Spawning credits on Hip-Hop greats’ projects is something producer DO Speaks is accustomed to. The Kenyan-born producer, born Derrick Okoth, has his fingerprint on all of your favorite artists’ records.
From Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Dave East, to Yo Gotti, and the great, Nipsey Hussle, DO has been a Hip-Hop stalwart through and through.
“It has been a blessing; all of the records came through building relationships in the industry and working with my team Track or Die (T.O.D.),” he tells Remixd Mag. “I met my brother Torrance Esmond (Street Symphony) in 2011 and he has been a great mentor to me throughout my career. There isn’t a secret formula, but networking is KEY, I would go to several industry events, conferences and meet a lot of people.”
His major breakthrough one would argue came on Lecrae’s Grammy-winning opus back in 2012. Gravity by Lecrae took the award in 2013 during the category’s second year of running and DO has been actively consistent since that time.
“Our team is always working on so many film and tv opportunities, through one of the publishing companies we work with provided us the job. Once again relationships are key and the way you navigate through this business the right way opens so many doors” he quips.
Having scored music for series such as Power Book 2: Ghost, seen “Hussle and Motivate” go double-platinum, bagged a second Grammy with Alphabet Rockers for Best Children’s Music Album at the 2023 GRAMMY’s, we catch up with enigma DO Speaks.
DO Speaks Interview
Where were you born? And where are you currently based?
I was born in Nairobi Kenya and currently based in Los Angeles, California.
How did you get into producing?
I started back in junior high around 13 years old. A friend of mine was an artist and wanted me to make music for him.
How did you coin your artist name?
I was in a production team called “ThaInnaCircle” and my partner Evrywhr would always say my music speaks to him. After that it was history.
Growing up what were some of your influences?
The Neptunes are my favorite producers of all time. I also love Ryan Leslie, Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Just Blaze and Kanye West.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is so unpredictable, I use a variety of African elements in my production. I can do it all from R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, Afrobeat, Pop, Electro. My drums are a staple in my production.
How would you describe your creative process?
It’s different every time, typically I go in with a free mind and go with the flow. If there’s something specific I need to work on or with a certain artists I can adjust. It’s all about having fun.
The album Victory Lap just clocked 5 years and it’s gone Double Platinum. How do you feel?
First and foremost, I feel so grateful and humbled by this blessing. Time is moving too fast, and the project is such an impactful work of art in music today. The fact that Victory Lap went Double Platinum certifies the legacy Nipsey laid out when we created the LP.
You co-produced “Hussle & Motivate”. How did you end up creating one of the soundtracks of the album?
I created the best back in 2014 with my production partner Street Symphony. We were at Atlantic Records studio working on various projects for the label. At the time we didn’t have a clue that Nipsey would love the record but fortunately Dallas Martin who is the EVP of A&R Atlantic Records played the record for him and he loved it. Victory Lap dropped in February of 2018 so it was quite process before we finalized everything.
What fond memories do you have making the album?
Every part of the process was very calculated and laid out perfectly. Just a collection of incredible musicians, writers, producers getting together and catching a vibe. We knew the direction would be authentic to Nipsey’s LA sound but we wanted each record to be big.
The record recently went double platinum certified by RIAA. How do you think Nip would have taken this milestone?
He would of loved it, I’m sure at this point we would of produced so many more records. However this one was special to him, it was the birth of his legacy.
Lastly, where do you rank Victory Lap in Nip’s catalog?
Definitely his best project to date for sure.
What are you currently working on?
Our team is working on a lot of film and tv projects for BET, VH1, and several movies as well. There’s a lot I can’t speak on but stay tuned and you’ll be surprised what’s on the way.
When you’re not producing music, what are some of your other interests?
I’m a huge Lakers fan and love hoops, also I enjoy fitness and ceramics as well. There’s a peaceful nature about it.
What are some of your aspirations at this point?
A big one is to build the sound in Kenya to compete on a global platform. Redefine its sound and elevate the amazing artists in the culture. Continue to get Grammy awards and more plaques of course.
