By: Hannah Bateman

Stepping out on faith and soaring into success is the day and the life of mega producer Mannie Fresh. After producing superb beats and making great music with powerhouse label Cash Money Records, this New Orleans native is on a mission to reinvent his image as well as the mediocre sound that is emerging from the heavily saturated music industry. With his newest protégés, SoleFresh, a multi-talented duo garnering attention on a national level from their unique sound, style, and perspective, Mannie Fresh’s idea of becoming the president of a well-established record company is coming to fruition. Even after exceeding his own expectations as an artist and producer, Mannie Fresh still awaits the moment to show the world that he values more in life than what money can ever buy. Take a look.

Bu’Ji Magazine (BM): Tell me about your new group SoleFresh?

Mannie Fresh (MF): They are actually kids from New Orleans who do pop and rap [music]. You name it [and] they do it. That is what got me interested in them [because] they are diverse and could do a little bit of everything. It kind of reminds you of the Beasties Boys meets the Jonas Brothers.

BM: How were you introduced to SoleFresh?

MF: Well, it is a crazy story. I was introduced to them by my Pastor at church who used to work for their dad. I have [known] one of the guys in the group since he was a kid.

BM: What do you hope to accomplish with this group? 

MF: I do not really hope to accomplish [anything]. I just want to do good music and I think it is going to take care of itself.

BM: What is one obstacle that you overcame that you feel others might be able to relate to?

MF: I guess just the music industry. I had some guys that I really trusted and I mean we are friends now, but when we were doing business it is a true saying that “money is the root of all evil.” You know when I left my former group Cash Money I was really on zero. It might on looked good on the outside, but the inside it was not all what it was supposed to be.

BM: How have your past experiences, musically and personally, shaped you as an artist?

MF: My past experiences to me are growth [because] without a past you cannot go forward. I have learned whole lot of things in the past that made me a better man, producer, businessman, and father.

BM: What has been your greatest musical accomplishment so far?

MF: I do no think I have done it yet. Honestly, it has to be a feeling. I will not go at a song and say it is a “hit song.” I just try to do good music because I do not know what a hit song sounds like. I just know what music sounds like.

BM: If you could work with any artist, who would it be and why?

MF: I would be Marvin Gaye (I know he is deceased) or Bob Marley because as artist they were not afraid to say what they really felt.

BM: Who or what has been you biggest inspiration?

MF: I would say God first and then my parents because my mom and dad never gave up on me.

BM: Where do you see yourself two years from now and what steps are you taking to get there?

MF: Two years from now, I want to be in a bigger and better place. My steps are rebirth [because] you take little tiny steps and they turn into something. I kind of feel like the reason why the industry sucks right now is because the people who have the jobs are not in touch with the music or the artist.

BM: What advice would you give to someone trying to pursue a career in the music industry?

MF: Go to school (laughs). It is hard work and dedication and that is all I can say. It is no shortcuts to it. You cannot buy your way into it or get favoritism.

BM: What have you done or what do you think you can do to give back to the community?

MF: I do my part and I give where I can give. It is not really what you done or who you tell [because] when you do something you are doing it from the heart. It is not so much about money [because] I have had tragedy in my life where I lost my sister to a crime. Really, in my city I just listen to people. More than anything, I have learned that you cannot just write a check and walk away.

BM: What is one thing someone would not know about you by listening to your music?

MF: I think I get stereotyped. People think all I do is party, party, party because that is my favorite subject. I do not think people know how complex I really think. You know, I am disappointed with the world and the way it is going. I am [also] learning how to speak out too because as an artist I was afraid to make those types of songs.

BM: What is one misconception that people might have about you?

MF: That I really care about money, jewelry, cars, and clothes.

BM: What is one thing that you absolutely cannot live without?

MF: I cannot live without faith.
 
BM: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be and why?

MF: Mild, cool, and crazy because sometimes I am mild, sometimes I am cool and sometimes I am crazy. I think that is good balance in life.

BM: What is your favorite quote? Or what words do you live by?

MF: “Never let nobody with nothing tell you something!”

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