[Q&A] DJ and producer 4B talks collaborating with Diesel and Trick Daddy on “Shut Up”

Jersey Shore-based producer 4B teams up with Diesel aka Shaquille O'Neal and Florida-based veteran rapper Trick Daddy on menacing production “Shut Up,” which brings hard-hitting rhythms together with summery synths for a high-energy house party vibe.

American DJ and producer Robert McKeon Jr., who has built an impressive sonic identity as 4B talks us through how the collaboration with Diesel and Trick Daddy came about and the creative process behind the track.

Having honed his explosive sound for nearly half his life, he reveals the genre he’d love to experiment with more in the future as well his bucket list, among other things.

How did the collaboration with Diesel and Trick Daddy come about? What did you take away from the experience?

We did a show together in Texas, I showed him the demo and he dropped it that night and brought me out. He picked me up like a baby on stage. From there we worked on the song to bring it where it is now.

If you had to describe the track “Shut Up” in three words what would they be?

Aggressive, Bass, Diesel.

What was the creative process behind this track? Anything specific about the process that stands out or was particularly memorable?

I wanted to have the vocal really have an impact before the drop. We also wanted the breaks to feel epic. The first drop I was really looking for some harder bass type sound but also the plucks to give it that OG trap vibe. The second drop, we had to take it to Jersey.

How has your sound evolved so far in your career? And how do you hope it evolves going forward?

It’s constantly evolving and changing. I’m always drawing new inspiration from new things. Whether it would be a movie I watched, a picture I saw or a show I played.

If you could experiment with any genre that you haven’t tried before what would it be and why?

I’d love to make more hip-hop records. I have so many beats in the chamber, they just need to find the right artists.

What’s your favourite part of the music making process and what part of the process is most challenging for you?

My favorite part is finishing a song which also is the most challenging. Knowing when the song is finished usually is the challenge. Sometimes you have to just say “OK, this is done” and stop yourself from continuing to make changes.

What’s been the most surreal moment of your career thus far? What’s on your bucket list?

I think the most surreal part of my career is just the fact that I've been doing this for half of my life. I made an actual career doing what I love. Having a hit record is still on my bucket list, but honestly with hit record or not I’m super grateful to be doing what I’m doing.