Queens product SPK is quickly amassing a reputation as one of the hottest young producers in the game. After a youth in which he cultivated a passion for music, it was his introduction to hip hop that helped him realize his calling in life. "When I heard hip hop for the first time," recalls SPK, "I just felt in love with it and it's been my like wifey ever since. The passion and love I've always had for music made me be an artist."
As a youngster, SPK's exposure to various different forms of music ignited the spark that he would eventually kindle into a creative flame. Hip hop pioneers Run DMC, LL Cool J, N.W.A, EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, and The Beastie Boys were in constant play in his home, along with The Police and Metallica. Buju Banton, Supercat, Juan Luis Guerra, and Luis Vargas were among the other spins that gave his musical experience a Carribean vibe.
The innovator of an ecclectic sound that merges hip hop, reggaetone, and the grittiness of urban New York City, SPK lists Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Timbaland, and Pete Rock as his primary influences as an artist. SPK cites these four maestros as "the reason why I picked up a sampling machine and started making beats.
After deciding that his ambition lay in the music industry, SPK received his first big break in 1998, when N.O.R.E. tabbed him to produce three tracks for his eponymous debut solo album. However, due to sample clearance issues, only one track of his made the final cut. In spite of the minor setback, SPK managed to make a monumental impression with his limited exposure on the album. That one song let people know there's a new producer in the game and he's here to stay. I was labeled as the the new beatsmith for the new millenium by the bible of hip hop back then, 'The Source'."
Possessing natural talent with regards to the composing of music, SPK's methods are the products of innate tendencies. "The beat making process just flows naturally," relates SPK. "Depending on the mood I may be in, I could just bang out a beat in less than an hour. When I listen to new, fresh music, it makes me get creative and come up with new ideas. But basically I can just sit in front of my equipment and get to work following my ears. I can pretty much say that my ears are trained with good quality classic material."
Already a solid veteran in the industry, SPK has produced tracks for N.O.R.E., Capone-N-Noreaga, Nature, Akinyele, J.Lo, Jeanie Ortega, Cuban Links, Tony Touch, T.O.K., Don Omar, Frankie Negron, and Yaga & Mackie. SPK has also contributed tracks to the soundtracks for The Fast and The Furious, Slam, Boricua's Bond, and Thicker Than Water.
Even with the success that SPK enjoyed as an unsung hero of the industry, the allure and accollades of a hot single eluded him. All of that changed when he teamed back up with frequent collaborator N.O.R.E., along with Nina Sky, Daddy Yankee, Gem Star, and protege' Big Mato for the Hispanic pride anthem "Oye Mi Canto", a ubiquitous jam that solidified SPK's presence as a major force in the hip hop/reggaetone community. The song made history by topping the Billboard charts, winning the ASCAP award for two years in a row. "Oye Mi Canto" was the first reggaeton song to ever make the TRL (Total Request Live) countdown on MTV, while also enjoying regular spins on BET.
"That track right there means a lot to me because it brought reggaeton to the major music market in the U.S and at the same time it gave me a bigger name," relates the proud producer.
With an impressive dossier already under him, SPK has bigger aspirations in the music industry to attain to. "Now what I wish to accomplish is to maintain in the game making good music and branch out to a big production company. Other than that, I definitely want to have a successful career and a successful record label with classic material artists."
Of course, with the capricious tendencies of a fickle music business, SPK remains ahead of the game, constantly evolving his sound and technique. To improve his efficiency, SPK relates a desire to alter the way he produces music. "I think it would be writing songs in a lyrical way since I've already done the musical composition with no problem."
Forever giving props to his roots, SPK stays true to his upbringing. "I love Queens, Lefrak/Corona, my hood is in me forever," states a reminiscing SPK. "I think it represents my character a lot, it helped me live and learn hip hop. In Queens I used to see most of the rappers that repped my hood and the Queens borough and that was more like a pride to me, I was proud that my favorite rappers came from the same place I lived in."
"Being from Queens gave me more confidence as an artist. The struggle in the hood gave me the strength to want to make it in the game. The good times in the hood made me bond with different nationalities and different cultures and I think that entire experience reflects through my music."
Despite all the success that SPK's hard work has helped him enjoy, he remains down to Earth and grateful to the fanbase that has elevated him to his status in the industry. "The fans, the compliments, definitely mean alot to me. It definitely keeps me going. I had a great experience overseas DJ'ing for N.O.R.E.'s tour. Alotta kids in the crowd would shout my name and that shocked the hell outta me, but at the same time it felt good."
"Another time at a South Carolina concert, as I walk backstage another kid shouted 'SPK, I see you, fuck Swizz Beats! SPK beats, it's wassup!' Fan support is my encouragement to make better music and progress in my career."
Never one to let his shadow catch up to him, SPK is staying busy with several projects in the works. Among them is the debut solo album of his protege' Big Mato, entitled "Lo ReaL", which he assures will feature his best production yet. "You will hear a lot of improvement," promises SPK. "Me & Big Mato are like the Latin Guru and DJ Premier, I blaze the track and Big Mato lays his killa vocals."
SPK will also be featured prominently on N.O.R.E's new solo album "Global Warming", as well as the reunion album of Capone-N-Noreaga. As if he isn't busy enough, he will also be tending to his new publishing exploits with Paramount/Famous.
With his activity planner perpetually overflowing, SPK's impressive work ethic assures him continued success in the field of music. Even with his rapidly evolving game, SPK remains simple with his recipe for success. "When someone gets goose bumps by listening to my work, that means that I've done a good job."
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