Exploiting Symbolyc 1’s talent and gift

Music producer Symbolyc 1, or better known as S1, co-produced Grammy award winning smash hits such as ‘Power’ off Kanye West & Jay Z’s infamous Watch The Throne album, and Beyonce’s ‘The Best Thing I Never Had.’ 14 years in the game, and there is no indication of slowing down. S1 is currently working on projects with Kanye West, Beyonce, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli and Xzibit. S1 is also the main producer of the highly acclaimed soulful group 'The Strange Fruit Project.' We chat to S1 about what it was like to work with Kanye West, where he sees himself in the future and what goes through his head when making beats. Margaret Tra writes.

Tell us about the Strange Fruit Project

Strange Fruit project is my group we started back in 2003 that consist of MC's Myone, Myth, and me. We create soul music!

You’ve produced for an array of artists’ at what point did you notice things would change for the better for you?  

Producing the "Power" record for Kanye West was the changing point for my career, because it put me on a worldwide scale of exploiting my talent and gift.

What was it like co-producing with Kanye West?

It was great! Kanye West is a great person to work with. He’s very creative and artistic in the studio.

When making a beat – what goes through your head?

It just depends on what my inspiration is for that time.  Most of the time, I am just thinking of trying to make the best music possible.

It’s taken you 14 years to get to this point – what advice would you have given yourself 14 years ago?

The advice I took heed to was ‘Be persistent and never give up.’

Best & cheapest record you have found?

I have no idea. It’s been way too long ago.

Are you working on any new projects? If so what?

At the moment I am working on Kanye West, Beyonce, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Xzibit, and a lot of other projects.

Where do you see yourself in the coming years?

Pray-fully retired on an island somewhere. (Laughs)

What Stimulates Your Soul?

God!