In today’s digital-first music era, getting started as a music producer has never been easier — but standing out? That’s a whole different game.

With just a laptop, a DAW, and a dream, thousands of aspiring producers hit the ground running every day, hoping to score placements, build a following, and maybe even shape the future of sound. But behind the 808s, loops, and late-night sessions lies a deeper truth: production isn’t just about beats.

Understanding the unwritten rules of the game can fast-track your growth and save you from costly mistakes. We linked up with a few of the scene’s sharpest ears — including Freshyvibez and genre-bending maestro Le Mav — to distill seven lessons that every rising producer needs in their toolkit.

Let’s get into it. 

1. Find and Own Your Signature Sound

“Keep exploring and creating till you find your sound, and stay true to it. Don’t let anyone change who you are or what you want to do.”

Finding your sound takes time. It’s more than a few cool loops — it’s your fingerprint in an industry full of imitators. The producers who last aren’t always the ones who sound the trendiest; they’re the ones who sound like themselves.

Keep digging. Keep tweaking. Stay true.


2. Stay True, Not Trendy

It’s tempting to chase whatever’s viral. But that’s a dangerous loop. You’ll build more longevity by investing in a sound that reflects your truth rather than mimicking what’s viral. 

While it’s cool to stay aware of what’s hot, real growth comes from developing a sound that reflects you. Build a sound that can stand on its own, even when the trends shift. That’s how legacy is made.


3. Practice in Secret, Shine in Public

Le Mav drops a timeless reminder:

“Practice in secret, show out in public. It takes longer than you expect to become great.”

The spotlight can be blinding, but true greatness is forged in the shadows. The experiments no one hears… that’s where you sharpen your edge. 
Your moment will come. But you have to earn it when no one’s watching.



4. Let Your Emotions Guide You

Freshyvibez shares his way of resetting:

“I watch movies and play FIFA… music is a spiritual feeling—you have to be in the right state of mind.”

The grind is real, but don’t ignore your mental. When your mind is right, your sound will follow.


5. Be Versatile — But Keep the Emotion

“My signature sound is rooted in emotion — usually nostalgia.” - Le Mav 

In a world where genres collide and fuse faster than ever, versatility is power. But don’t forget the heart behind the beat.

Whether you’re blending alté, soul, Afrobeats, or drill, make sure your music feels like something. That’s what people remember.


6. Challenge the Artist, Don’t Just Please Them

A real producer doesn’t just make beats — they elevate artists. Hone your craft but challenge the artist.

Le Mav explains:

“My strength is bringing artists out of their comfort zones… the music always comes first.”

Push them — respectfully. Be the bridge between where they are and what’s possible. That’s how great records are made.

7. Leave Your Ego at the Door

And finally, the most important rule of all — serve the song.

“Ego must leave the room — nothing is more important than the song reaching its full potential sonically.” — Le Mav

Whether you’re tweaking a snare or building the entire soundscape, check yourself. Let the music lead. When the ego’s gone, the magic starts.

Quickfire Recap:
• Own Your Sound
• Stay True
• Practice Quietly
• Balance Hustle with Heart
• Be Versatile + Emotional
• Challenge Artists
• Lose the Ego

Whether you’re crafting your first beat or gearing up for a major session, let these lessons guide your journey. In a world where everyone’s trying to be heard, those who listen — to themselves, the craft, and the music — always come out on top.

Before the beat drops, make sure the intention does.

 

Emerging Nigerian artist Blewiz has officially made his mark on the scene with the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, Straight From The Slums. Rooted in real-life experiences and raw storytelling, the project paints a vivid picture of the artist’s upbringing in the ghetto and his journey through hardship, resilience, and personal transformation.

Straight From The Slums is more than just a title — it's a testament to Blewiz’s journey. Raised in the heart of the streets, the EP explores the highs and lows of ghetto life: from environmental struggles and family challenges to the beauty and brotherhood that defined his early years. With sharp lyrics, emotive delivery, and gripping production, Blewiz blends vulnerability and confidence, capturing the spirit of a young man who has faced the odds and risen above them.

 

Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Blewiz shares:

“The ghetto gave me my first dreams, my first scars, and my first wins. This project is a reflection of everything I’ve lived through and overcome. It's for the people who are still fighting to find a way out — or a way forward.”

 

The EP is now available on all major streaming platforms, where fans can dive into the heartfelt journey track by track.

 

Blewiz represents the voice of a new generation of street poets — unfiltered, unashamed, and unrelenting. With Straight From The Slums, he cements his place as an artist to watch closely in 2025 and beyond.

 

Listen here