Producer and rapper Traxamillion, from San Jose, Calif. has music in his blood. He feels his musical abilities are inherited as his father was a musician and his maternal grandfather was involved in church music.
“I’ve always thought of myself as a natural musician since music is in my family,” he said.
Traxamillion, 29, never discloses his true identity, which is unique. In the age of information, credit has to be given for his superhero-like secrecy.
Traxamillion’s infatuation with hip-hop began at a college radio station that one of his friends worked at.
“I would go there once or twice a week and just watch him work, and listen to artists like Ice-Cube, Busta Rhymes, E-40, and Hieroglyphics.”
Traxamillion began producing seriously in 1998, listing his producing influences as Timbaland, Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, and the late J Dilla.
The producer who created such hits as Keak da Sneak’s “Super Hyphy”and Brooke Hogan’s “About Us,” describes the beats he creates as “electrifying.”
“I use a lot of drums. I feel they make the song move.”
Unlike most producers, Traxamillion offers his services to unknown artists. Not only does he give emerging artists a chance to use a beat by a well known producer, but he also offers them at an affordable rate.
“I don’t use all the beats I make, so I try to pay it forward by putting my beats online for an affordable price.”
“Everybody is not known and you can meet some of the most talented people this way. I have met artists that I still deal with today through this.”
Rapper Fletcher G is one of the artists benefitting from Traxamillion’s beats.
Fletcher G hails from Ottawa, Canada, but is garnering recognition in the Bay Area. He is expected to release his mix tape “I’m Right” later this summer under the label 20ent.
“I feel privileged to have such an established producer’s beat to rap over,” said Fletcher G.
Growing up, Traxamillion’s uncle told him something that sticks with him to this day: “if you can do what you love, and get paid for it, then it’s not a job.”
Traxamillion has diversified his portfolio to more than making beats for songs. He also does beats for commercials. One was featured on a commercial for Inkies Tattoo Studio in Fremont. The rapper also has his song “The Movement” featured on College Hoops 2k7, the first college basketball game for Playstion 3.
“Corporate money is where the money is at,” said the talented artist.
Traxamillion wants to be a trendsetter in the music business. He doesn’t want be known a generic producer.
“I want to make music for different genres like pop, R&B. I want my music to expand.”
Currently, Traxamillion is working on a new CD titled “Radio Active,” which will be released in the next few months.
The producer hopes to demonstrate how his music and production skills have improved with this album. Music has allowed the producer to live out his dream, doing what he loves and getting paid for it. His passion has allowed him to “freestyle through life,” as he calls it.
