Pimp C and producer Steve Below
Let me start off by saying producer Steve Below does not consider himself a Hip Hop production legend and he verbally suggests that he has not produced that all time commercial hit but a legend he is indeed. If you live in Louisiana, Texas and the South region you have felt and heard the sounds of Steve Below from your tape decks to your iPods. Producing for artists such as Pimp C and Bun B of UGK C-Loc, Young Bleed, Lil Boosie and Webbie, he was later tapped and mentored by Sweet James Jones (Pimp C) himself. A lot of Pimp C fans reading this right now still have no clue that Pimp C was just as good at producing as he was at rapping. Steve Below may not have that commercial track in the public eye but he is definitely a living legend in the game of Southern Rap music and the sound we know as ‘Country Rap Tunes’. The crazy part is that producer Steve Below lives right in Dallas, TX but is never recognized for his production, never on the producer panels, and rarely mentioned by the city elite. Steve Below is currently working the the upcoming Bun B album Trill O.G. and has been spending a lot of time in Houston and California lately but you know we caught up with the O.G. for a quick interview.
You have been producing for a long time and have worked with some of the best in the South and more. You have done production for living and past legends in the music game. You are a critical part of the production era known in the South as ‘Country Rap Tunes’. Why does it bother you when someone call you a legendary producer in the game or the South? Fuck a commercial hit. [Laughs].
Steve Below: It doesn’t really bother me. I’m thankful that ANYONE would appreciate my work enough to even think that highly of me. But on the flip side, it’s kind of hard for me to be called that because I feel like I have so much more work to do in order to feel comfortable enough to be called a legend.
You have your hands in a lot of production used in the Baton Rouge sound from Young Bleed, Lil Boosie, C-Loc, Webbie and more. How did you get started with the Camp and doing production for artists in BR?
I owe all of that to my good friend, Curtis “Curt B” Brown. I left Dallas back in 93 to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge. It was there, that I befriended Curt. He was doing his rap thing back then. Dude was always telling other local rappers about my beats. Every chance he got, he would take me around to different rappers so they could hear my music. He was the one that introduced me to C-Loc and that is how I got hooked up with him, Young Bleed, and the Concentration Camp (Boo Rossini etc). Curt B was also the one that introduced me to Big Mel which is one of the CEO’s at Trill Entertainment. Wow, that was before Trill Ent. was even a real label. Back then it was just a thought in Big Mel’s mind. That’s how I got hooked up with Lil Boosie and Webbie.
Which songs from the BR and Louisiana sound are you most known for?
There was a song called “Candy and Cream” that was on the Concentration Camp’s album that made some noise. Some other ones were “Head Busta” and “Bout Dat” by Lil Boosie. Also, I produced a song called “Crank it Up” and “Retarted” on Webbie’s first solo album. I also produced a song on Master P’s “Only God Can Judge Me” album, but I can’t even remember the name of the song. I got jacked out of my credits on that one anyway. Shouts out to Ke’noe Da Boss Playa for THAT jack move. Ha!! Life goes on.
Webbie – “Crank it up” (Album: Savage Life)
Lil Boosie – Head Busters (Album: For My Thugz)
Damn, the title track. How did that happen? What advice can you give up & coming producers on making sure they get proper credits?
I didn’t do the actual title track. The song that I produced on the Master P album, I don’t even remember the name of it. I would know it if I heard it though. It sucked anyway, because those ASSHOLES at the label didn’t even take the time out to call me and say, “Hey, we need you to come in and track out this song so we can get it sounding right.” They just used an unmixed, two track version of the beat, and it sounded like pure SHIT!!!! Its just one of those things man. You go through shit in this business. Especially when you out there by yourself and trying to get on with no management or representation. I was out there by myself for a ass long time. It wasn’t all good and it wasn’t all bad. It is what it is. Growing Pains. If you ain’t strong and can’t handle hard times, this is not the business for you to be in, because when the times are really hard, its like hell on Earth. No matter how bad it got though, I wasn’t gonna let nothing stop me. NOTHING!! NOBODY!! As far as getting your proper credits, just stay on top of it man. I got jacked in that situation because I trusted somebody to do right by me, because all they ever talked about was how real and honest they were. Lesson: If somebody is always mentioning and claiming how real they are, watch his funky ass. If you really real, you ain’t got to say nothing. Your actions will do all of the talking for you.
How did you meet Pimp C, Bun B and Bobo Luchiano? I heard this funny story on how Pimp C actually introduced you to Bobo Luchiano. Also is BoBo managing you now?
I met Pimp C and Bun B through Big Mel of Trill Entertainment. Pimp C did introduce me to my big homie Bobo Luchiano. We’ve been 1 hunned ever since. That is the fam right there man!! I did like 5 tracks on Bobo’s “Enemy of the MF State” album. I had fun on that project. That was the first album that I was involved in that I heard one of my tracks on the radio. Yeah…I was geeked about that!!
