Episode 11: Producing Success from A Vision with Khari "Needlz" Cain

G.E.M. Series

Would you still work in a 9 to 5 job if you can earn more from doing what you love? If the answer is no, then you have similar thoughts as Needlz.

Khari "Needlz" Cain is a Multi-Platinum, Multi-Grammy Award Winning Producer for Cardi B, Bruno Mars, Drake, Coi Leray, Jeremih, PNB Rock, YK Osiris, 50 Cent, Shari Silver, and many others.

As someone who runs his own business with an entrepreneurial mindset, Needlz couldn’t imagine himself conforming to anybody’s anything which is why he took the risk and pursued his love for music production. From a vision he turned tables, pushing through highs and lows. Then he was turning his passion into a full-time career which led him to become an award-winning producer of timeless songs such as “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.

In this special episode, Needlz welcomed our team to his spectacular home studio to shoot the interview. Needlz shared his journey before he started his career, how he had his vision, and the challenges he faced along the way. He also shared his experiences working or meeting with artists like Kanye West, Bruno Mars, and DJ Khaled before they were famous.

We won’t give out any more spoilers so you have to tune in to this episode! Keep up with Needlz, enjoy this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast streaming platform today.

Key Takeaways

(02:24) - Where Needlz grew up and how he developed his love for music.
(04:26) - Needlz’s internship with Bad Boy Records.
(08:09) - How Needlz realized he wanted to pursue a music career.
(09:04) - The reaction of Needlz’s parents to his decision.
(11:49) - How Needlz met his manager.
(13:15) - The feeling when Needlz got his first check and what he did with it.
(16:00) - How Needlz dealt with going broke, getting, scammed, and being in his lows.
(20:05) - What happened after Lil Wayne leaked some of the music Needlz produced.
(24:38) - How Bruno Mars ended up on “Just The Way You Are” which Needlz produced.
(27:11) - The ups and downs of musicians.
(29:44) - Collaboration: The good and the bad.
(42:13) - The time when Needlz and Kaye West were hanging out.
(46:46) - Life lessons that Needlz learned as he got more established.
(48:42) - Did Needlz try rapping?
(53:02) - How Needlz managed to work with different personalities.
(56:49) - Needlz’s success moment with his family: Buying a dream house, building a studio, etc.
(59:31) - What Grammy was like for Needlz.
(01:00:06) - Needlz’s favorite part of his career.
(01:02:13) - How Needlz is making an impact.
(01:12:06) - Moving Autism campaign initiative by Needlz and his family.
(01:21:19) - How to connect with Needlz.

Quotes

“If you’re living lukewarm, how are you going to be great?” (08:04-08:08)
“I just knew what I didn't want to do.” (21:56-21:59)
“Because you love it you want to keep going and keep on doing it.” (27:49-27:54)
"Inspiration will find you, but it has to find you working." (28:59-29:02)
“You really have to put those hours in and shoot your shot in order for it to come.” (29:03-29:14)
“I have to be the one inspiring people or taking chances to do stuff that makes me happy instead of waiting for somebody else to inspire me.” (33:34- 33:46)
“People think it's easy to be a producer but you have to pay your dues and work hard to get in.” (47:26-47:41)
“Producing allowed me to be me. I don't care for the spotlight. I'm in it not just to make money but to be creative and to inspire people.” (51:16-51:38)
“There’s levels to success.” (01:01:43-01:01:45)
"I want to create vibes that people can live with." (01:03:21-01:03:32)
“The people that win are the ones who love what they do and push to get themselves out there.” (01:18:33-01:18:45)
"It's the best feeling to make a living out of something that I love." (01:19:21-01:19:44)

Links

Needlz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodbyneedlz/
Needlz Label: https://www.instagram.com/artculturegroup/
http://dryrainent.com/

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