Nonstop Da Hitman adds his personal style to every track he touches.
The Grammy award-winning producer hopes to continue leaving his mark through hip-hop and beyond. Nonstop Da Hitman’s biggest hits come from pop culture’s biggest names. From earning a Grammy award for work on Cardi B’s record-shattering debut album Invasion of Privacy for the Migos assisted Drip and producing Drake’s Elevate to working on 2 Chainz ode to Atlanta Land Of The Freaks or handling production on Migos Made Men, Nonstop Da Hitman has dozens of platinum-earning records under his belt.
Most recently Nonstop Da Hitman worked with Damian Lillard, artist name Dame D.O.L.L.A. on his latest album BIG D.O.L.L.A. however it is not his first nor his last major move.
Damian Lillard continues to put in as much work in the studio as he does on the basketball court. While he is widely recognized as an elite NBA player, Dame D.O.L.L.A. strives for the same recognition as a rapper. His project BIG D.O.L.L.A. confirms that mission.
For Nonstop Da Hitman, success for BIG D.O.L.L.A. translates to a win for him as well.
The 808 Mafia Conglomerate producer is currently working on a number of records including work with Kevin Gates, Zoey Dollaz, Bhad Bhabie, Kodie Shane and Takeoff. We caught up with Nonstop Da Hitman and learned how he teamed up with Damian Lillard to produce BIG D.O.L.L.A., his favorite artists to work with and his production process.
Read below:
Def Pen: How did working with Damian Lillard on ‘BIG D.O.L.L.A.’ come to light?
Nonstop Da Hitman: His cousin Brookfield Duece and I worked previously and Duece tried to make that connection on ‘Confirmed’ but I didn’t submit beats before the deadline. This time around Duece gave me a direct email and Dame picked a couple, then while I was in LA his engineer Nate Alford told me to pull up. He gave me a direction on what Dame wanted so I cooked the “Money Ball” beat specifically for him. Dame walked in and started vibing off top. This was the first time we met and he had no idea I was from Portland until then. I think that kind of solidified everything moving forward and my involvement in the project grew from one to two records to five.
Did you produce the entire album? What are your favorite tracks on the project?
I produced/co-produced half of the album. My personal favorites are ‘Beach’, ‘Money Ball’ and ‘Cupid’. My 808 Mafia brothers went brazy on ‘Cupid’
You have been creating beats since 2003, what would you say was your “big break”?
I feel like I had a couple [of] big breaks. My first major placement with Twista in 2007 started it all. I moved to Atlanta right after that placed ‘cause I knew my career wasn’t going to blossom the way I envisioned if I stayed in Portland. Then Yo Gotti’s ‘Errrbody’ in 2013 was my first single on the radio. That’s when I feel I was taken more serious in the industry and I saw an exponential growth in relationships and connections. Then in 2018, I feel I had another breakthrough. Did ‘Made Men’ on Culture 2, ‘Drip’ on Invasion of Privacy and ‘Elevate’ on Scorpion, among others. That work led to me winning a Grammy so that felt the most like my big break (lol).
How would you describe your production style and process? What words would you use to describe your sound?
I’d say dark chords and heavy 808’s that when played together still sounds bright enough for mainstream consumers. My process usually always starts with the melody. Whether it’s a melodic riff I hear in my head or a sample that inspires me. Then straight to the 808. Sometimes I’ll have a beat I feel is finished, then change the speed and rearrange elements until it turns into a whole new beat. I like working directly with the artist, though. That’s where I feel my best work is done.
What artists have influenced you musically?
I grew up on West Coast Gangsta Rap so most of my sound comes from trying to tie that in with what’s going on now. It may be subtle but there’s always an element that calls back to Dr. Dre/Battlecat/DJ Quik music.
You’ve recently teamed up with HitMaka for the new single Thot Box. Can we expect these link-ups more often?
Yessir, that’s my brother! He has built a hell of a team around him that includes some heavy hitters like OG Parker, Smash David, Romano, Cardiak, Go Grizz, Pooh Beatz, London Jae, Prince Chrishan and way more. The Avengers of music no cap. We all get together, lock ourselves in the studio and a week or so later we have around 40 records completed. A huge blessing to be able to call them my family.
You’ve also worked with Kevin Gates, Bhad Bhabie, Takeoff Kodie Shane among many names. Do you have a favorite artist to work with?
PartyNextDoor is my favorite to work with. He got me on Scorpion. That whole experience with Drake was surreal and that’s all thanks to Party. Cardi B and I won a Grammy together without working directly so I want to work with her for the next project and see what else we can win.
Would you consider working with artists beyond rap and hip hop?
Of course. Me and Noah Cyrus did a crazy record together that’s not rap at all. There are hip hop elements, but for the most part, it’s acoustic guitars and drums with a live bass. I can’t wait for her to release it.
What artists do you hope to work with in 2020?
I want to work more with Drake, Cardi and The Migos. I’ve been sending a lot of music directly to Cole also. Right to his iMessage, so him for sure. I had a chance to get in with Travis Scott also but we didn’t get anything done because of scheduling. He had to fly out on tour so I want to get back in with him and go brazy brazy.
What’s next for you in your career?
This year should be big. Producer project definitely in the works along with a lot of huge placements. I’m excited to let y’all hear what I’ve been working on.
