A staple of the contemporary New York rap scene, evilgiane is a beatsmith bringing the avant garde into the mainstream. He’s been lurking beneath the US rap surface for a while, the man behind the buttons on some of most provoking and entertaining productions in recent years. From credits on Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem’s playful “The Hillbillies”, and work with Playboi Carti, Earl Sweatshirt and A$AP Rocky, giane’s giddy collaboration list matches the innovation of his instrumentals.
Most recently, evilgiane shared “#HEAVENSGATE VOL. 1”, a mixtape that cements his reputation as one of the most interesting, challenging and creative producers in the modern market. With a strong array of features – from 03 Greedo to Robb Bank$ – on hand to glide atop giane’s soundscapes, it’s a 23-pronged masterclass of off-kilter rhythms and striking sampling, full of sleeper gems and meticulous craftsmanship.
We spoke with evilgiane about his breakthrough 2023, shaping his sound, and the foundations of the rapper/producer relationship.
Listen to the new mixtape…
Read the interview…
How does New York inspire you and how has it shaped your sound?
NYC inspires me because it is a place where culture is born many cultures have started there, so I’m always exposed to it. It’s shaped my sound because there’s always an ambience around in New York. It’s never quiet.
2023 was a breakthrough year for you, how do you feel reflecting on your successes?
I feel good about it. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right and it just keeps me inspired to keep moving on and keep doing what I’m doing now.
Your growing collaboration list is seriously impressive, who has stood out for you and why?
I would say the person that stood out the most would probably be Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, because I did not think they would be into my style of beats.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
Honestly, whoever’s down to experiment and collaborate with our styles of music, but if I would had to put a name on it, PinkPantheress.
What influences your sonic aesthetic as a producer?
Just the emotion really. Emotion is what inspires how I make my music in general.
Where should the core of a rapper/producer relationship stem from?
Really should just be you both loving music. If you’re just in this shit just to do it then no one‘s going to want to do anything and your style’s are just not going to match at the end of the day.