To kick off 2008 with a bang we caught up with Mista Raja, a successful mainstream producer and songwriter who has worked on hit singles for the likes of Diddy and Lil’ Kim. As he prepares to release his new solo album “Ghost In The Machine,” we hit him up to find out more about the project and his plans for 2008 and beyond.
JD: So can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the music scene?
Mista Raja: I got into the music business at a young age.
My friend Chuck bought me down to uptown records where he was an intern. There that sparked the thought of being in the business. I've always had musical talent but being in the office made me want to be in the business. After a short while I got my own internship at untouchables under Eddie F the DJ for Heavy D and the Boyz. From there I started writing and making contacts that I still use to this day.
JD: I guess most people won't be aware you have had songwriting credits on P. Diddy's more successful albums. How did you hook up with Diddy and what production or writing have you done for other artists?
Mista Raja: After while I moved to Atlanta and continued to write and work on my album.
I worked with Upfront Entertainment's CEO Devyne Stevens. During this time Devyne was Diddy's dance teacher but always wanted to be a star. So I would write his songs and he would play them for people, Diddy being one of them. From hearing the songs Diddy asked to meet his writer because he knew he wasn't coming up with this on his own.
So after a phone conversation I was on the plane to the Bahamas and the rest is history.
In addition to Diddy's "Come to Me", most notable production and writing we've done are Lil Kim's "Shut Up Bitch and "Quiet." BG's "Hangin Out," "Tough Love" and some upcoming tracks on Maino's CD.
JD: So your new album ("Ghost In The Machine") is due out in 2008, can you tell us about the album?
Mista Raja: The album The Ghost in the Machine is a collection of my thoughts emotions and feelings all over music. On this album I let out almost every side of me there is. You got the hard edge sensitive social concerns etc. Its the everyday thoughts that go on in my head its my view on a lot of topics
JD: What do you hope to achieve with the album?
Mista Raja: I hope to bring good music back to HIPHOP its a big void because all of the music isn't getting out. If I can bring it back to its roots maybe the feelin I use to get a come back
JD: Have you got any guest spots?
Mista Raja: I have a few guest spots but not mainly I really want develop new talent so I have my crew on there:
Reg Raw - who's a great song writer and singer.
Unstoppable, a strong rap duo from NY
Armareda a female mc from Brooklyn
MAINO
And a few other surprises.
JD: So, who handles the production?
Mista Raja: The album was produced by coalition forces my production team which is Sef MILLZ. D smitty Mr Williams and myself
JD: Wasn't it originally called "Chip Off The Old Block?" What prompted you to change the name?
Mista Raja: I changed the name cause over time I took on different roles in life. It was a time I was a chip off the ol block but I'm not in that type of life any more and ghost in the machine just seem to fit more for the person I am now
JD: What made you decide to release a solo project rather than helping pen hits for others?
Mista Raja: I will always pen hits make beats etc but it just felt like why not . Writers producers all do it and I do it well so let's get it crackin' The Ghost in the Machine is here!
JD: Will you continue writing and producing hits for other artists or concentrate on a solo career?
Mista Raja: Both never quit ya day job! Lol!!
JD: As an established writer and producer, what advice would you give to anyone starting out in the game?
Mista Raja: Put god 1st and get a good lawyer
JD: So what are your plans for 2008?
Mista Raja: Dominate and get ready to do the dam thang in 08
JD: Have you got any comments for our readers?
Mista Raja: Just look out for me and listen with an open mind thank you.
