Owning the Craft: Stryke & Xefe on Beat Storytelling, Creative Control, and Leveling Up the Game

2025-05-29

In Part 2 of my interview with Nashville-based hip-hop producers Stryke and Xefe, we go even deeper into what it means to be young, self-taught, and fully committed to building a career in music. These two aren't just making beats—they’re telling full stories through instrumentals and crafting sounds that speak before a single lyric is dropped. We talk about licensing, ownership, vocal presets, and what happens when an artist takes your beat in the wrong direction. They also open up abo...

In Part 2 of my interview with Nashville-based hip-hop producers Stryke and Xefe, we go even deeper into what it means to be young, self-taught, and fully committed to building a career in music. These two aren't just making beats—they’re telling full stories through instrumentals and crafting sounds that speak before a single lyric is dropped. We talk about licensing, ownership, vocal presets, and what happens when an artist takes your beat in the wrong direction.

They also open up about navigating contracts, the importance of content schedules, and building momentum through discipline, not hype. From inspirations like Pi’erre Bourne and Southside to their experiences in LA, working full-time, taking classes, and setting alarms to post content—this episode is a full-on masterclass in dedication and creative clarity.

🎧 Follow & work with Stryke and Xefe:
📱 IG: @strykemdown, @xefepunk
🎶 Beats: DM for customs or licensing
🎵 Look up placements via “Dro Cetro” on SoundCloud, Apple Music & Spotify

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