Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
In the world of hip-hop, the journey of a beat can be as intriguing as the final product itself. Such is the case with the captivating rhythm behind Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping hit “Hey Now.” The mastermind behind this infectious beat, none other than the prolific producer Mustard, recently shed light on the fascinating odyssey that led to the track’s creation and eventual success.
The Genesis of a Unique Sound
The story of “Hey Now” begins in 2019, when Mustard, known for his innovative approach to music production, set out to create something extraordinary. His goal was ambitious yet clear: to craft a West Coast-inspired beat that would pay homage to the iconic sound of The Neptunes’ “Grindin’.” This vision led to the birth of a rhythm that would eventually captivate audiences worldwide.
Crafting the Beat
Mustard’s creative process for “Hey Now” was marked by a deliberate approach to sound design. The producer focused on creating a sparse, minimalist backdrop that would serve as a canvas for an artist’s lyrical prowess. This intentional emptiness, punctuated by unconventional sound elements, was designed to challenge and inspire the right performer.
Drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking production of “Grindin’,” Mustard aimed to capture the essence of that track’s impact while infusing it with a distinctly West Coast flavor. This fusion of influences resulted in a beat that was both familiar and refreshingly novel, setting the stage for what would become a standout track in contemporary hip-hop.
The Search for the Perfect Artist
With the beat completed, Mustard embarked on a quest to find the ideal artist who could bring his vision to life. This search would lead him to present the track to several high-profile rappers, each encounter revealing new insights about the beat’s potential and challenges.
Mustard’s first stop was with long-time collaborator and fellow West Coast artist YG. Known for his hard-hitting lyrics and authentic street sound, YG seemed like a natural fit for the unconventional beat. However, the encounter didn’t yield the expected results.
When presented with the beat, YG’s response was one of intrigue mixed with uncertainty. The rapper, accustomed to Mustard’s more traditional productions, found himself at a loss for how to approach the unique rhythm. Despite Mustard’s enthusiasm, YG ultimately decided not to pursue the track, leaving the producer to continue his search.
Quavo’s Surprising Response
Undeterred, Mustard next approached Quavo, one-third of the chart-topping group Migos. Known for his distinctive flow and ability to adapt to various styles, Quavo seemed like a potential match for the unconventional beat.
The interaction between Mustard and Quavo regarding the beat became a memorable anecdote in the track’s journey. Quavo, upon hearing the sparse and unusual rhythm, reportedly asked Mustard, “What the hell you want me to do to it? You want me to whisper on the beat?” This candid response highlighted the challenging nature of the production and the unique approach it demanded from any potential artist.
In his continued quest to find the right artist, Mustard also shared the beat with versatile singer and rapper Ty Dolla $ign. Known for his smooth vocals and ability to blend genres, Ty Dolla $ign seemed like an interesting choice for the unconventional track.
Interestingly, Ty Dolla $ign did record a song using the beat. However, in a surprising twist, Mustard decided not to move forward with this version. The reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to the beat’s journey.
The Kendrick Lamar Connection
As the beat continued its journey through the music industry, fate would eventually bring it to the attention of one of hip-hop’s most revered artists: Kendrick Lamar. The connection between Mustard’s creation and the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper would prove to be the key to unlocking the beat’s full potential.
The turning point came during a casual conversation between Mustard and Kendrick Lamar. Mustard, still believing in the potential of his creation, decided to share it with Lamar, describing it as a “really weird-ass beat” that he genuinely loved.
Unlike the previous artists, Kendrick Lamar’s response was immediate and enthusiastic. Upon hearing the beat, Lamar quickly claimed it, simply stating, “Oh yeah, I got it.” This instant connection between the artist and the production would prove to be the catalyst for what would become “Hey Now.”
The Transformation into “Hey Now”
With Kendrick Lamar on board, the beat began its transformation into the track that would captivate audiences worldwide. This process, however, remained shrouded in mystery for Mustard, adding an element of anticipation to the project.
Despite Kendrick Lamar’s immediate interest, Mustard didn’t get to hear the finished product until much later. The producer’s first encounter with the completed track came during the video shoot for “Not Like Us,” another collaboration between the two artists.
Upon its release, “Hey Now” quickly became a standout track on Kendrick Lamar’s album. The song’s unique sound, combining Mustard’s innovative beat with Lamar’s lyrical prowess, resonated strongly with listeners and critics alike.
Chart Success and Recognition
The success of “Hey Now” was not limited to critical acclaim; it also achieved significant commercial success, further cementing both Mustard’s and Kendrick Lamar’s positions in the music industry.
“Hey Now” made a strong debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, quickly climbing to the number 5 position. This achievement marked another milestone in both artists’ careers and highlighted the track’s widespread appeal.
Mustard’s excitement over the song’s success was evident in his social media posts. The producer shared his joy on Instagram, posting, “I’m just getting started #2 and #5!” This statement not only celebrated the current success but also hinted at Mustard’s ambitions for future projects.
The Significance of “Hey Now” in Hip-Hop
The journey of “Hey Now” from its creation to its eventual success with Kendrick Lamar represents more than just a hit song; it exemplifies the collaborative and often unpredictable nature of hip-hop production.
Mustard’s unwavering belief in the beat, despite initial rejections from other artists, showcases the importance of persistence in the music industry. His decision to continue sharing the beat until it found the right artist ultimately led to its success.
The collaboration between Mustard and Kendrick Lamar on “Hey Now” highlights the magic that can happen when the right producer connects with the right artist. Their synergy brought out the best in both the beat and Lamar’s lyrical abilities.
Mustard’s Production Philosophy
The story behind “Hey Now” offers insights into Mustard’s approach to music production and his willingness to push boundaries within the hip-hop genre.
By creating a beat that was described as “weird” and “empty,” Mustard demonstrated his commitment to innovation in music production. This approach challenges artists to think differently and can lead to groundbreaking tracks.
Mustard’s journey with this beat underscores the importance of finding the right artist for a particular production. The producer’s patience in waiting for the perfect match paid off in the end, resulting in a chart-topping hit.
The Impact on Mustard’s Career
The success of “Hey Now” has had a significant impact on Mustard’s career, further solidifying his position as one of the industry’s top producers.
The track’s success has showcased Mustard’s ability to create hits beyond his signature sound, potentially opening doors for more diverse collaborations in the future.
The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Hey Now” has likely strengthened Mustard’s relationship with one of hip-hop’s most respected artists, potentially leading to future high-profile projects.
Lessons for Aspiring Producers
The story of “Hey Now” offers valuable lessons for up-and-coming producers in the music industry.
Mustard’s unwavering belief in the potential of his beat, despite initial setbacks, highlights the importance of trusting one’s creative instincts.
The journey of this beat from creation to chart success spanned several years, emphasizing the need for patience in the music industry.
Mustard’s ability to share his beat with various high-profile artists underscores the importance of building and maintaining industry relationships.
The Future of Mustard’s Productions
With the success of “Hey Now,” many are curious about what the future holds for Mustard’s productions. The positive reception to this unconventional beat may encourage Mustard to explore even more experimental sounds in his future productions.
The industry and fans alike are eagerly anticipating Mustard’s next moves, particularly potential collaborations with other innovative artists in the hip-hop world.
Conclusion
The journey of Mustard’s beat from its creation in 2019 to becoming the foundation of Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Hey Now” is a fascinating tale of persistence, creativity, and the unpredictable nature of the music industry. It serves as a testament to Mustard’s skill as a producer and his ability to create sounds that challenge and inspire artists. As the track continues to enjoy success, it stands as a reminder of the magic that can happen when innovative production meets exceptional artistry in the world of hip-hop.
