The Grand Rapids Winter Beat Down on January 8, 2022, crowned a familiar champion.
The hard thumping and quick changing sounds of Muskegon, Michigan producer Jawaun “Wodii” Harris were once again too much for Grand Rapids’ producers to contend with.
Wodii took home his second consecutive Grand Rapids Beat Down victory, successfully defending his crown from the inaugural contest on September 25, 2021. His second win earned him a $1000 prize and a 30-minute set at One Peace Festival this summer!
Here is my interview with the 2-time champ.
Wodii, you’ve now come into Grand Rapids, MI from Muskegon and won our first two Grand Rapids Beat Downs! What advice can you give young Grand Rapids producers as they prepare for the Spring Beat Down?
My best advice is play your heat first! Don’t get knocked out in the first round playing because you sat on your spade.
How does the Grand Rapids Beat Down series compare to other beat battles you have participated in?
I’ve competed in a lot of different battle circuits, but I appreciate the competition in the Grand Rapids Beat Down series because winning is completely about the beats and that’s it. That’s not always the case! [Laughs]
You have been competing in beat battles for quite some time. Give us a short history of your beat battle experiences.
It’s something I started as a challenge to get better, find my sound, and meet people. I’ve been able to do all three. I lost my first beat battle in the first round probably about 4 years ago. After I got a feel for what the scene was about, I was addicted.
What got you interested in producing beats and how long have you been creating?
When I was about 11, I saw my older cousin messing around with FL Studio and it’s been my thing ever since.
Who have you worked with in the past, and are you currently working with any area emcees, singers, or other musicians?
I’ve had a few collabs in the past but it’s extremely rare for me. Ironically, most of the artists are from other states. I have beat battles to thank for that. My plans for 2022 will definitely involve working with other artists.
What can we look forward to from you in 2022?
I’m excited about my direction this year! I’m ready to get back in the mix musically. I have a few projects planned and [I’m] looking forward to seeing where the music takes me this year. I feel more in touch with my music than ever and I’m ready to get back in the mix. |THIS ENT + GRHipHop.org
[By Monk Matthaeus]
POST-CREDITS BONUS:
THIS INTERVIEW with producer Wodii: Grand Rapids Beat Down Champion
