Cardiak is no stranger to the world of Hip-Hop. The young New Jersey beat maker has had a very successful last 12 months. Some of his most recognizable work includes projects like Lloyd Banks’ HFM2, Maybach Music Group’s Self Made Vol.1, Fabolous’ The S.O.U.L. Tape and quite recently even 50 Cent’s single ‘Outlaw’.
He took some time out of his busy schedule and chatted with us about his current projects, working with Lloyd Banks on his upcoming mixtape & album, more potential work with 50 Cent, producing 2 tracks on Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Don’t, his trademark “flatline” tag, working on beats for Jay-Z and much more.
HHNM: Thanks a lot of taking out your valuable time for us. Youâve had a very busy year so far so we do understand your grind.
Cardiak: Thanks homie, no problem. I see the love y’all always show.
HHNM: Always. You’re working hard and it definitely shows! So how is todayâs studio session going on? Got some more fire?
Cardiak: Yessir.. been working on a lot of records. I’m wrapping up ‘The Revival’ with Young Chris, should be out on Halloween. I’ve also been working with DJ Khaled, Ace hood and Banks too on some projects.
HHNM: That’s great. DJ Khaled is a new name popping up but other are the usual suspects. You have produced some of my favorite beats this year. I mean youâve been on the rise since a couple of years but Iâm sure you feel whole another energy after all the hits youâve had since past 12 months or so. How are you handling the fame?
Cardiak: Yes I’m working harder than ever. And I wouldn’t call it fame yet (laughs). Not everyone knows who I am and knows what I have produced so that’s just going to make me work harder.
HHNM: Believe me, a lot of people already know you. But that’s a good way of going about it. Before we move on, Iâm really curious to know where your name Cardiak came from and how you settled on that Flatline tag on your beats. Really dig that..
Cardiak: Thanks. I actually got “Cardiak” from my boy Kesan. You might have seen him on Gs to Gents or ATL. Back in like 02 / 03, we had a session and I used to go by Young C or something like that (laughs) so that’s when he shot me the idea. And my tag used to be me saying Cardiak with a flatline behind it but later on I just decided to take Cardiak out and just use the flatline.
HHNM: It really sounds dope and stands apart from the rest. You were 3 out of 3 on Lloyd Banksâ âHunger For More 2â and you also did his recent buzz track âCheck Me Outâ. Now you already told me you’re working on more music with him. Are you producing on âCold Corner 2â or his next studio album?
Cardiak: Thanks man. Yes me and Banks have a lot of records done for his next studio album and ‘Cold Corner 2’. The mixtape will be out very soon.
HHNM: That’s nice to hear. You guys have a good chemistry. Is his album due before the end of the year by any chance or are we looking at an early 2012 date?
Cardiak: I’m not sure about any release date right now but I would say early 2012.
HHNM: Okay I see. 50 Centâs âOutlawâ was pretty solid but it didnât meet the expectations of a 50 Cent single in my opinion. How did that song come about? Tell us something about the beatâs history.
Cardiak: : I actually made that beat a year and a half ago. ‘Outlaw’ was one of the first tracks 50 recorded I believe. I actually submitted it to Tony G over at G-Unit for Banks. I remember it being in one of the batches. Then Tony hit me up a couple weeks later saying 50 wanted to use it.
HHNM: Okay. Have you worked with 50 on some other stuff as well? Or has he recorded on some of your other beats?
Cardiak: ‘Outlaw’ is actually the only track we have done right now. But I know he liked a couple joints I played for him so who knows.
HHNM: Oh okay. We hope to hear some more fire from you. Coming to the rival group Maybach Music Group. That â600 Benzâ beat was hot. Will you be working with the crew again on their new projects?
Cardiak: Yes most definitely. I actually have been working with Ross on ‘God Forgives I Don’t’.
HHNM: Wow, that’s great to know. That album is much anticipated by the fans. Can you tell us what kind of sound are you creating for him?
Cardiak: Well, the 2 joints that I know he used are totally different just like the ones I did on ‘Self Made’. One of the tracks has a real soulful vibe and the other is a really deep track. You just gotta listen for yourself.
HHNM: Haha okay, we’ll wait. Should be worth it. Tell us some of the other artists that youâre currently working with. What can we expect in the near future?
Cardiak: I’ve just been working on records for Jay-Z, Chris Brown and everyone in between plus my own projects and ventures.
HHNM: Good luck on those names! Whatâs the personal favorite beat youâve ever made till now that has been picked up by someone?
Cardiak: (Laughs) ‘Y’all Don’t Really Hear Me Tho’ by Fabolous & Red Cafe. Still knock that joint.
HHNM: Wow, that’s one of the best beats you’ve produced. And I think a lot of listeners feel the same way. Name one rapper that youâve always wanted to work with but havenât got the chance yet.
Cardiak: Jay-Z. I gotta get a joint or 2 with him and create classics.
HHNM: That will be huge for real. Alright one last question and this is something we ask everybody we interview at HHNM. Prince or Michael Jackson and why?
Cardiak: Michael Jackson of course! My Mom and Grandmom always used to play his music when I was coming up so I grew up on his songs. Plus he’s one of the best entertainers in the world!
HHNM: Great. Thank you again for speaking to us today. Good luck on all your future endeavors. We wish you all the success!
Cardiak: Thanks man, no problem. Thank you for supporting me.
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