection so I know engineers feel the same because people attempt to use them for placements but don’t even form any kind of bond first as well as with A&R’s and managers. Have a respectful approach, don’t blow them up but show you genuinely admire their craft or love their artists’ sound and your time to work with them will come.
Step 5 : Patience
Understand that your time will come. Do not be envious of another producer getting back to back placements because they worked just as hard if not harder to get to where they are. Take your time and develop your own sound. I recommend making a single drum kit with all of your favorite sounds and only using that one. In a few months you should be able to play your beats and tell that every beat has some type of similarity that people can recognize and say you produced it.
Step 6 : Business
Do not take things personal. You have to understand these people do not know you. They aren’t obligated to respond back, or rap to your beats. If you blow up and rappers you wanted to work with finally hit you back, do it! You’ll miss out on the opportunity if you decide to be petty because if they came to you, they’re more likely to take you serious.
Step 7 : Consistency
Work hard and be consistent. If it was easy everybody would do it. As long as you’re constantly sending beats out and working with producers, your chance of a placement will only keep increasing so stop just sitting on beats. Send the same ones out until they get placed, have some versatility so you aren’t confided in a box. Invest in going to studios or even running ads on your posts because you never know who could see it.
Step 8 : Manifestation
Manifestation has gotten me a long way and can be a very in depth topic but my advice to start is to believe yourself and be grateful as if you’ve already accomplished what it is you want to accomplish down the line. We constantly tell ourselves negative things and that’s the reason why it happens but if we flip that around and speak positive affirmations, only speak good things would the good not come to be? I always tell my peers to be grateful, and that even if it isn’t something you have just yet, believe you have it. By having that energy of gratefulness you increase your frequencies and that allows your manifestation to find its way into your life and when it does you can truly be grateful.
Overall, there’s a lot that comes with being a producer and how far you make it honestly just reflects your determination but no matter what just keep it going. Especially when you don’t feel like it because that’s when the placements and opportunities appear. Stay genuine, be authentic, make sure you create what you want to and not what others want, prioritize your mental health, and just be appreciative of everything, even if it’s just a like on a beat you put on Youtube, appreciate it.
Zara616’s socials
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
For years, Mark “Savage” Sanders bold, dynamic mixing style has landed him work behind the boards of major tours and hit records alike. Working with artists like Shordie Shordie, Lizzo, Coi Leray, Kevin Gates, Fetty Wap, Kelly Rowland and more, Mark sports an ever-expanding discography of cutting edge of popular music. We spoke with Mark to get insights into his career arc, workflow, and to understand how his unique sound is built upon a firm foundation of technical skill, knowledge and deep listening.
For starters, could you tell me how you got into engineering?
So at my high school they had an early college program where you could get your associates or a certificate by graduation. I wasn’t looking to be an audio engineer. I don’t even think I really knew what an audio engineer was, which makes it all the more crazy. I saw music production schools, but I went for audio engineering at Full Sail University.
What boards were you working on when you were doing live sound?
It was whatever the house had. Working on Mackie boards or Yamaha boards that only had seven inputs that worked—Avid and Midas consoles, the M32s, the Behringer X32, a lot of different stuff. Being a live sound engineer taught me so much signal flow and having to adapt to different spaces and different gear all the time. If I’m on tour and we’re generally using the same board, we’re probably never using the same monitors for front-of-house. The rooms are bigger or smaller—different places have different problem areas—being in a stadium or doing a festival where you have delays and all that stuff is just insane.
So you were ghostwriting, engineering, producing, and rapping in the beginning?
Yes I did it all except play an instrument.
Now today you’ve received a BMI Award, 2x Platinum, and over 12,000 sync placements how does it feel?
If I had to be honest I don’t care about any of it anymore. I want to see my Son win big like this. I’m more into family these days. I did everything I wanted in life and overachieved. I’m good!
We see you have Royalty ENTERTAINMENT & managing as far as entertainment goes what else can we expect?