Yes sir. I actually have two managers. BoBo and Intl. Red. Those two guys a multitude of experience in the business. BoBo having experience of running his own successful independent label while having his own radio show, and Intl. Red being the unseen and unheard force behind so many monumental hits that were put out by Rap-A-Lot over the last 20+ years. Check these guy’s track records. One word: SOLID. BoBoLuchiano3@yahoo.com
BoBo Luchiano and Pimp C
What made Pimp C decide to personally mentor you as a producer? How did working with him develop your sound to where it is today?
Maaaaan!!! Me and Pimp had a strong mutual connection with music. He always used to call me a “Threat.” That was the ultimate compliment coming from the creator of “Country Rap Tunes.” He inspired me to improve on my skills. He was the one that showed me that if you DO YOU, everything else will fall in place. He actually sat me down and taught me how to use his secret weapon which was a drum machine called the Roland R-8. People that knew him well would always say that I was the first cat that he ever took the time out to teach that to. That made me feel good, because that dude was a GENIUS. He didn’t have to do that, but he did it for ME. R.I.P. Pimp C!!!! He was not only my mentor, he was my friend. He ALWAYS looked out for me. If it weren’t for him, I WOULD NOT BE IN THE POSITION THAT I’M IN AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!
What Pimp C/Bun B and/or UGK track(s) are you most known for? The track(s) where the people will say “Damn that’s my shit. I didn’t know Steve Below produced that track”.
“Swishas and Dosha”…hands down!! After that, I would say “Like That (Remix).” Both of those were on the “Underground Kingz” Double Cd. When I talk to people and I tell them that I produced “Swishas and Dosha” they always have a majorly positive reaction to it. I’ve even had people tell me that song got them through some really hard times. That is the kind of reaction that a producer dreams of. All I ever wanted to do is actually touch people with my music. Actually make a difference in someones life.
UGK – “Swishas And Dosha” (Album: Underground Kingz)
I heard you put this track on your beat CD for Pimp C last minute rushing and really had no intentions of letting him hear the Swishas and Doshas instrumental. How did it end up being the 1st song on UGK’s Underground Kingz ?
Thats true. “Swishas and Dosha” was a track that I just put on there to help fill the Cd up, honestly. When I made that track, I listened to it over and over again, and I can usually imagine someone rapping over certain tracks, but for some reason, I couldn’t imagine ANYONE rapping on that one cause it was so crazy sounding. I remember when Pimp called me to tell me it would be the first song on the album. It was like a dream come true. I felt a little pressure because it was the first U.G.K. album since Pimp was released from prison. That album was so important. Let that be a lesson to all producers. Never think you know it all. You never know what another person hears or feels when they hear a track. Just put it out there and see what happens. Pimp and Bun wrecked that track like only UGK could. I was floored when I heard the finished product.
You have 3 tracks you produced on the UGK 4 Life album. We talked about this last year on Urban South Radio but what made Pimp C and Bun B select those tracks for this particular album. “Feelin You’ is one of my favorites and it is still in my CD changer. That is a Frankie Beverly & MAZE sample right? All the women love “Still on the Grind” with Raheem Devaughn and what the hell were you thinking when you made “Steal Your Mind” with Snoop Dogg and Too $hort. That track is crazy.
Yeah. “Feelin You” is one of my favorites as well. That is a Frankie Beverly & MAZE sample. I don’t sample that much, but when I do, I try to make it count or make sense. The original song has such a good feel to it. “Still on the Grind” was a track that I was experimenting with and it just came together really well. I like to mess around with drum patterns that you just don’t hear in ordinary Rap songs. I like to fuse Blues, Rock, and Soul. I try to give my beats attitude and personality. When I hear the beat to that song, I think of people like B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I originally did another track to that song that was SICK, but it had a Marvin Gaye sample that we couldn’t get cleared so I had to start over from scratch. I personally like the current version better. It was a perfect fit for Pimp and Bun’s rap style anyway.
UGK – “Feelin You” (Album: UGK 4 Life)
UGK – “Steal Your Mind” ft. Too $hort & Snoop Dogg (Album: UGK 4 Life)
This was the last album working with Pimp C alive. Your production is a continued legacy of the ‘Country Rap Tunes’ sound. Are you or will you mentor any producers to continue this sound and legacy? This is an important sound in South music that we cannot afford to loose and more importantly need to highly recognize.
I would definitely mentor any other producer if he or she is serious.
You are currently working on the upcoming Bun B project titled “Trill O.G.”. Tell us whatever you can about this project and the production you have on it. Wait a minute, I think I read on AllHipHop.com that Bun B mentioned a song with him, Pimp C and Tupac on it? Oh, and Trey Songz singing on it! I’m also hearing that you produced this track. Is this all true and how many total tracks you producing on this album?
