It’s often debated whether a person’s genes or surroundings decide their outcome in life, but in the case of young producer Araab Muzik, the music has always been part and parcel of his DNA.
“ I started making beats when I was 10. I was playing the drums when I was only 3-yrs-old and I learnt the piano soon after that,” he begins. “My mother is a singer as well – she has two albums out herself – so I’ve definitely been blessed with the gift of music since birth.”

Now at the age of 20, the Rhode Island native has developed into a bona fide player in the realm of hard-body, street-approved Hip-Hop. He cites his  primary influences  as recognized boardsmen like Swizz Beatz, DJ Khalil, Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Alchemist and The HeatMakerz. Currently, he’s more or less the in-house producer for Harlem’s Dip Set Rap Collective, and he was actually the brain behind the boards for Cam’ron’s huge 2009 hit, “Get It in Ohio.” He’s also the main instrumental provider for the upcoming DJ-Drama-hosted mixtape “Boss of all Bosses” featuring Cam and his new protégé, the slick-mouthed rhyme-spitter, Vado. In addition, there are beats of his in the pipeline waiting to be laced by lyrical NYC champs like Jadakiss, Cory Gunz, Fabulous, A-Mafia and Hell Rell. Another project young Araab is also excited about working on is Cam’ron’s next major label album “Killa Season 2” dropping later this year.
His sonic weapon of choice is the Akai MPC , and seeing him work it is probably what Picasso would have looked like applying masterful brush strokes to one of his famous Cubist paintings. (see the Youtube clips attached – you’ll be absolutely amazed).

“I’m still in the process of building my own brand, but I already consider myself a stand-alone artist. I’ve already been out touring in places like London and Germany,” Araab states. “I go out on stage, hook up my MPC to the speakers, and people come out to see me make music,” he adds with pride.
A certified workaholic, he makes about 8 beats a day, and with the little downtime he has, let’s just say you won’t catch him going bonkers during March Madness  or playing X-Box 360 on the internet.

“I’ve never been into sports or games or anything like that. I’d rather be online ordering new equipment or just chilling with my people. I’m from Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, so there’s really not much to do around here anyway.”
To end the interview, Araab Muzik makes it a point to differentiate himself from all the other knob-tweakers out there.  “I’m a real producer, not just a beatmaker. I can read music, write music, and play instruments. I am much more than a beatmaker, I’m a real musician.”

Duly noted Araab Muzik – we hear you loud and clear.
Words by Geo Hagan, Photos courtesy of Dipinthemix.com