Whatever God does. I’m not chasing anything anymore. Focused on living life, family, and wealth/health. Definitely support my DJ, DJ King, Ashley Blaire, and Pretty Liyah. Other than that I’m about to be out the way. (He laughs) I’m so burnt out. I’m chilling.
Last question, seeing that you did everything you wanted is there anything left that you haven’t 2025 going forward?
No just travel more that’s it. Like when I say I’ve given life everything I’ve had. I’ve given it everything. Plus I think most people are waiting for me to be famous or something which I’m avoiding and praying never happens.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
Dominique Danielle’s journey from the slums of Alton, Illinois, to becoming a multi-talented entertainer is a testament to perseverance and passion. As a preteen, her mother moved her to Atlanta, Georgia, in pursuit of better opportunities in music and entertainment. This bold decision would set the stage for Dominique’s remarkable career.
Her love for music led her mother, who also acted as her manager, to approach Atlanta’s top hip-hop radio station, Hot 107.9. This serendipitous move unexpectedly launched Dominique’s career in radio. Under the mentorship of industry professionals, she became a skilled board operator, producing shows for renowned personalities like Michael Baisden and Rickey Smiley.
Over the next decade, Dominique expanded her repertoire, becoming a radio personality and hosting music-driven TV shows. Her ambition drove her to explore various facets of entertainment, including club events and college parties. She even worked as a personality for Streetz 94.5 before fully committing to her music career.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Dominique conquered the prestigious high school tour as a singer, rapper, and entertainer. Her talents extended beyond music, as she delved into theater, film, and social media comedy. Notable achievements include co-hosting CBS’s music variety show “Trap City ATL” and garnering recognition for her acting and comedic timing.
Dominique Danielle’s story is one of relentless pursuit and adaptability. Her diverse skill set, coupled with unwavering morals, hard work, and resilience, continues to propel her forward in the entertainment industry. As she expands her horizons, there seems to be no limit to what this multi-faceted talent can achieve.
VinChi Shakur, an official BMI member and major recording artist, has swiftly carved out a significant presence in the music industry within just two years of his release from prison. In this short span, he has impressively released one album, three EPs, 25 singles, and eight official music videos, demonstrating his prolific talent and unwavering dedication. His diverse portfolio includes movie sync licensing deals and substantial radio play on prominent stations such as Shade45, The Breakfast Club 105.1 & 102.1 LA, establishing him as a leading voice for Generation Z music.
As VinChi’s momentum builds, he has garnered attention through interviews with top digital radio stations and influential magazines. Notable features include appearances on @iHeartRadio, @TheRecBoys, @In_the_Den_with_Nala from @Power904, @The_Culture_Clvb, @RadioPushersTV, @HipHopSince_1987, @24Hiphop, and more. These interviews highlight his rising prominence and the broad recognition of his artistry.
Beyond his musical achievements, VinChi is the CEO of VSE VinChi Shakur Entertainment LLC and the host of “The VSE Live & Direct Music Review Show.” His multifaceted role in the industry underscores his commitment to hip-hop not only as an artist but also as a leader and influencer. Born in Jersey, VinChi initially gained recognition as an underground rapper, perfecting his energetic delivery and transforming his life stories into creative art forms. His dynamic performances have led him to open for notable artists like Rotimi from the hit show “Power” and perform at esteemed venues such as The Makinitmag Compound and SXSW.
VinChi has earned endorsements from respected figures in the hip-hop community, including DJ Envy from Hot 97.1 The Breakfast Club and Sheek Louch from L.O.X. (D-Block). His competitive spirit has shone through numerous victories in live review competitions hosted by PLAN-A-RADIO, MAKINITMAG, and TAYKELLEY LIVE. Recently, VinChi celebrated his first plaque award after reaching #20 on the Apple/iTunes Top 100 Hip-Hop Charts, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
VinChi Shakur exemplifies the resilience and passion of a true hip-hop artist, singer, and songwriter. He continues to push boundaries and inspire the next generation with his powerful music and unwavering drive, solidifying his place in the music industry.
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
Christmas on Crenshaw! Free Toys for the kids in the community
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
Epilepsy Awareness Raised by Influencer Cruella Morgan
