New Rory & Mal – Checking In With Hit-Boy (September 18, 2025)
Episode Overview
In this rich, candid conversation, Rory and Mal check in with legendary producer Hit-Boy, who’s fresh off regaining his independence after 18 years tied to his first publishing deal. They dive deep into his hard-earned freedom, creative process, collaborations (notably with Nas), the ever-shifting music landscape, and trade war stories about the music business. They close with a fun, rapid-fire “this or that” session covering classic tracks Hit-Boy has produced and legendary albums he wishes he could’ve touched. The episode is packed with industry insights, laughs, and gems for both fans and up-and-coming producers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Breaking Free: Hit-Boy’s Publishing Deal Journey
Advice for Younger Producers
Life and Work Post-Deal
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Real Independence:
- Hit-Boy can now “move his percentage around” as he pleases and only takes projects if the business and creative fit.
“From here out, you know, the plays are serious…real dollar signs and some real business being done.” (08:27)
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His Insane Work Rate:
- Despite the contract, he’s released huge volumes (“80 songs in three years” with Nas).
- “We emptied the clip, bro…dropped damn near everything we made.” (09:08)
The Hip-Hop Creative Process
Stories from the Studio
Music Biz Real Talk
Frank Ocean, Creative Patience, and Release Cycles
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On Rare and Elusive Artists:
- Wonders why certain dream collaborations (like an album with Frank Ocean) never happen.
“Why wouldn’t he just come with me, do a whole project? But…guys like Frank, they’re in their own stratosphere.” (18:45)
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How Audiences Consume Music Now:
- Observes how quickly people judge new releases:
“You don’t even take two hours. It’s five minutes…It’s so trash, garbage.” (19:41)
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Consistency Versus Legacy:
- Argues for the value of dropping lots of music, referencing Virgil Abloh's advice—people remember your hits, not the misses.
“Stuff you put out that’s bad…nobody gonna remember that anyway…Keep shooting.” (21:32)
Touring, Trap Clubs, and Regional Vibes
The “This or That” Producer Showdown (32:27+)
A fun, rapid-fire game where Hit-Boy chooses between classic tracks and albums—many of which he produced:
| Matchup | His Pick & Reason | Timestamp |
|----------------|-----------------------|---------------|
| “Paris” vs “Clique” | “Paris” – the reaction live in Vegas is unmatched. | 32:46 |
| “Goldie” vs “Trophies” | “Goldie” – signaled ASAP Rocky’s major intro. | 34:15 |
| “Backseat Freestyle” vs “Racks in the Middle” | “Racks in the Middle”—deep personal connection, won Grammy, originally his record. | 34:41 |
| “Woo” (Rihanna) vs “Sicko Mode” (Travis Scott) | “Sicko Mode”—despite wild sample drama on “Woo” | 37:44/39:31 |
| “Sorry” vs “Flawless” (Beyoncé) | “Flawless”—spawned the remix and “Feeling Myself.” | 40:10 |
| “Cold” (Kanye) vs “One Train” (ASAP Rocky) | “One Train”—symbolic of an era in hip-hop. | 40:28 |
| Nas: Magic vs King’s Disease series | Can’t choose—Magic’s more mixtape, KD more conceptual. | 41:15 |
| Reasonable Doubt vs Illmatic | “Reasonable Doubt”—“dope boy talk, we’d have made some.” | 42:17 |
| Chronic vs Doggystyle | “Chronic”—but acknowledges “Doggystyle” was LA leveled up. | 42:56 |
| Ready to Die vs All Eyez on Me | “All Eyes on Me”—but producing for Big would be a dream. | 43:30 |
| Miseducation vs One in a Million | “Miseducation”—for the songwriting range. | 43:54 |
| D’Angelo Brown Sugar vs Sade Love Deluxe | Wants more on “Lovers Rock” (Sade), but gives both love. | 44:11 |
Memorable Quotes & Moments
Upcoming & Unreleased Projects
- Album with Spank Nitty (“Yeast Talkin’”) – drops October 3rd
- Album with Alchemist – coming in November
- Hints at more Half-A-Mil (with Dom Kennedy)
- Mentions a possible tour with Alchemist
Final Wrap Up
The conversation ends on high energy, as Hit-Boy and the hosts riff about music, industry grind, and the “therapy” of nightlife and creative spaces. Hit-Boy is invigorated in his independence, ready to drop multiple projects and continue collaborating across genres and regions—with a reminder that, whether in LA or New York, the creative hustle never stops.
For aspiring producers or longtime fans, this episode is a goldmine of both warnings and motivation—full of stories about the music biz, the thrill (and frustration) of collaboration, and what it means to stay inspired amidst chaos.
Notable Episode Timestamps
- 03:02 – Hit-Boy on finally being independent and free of his publishing deal
- 04:08 – The origin of the 18-year deal
- 07:04 – Advice to new producers
- 08:27 – The meaning of producer independence
- 09:08 – On emptying the clip with Nas: 80 songs in three years
- 11:08 – Funniest/strangest artists to record with (Jay Electronica)
- 14:40 – Hit-Boy’s take on his Verzuz with Boi-1da
- 18:45 – Why a Frank Ocean x Hit-Boy album hasn’t happened
- 21:32 – Virgil Abloh's advice: Make a lot, hits rise above
- 25:29 – New York vs LA creative energy post-pandemic
- 32:27 – “This or that” production game begins
- 41:15 – King’s Disease vs Magic (Nas albums)
- 44:43 – On losing out on album placements (Jay & Beyoncé “Everything Is Love”)
- 46:28 – New projects and tour plans
“I’m on some straight art at this point.” — Hit-Boy (15:58)