Multifaceted producer, Mike Crook, has taken 2022 by storm, producing one hit after the next. In February alone, Crook released three streaming favorites: “Closer” by Saweetie ft. H.E.R, Doja Cat & Tyga “Freaky Deaky”, and Rubi Rose’s “I Like”. Now, only a month later, Mike Crook has done it yet again, teaming up with female rap icons Coi Leray and Nicki Minaj to produce Itunes charting #1 hit, “Blick Blick”.
What separates Crook from other producers is his ability to create music that people can’t help but dance along to. His distinctive ability to mix west coast bounce with pop, R&B, and trap melodies to create radio hits such as “Blick Blick” is one of a kind. “I think I got better at my craft last year, and I feel more comfortable than ever going into the studio with artists, which was something I struggled with my first two years in the game,” says Crook.
Despite these significant career highs, Mike took the time to shed light on some of the struggles he faced as an up-and-coming producer — struggles shared by many hopeful producers in the field. With big-time producers having such a hold on the industry and artists receiving hundreds of beats daily, it’s difficult for aspiring producers to see the recognition they desire, as it was for Crook in his early career. “I think the biggest challenge as a producer is just being able to get in the room,” Crook says, reflecting on the seemingly unbreakable glass ceiling in the music industry. Crook recalls times when people wouldn’t even let him in a studio session, especially when they didn’t think he had much going on. Hard to believe for a producer who has now worked with famous artists such as Blueface, Saweetie, Doja Cat, TY$, and many more. “I respect any producer waking up every day and trying to make plays because this is a hard game,” says Crook.
However, with persistence and patience, anything is possible. “I learned about the power of flow, I’m learning not to force things and everything will eventually work out how it’s supposed to.” Crook, who spent years perfecting his craft, quickly learned that patience is indeed a virtue. Although he began to gain major traction in 2020, coming off of platinum records with Blueface and contributing to Doja Cat’s “Like That”, the constant pressure to keep consistent and drop fast was overwhelming. Even with unspoken tracks in the works, Crook had to remain silent amongst naysayers who doubted his momentum. For those who did take the chance on the new producer in town, Crook shows great gratitude paying homage to multi-platinum writer and producer Supakaine, Ryan OG, Lourdiz, and producer Extendo Beatz.
As Mike continues to gear up for a very successful year, we can only begin to imagine what’s to come. Although he has high hopes of working with artists ranging from industry superstars like Drake, Ariana Grande, Roddy Ricch, Kendrick, Dua Lipa, Bluebucks Clan, etc., to rising Pasadena native Yae Yae, Crook is essentializing the need for self-care in such a demanding industry. “Taking more vacations and working on my mental health” is on Crooks agenda this year to maintain the deep love he has for his art.
“Im looking forward to just being a better version of me and having fun with this.”
