Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ Lathan JR.
Hi MJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as a rapper, but I always had ideas regarding the arrangement of the music. Wanting just melody in a section, or just 808s, beat cuts etc. So I started producing & transferred all of my energy to focus on that side of music.
My friend that I shared a dorm with in college, kept urging me to get a record player – as we shared the same adoration for artists like Doom, Dilla, Madlib, Knxwledge etc. So I fell deep into sampling, which just led to a deeper study of music overall. I scored a few placements while in school, producing for people like Mavi & Sideshow, amongst others – but I still had & have a lot of learning to do. People like that though really helped keep me inspired & really pushed me to keep going. Seeing how the songs I produced for people would affect the artist, listener & myself really made me feel like I had found my purpose. Creating a canvas for someone to get that vulnerable, or have that much fun was & still is so rewarding. I couldn’t stop doing music if I tried, I’m addicted to creating & finding new ways to manipulate a sound.
I moved back to Detroit after college & that’s where I met my people which I felt like was missing. Nova Blu helped me a lot along the way, schooling me to different music & introducing me to people. Traveling has been essential too, for influencing my sound & meeting people in person. I feel like word of mouth is still the strongest vessel to share music, so having those real life bonds goes a long way. It also makes for better music, my favorite part is always the memory that went into making the song.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t necessarily been a smooth road, but I didn’t expect it to be easy. I know most things that are worth having, take a lot of work, and I was ready to put the hours in. I’m still putting the hours in lol. I also knew I was playing from behind. My college and house that I lived in for 2 years had a ton of classically trained musicians. So I knew there were people way more talented than me. There have been some turn offs along the way though. Learning first hand that some of the nightmares you hear about can really happen to you lol. That’s when you learn to be more careful & selective about who you’re around though. I’m a lot less thirsty now for what others may deem as “success” in music. I used to wish for anyone to use my beats, now I really just wanna make music with my friends & people I really believe in. Just feels better that way
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I feel like being a producer has led me to dabbling in all levels of music. I’m probably most known for my beats, but I DJ & engineer pretty often. I enjoy song writing as well. It all feels like one thing to me, they’re all happening at the same time.
I’m most proud of the projects I’ve put out with my friends & being able to contribute to my friends projects as well.
I think what sets me apart is my patience, curiosity & attention to detail. Being able to adapt to what ever artist I’m working with while still displaying my own flavor.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I couldn’t even pin it down to one, but probably just being outside with friends and family. Cookouts, hooping, bike rides, watching music videos on rap city, 106 & park, mtv. Limewire etc Playing video games
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_coffeeblack__/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBlack123
Image Credits
@therealjimel on instagram