Yeah. That is true. The name of the song is called “Right Now”. That song is a fool man. Its a future classic. When you hear it you’ll forget that Pimp and Pac have passed on. Trey Songz is singing the hook on it as well. Being able to work on that song was such a blessing man. I am a huge fan of those two. I was blessed enough to get the opportunity to work with Pimp before he passed, but I never got that chance with Tupac, and while he was living he was at the top of my list of artist that I wanted to work with. As far as the whole Bun B album, its going to be a beast!! Its going to be one of those albums that you can listen to from front to back. The whole album is going to be a classic. Its a perfect blend of great lyrics, delivery, and production. Everyone is going to be pleased with it.
Maaaaaan hold up!!! I think it will be appreciated by the young and old. I am more than willing to introduce the album. Ozone gets nothing but love from me! Just say the word bro. Pookie you know we good 4 life! As far as the number of tracks on the album that I produced, I don’t know the exact number yet, but its gonna be anywhere between 4 to 6 songs.
That is a classic just hearing about it. I also read somewhere else that Bun B mentioned the song “Chuuuuch” is the 1st song on the ‘Trill O.G. album and that he is performing it at the upcoming VH1 Hip Hop Honor awards. I’m hearing this is your track also.
Yeah man. That is a blessing to be able to kick off another album. Especially THIS album. There is also an intro before the first song that I produced as well. Of course, Its an infamous J. Prince intro. A Rap-A-Lot album ain’t complete if it ain’t got a J. Prince intro!! Awwww Yeeeaaah…Once again. Man, there are some heavy hitting producers on here. You got my Double Dose family which, besides myself, consist of, Big E who produced “My Dougie and Bust It Open.” Dj B-Do who produced “Grind Hard” on the “Underground Kingz” album and two others on the U.G.K. 4 Life album. Matter of fact, B-Do produced the first single on Bun’s album which is called “Countin Money.” Then you got Mr. Inkredible that produced Trae Tha Truths latest single entitled “Inkredible.” Aside from my Double Dose family the album boast production credits from Boi 1da, The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Sound Mob, Play-N-Skillz, Dj Premier, and Pharrell. Ya feel me? As far as “Chuuuuch” being on VH1 Hip Hop Honors, I’ve heard the idea being tossed around but I haven’t heard anything definite. I hope it does unfold that way. Ya boy is gonna be geeked. That is fa sho!! Ha!! That would be a huge honor.
What’s next for you after this album? What else do you have in the works? WILL WE EVER HEAR ANOTHER PIMP C ALBUM?
Next is Pimp C’s: Naked Soul of Sweet James Jones. We are taking our time on that one. Its got to be right!! We will also be starting on Gator Mane’s album soon as well. He’s from Dallas too. If you live in Dallas, you should know that dudes name. If you don’t, now you do. Other than that, I produced a song on the upcoming Z-Ro “Heroin” album. Its a song featuring Chamillionare and Paul Wall. Tha title of that one is called “Denzel Washington.” Z-Ro and Chamillionare are singing on the hook. Its a damn fool too!! That album will be dropping on June 22. Go get that!! Its Z-Ro. What more do I have to say?!
Does it bother you that most local industry people in Dallas – Forth Worth are unaware or not educated on your status in the city? A lot of mainstream and well known artist show you love and respect but artists and industry people at home act like they have no clue.
No. It doesn’t bother me. You have to understand that I came up in a time when there wasn’t much going on in the local Rap seen in Dallas and Ft.Worth. I pretty much had to leave Dallas in order make progress in the game. It was while I was gone, that the Dallas Rap scene started to bubble. I’m so proud of my city now. I’m glad to see cats getting their shine. I’m especially glad to see local radio showing support for Dallas artist. It wasn’t like that when I started.
Are you working with any local and indie artists and what advice can you give producers looking to follow in your lane?
Most definitely. I’m always looking out for new talent too. I’d like to get myself in a position to where I’m doing whole albums on artist. You know, like Dre did with NWA, Snoop, and Eminem. I wanna create classic albums that never get old. I might be working with my homie, YoungBleed again. I feel like he hasn’t even scratch the surface of his capabilities yet. Nothing has been finalized yet though. That effort is being spearheaded by my boys Brent and Spanky from Divided Souls Entertainment out of Baton Rouge.
Do you. That is something that I always lived by. The game thrives on variety. Strive to be unique and different. Don’t do what someone else feels like you should do. Make music that you enjoy listening to, whether its club music or riding music, always do you.
Last words?
Thank you to everybody thats been keeping up with my music. Its the fuel to my flame. Its what keeps me going. Ya’lls support has been my foundation only playing second to GOD. R.I.P. to my homeboy, brother, and mentor, Chad “PIMP C” Butler!!
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