Complex wanted to explore what it was like working with Pop Smoke in the studio. We spoke to some of his collaborators, including recording engineer Corey “Cutz” Nutile and producer Jess Jackson, to gain insight into his creative process.
Pop Smoke’s collaborative sessions were often filled with friends from his Canarsie neighborhood and music industry types. According to Corey Nutile, the rapper would frequently show up late or on time for a session, and it was impossible to predict which beats he’d like to work with. “He just went straight off the top,” said Nutile. “He was very creatively free.”
Jess Jackson described working with Pop Smoke as easygoing, especially when it came to mixing tracks. He noted that the rapper would often ask producers to turn down his vocals, as he believed they were loud enough on their own. This refreshing dynamic made Jackson’s job easier.
One of the key elements of Pop Smoke’s sound was doubling his vocal – something that worked in his favor for producers like Jackson. “His method of recording was great,” said Jackson. “He’d double a vocal, and then put one in the left speaker and another in the right speaker.”
Unfortunately, Corey Nutile never got to celebrate the release of Meet the Woo 2 with Pop Smoke, as the rapper was killed less than two weeks after its release. Despite this tragic end to their collaboration, his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Complex is committed to telling the stories behind the artists we love, and a look at Pop Smoke’s creative process only adds to our understanding of what made him so special.
Source: https://www.complex.com/music/a/shawn-setaro/pop-smoke-songs-recording