SUPER PRODUCER: NICK FURY
ATLANTA, GEORGIA | NICK FURY
INTERVIEW REALIFE PHOTO
Nicholas Loftin, also known as Nick Fury, is a record producer from Newark, New Jersey. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and founded New Jeru Entertainment in January 1996 to produce soul, hip hop and R&B music. He has produced for a variety of multi-platinum artists including Lil Flip, TI, Trick Daddy, Lil Kim and more. Recently Nick Fury dropped his debut single as an artist under the name of “Plain John”. Validated recently discussed what he attributes his longevity and versatility as a producer to, several of his business ventures, his new music as an artist and more.
“This is a very hard industry. If you don’t love it then you won’t make it. There will be pitfalls that make you want to quit but the love will keep you going.” - NICK FURY
VALIDATED: What’s your earliest memory of hip-hop culture?
NICK FURY: My earliest memory of hip hop was when my mom purchased a Run DMC album “Raising Hell” for me when I was very young. I think it all started there.
VALIDATED: How did you get your start as a music producer?
NICK FURY: I got my start when I was an intern at a studio in Jersey called “Ironbound”. They heard me playing one of my songs that I produced and rapped on and gave me a single deal. It was surreal.
VALIDATED: You’ve been producing at a major level for a while now, how have you managed to stay relevant?
NICK FURY: I just move with the times. The fundamentals of music will never change. It’s like if you know the fundamentals of basketball you will know how to play the game forever. I’m just blessed to have an ear for music and I keep youthful people around me that help me keep my ear to the streets. I’m always studying music. I will never stop.
VALIDATED: You’ve produced hits for up north and southern artist, what would you attribute your versatility as a producer to?
NICK FURY: I lived in Atlanta years ago for a few years before the music scene became big in Atlanta so I was already up on the south sound. Coming from Jersey though I will never loose my east coast hip hop roots. I just got to live the best of both worlds.
VALIDATED: You’re CEO and founder of NewJeru Entertainment (NJE llc) and Neje Publishing with offices in Jersey City, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia, what lead you to start these businesses?
NICK FURY: In this business you have to strive to own your masters. What better way to do that then to have your own company. Also publishing is your bread and butter in this industry. Without a publishing company you would be lost and not receive your royalties.
VALIDATED: You’ve produced 5 certified platinum hits, including Lil Flip’s “Game Over”, when that record dropped it shook up the rap game. What was your reaction to the response to the record?
NICK FURY: It’s funny because when I made the beat in my basement I went crazy. I knew it was going to be a big record. I got cold feet right before it came out though and started second guessing it. My intern at the time told me I had no worries it’s about to be huge. I was super excited when it did those numbers. I almost thought I was dreaming until Namco sued us. But it all worked out for the best.
VALIDATED: Name an artist past or present you’d like to collaborate and why?
NICK FURY: Trouble, I’ve always been a fan of his but never got to work with him. I’m happy for his new single with Boosie. He finally did it big. Now I want to work with him even more.
VALIDATED: For those who don’t know, what’s the benchmark that makes a producer a “Super Producer”?
NICK FURY: A good ear first and foremost. Good vocal production skills. You also have to be a people person because relationships are everything. You could have the best beats in the world but if you don’t know anyone or build relationships they will just collect dust.
VALIDATED: You branded yourself as “Plain John”, an alternative rock, hip hop soul artist and dropped your first single “My Life”, what’s been the response to the record?
NICK FURY: The response surprised me. I was just playing around in the studio. I had never sung a song before. My Wifey Lady Rahka pushed me to release it and she filmed the video. I have a whole project coming soon.
VALIDATED: What was the motivation behind becoming an artist?
NICK FURY: I just like being creative. Music is my life. It’s all I do.
VALIDATED: What motivates you as a producer/artist?
NICK FURY: I guess the love of music motivates. This is a very hard industry. If you don’t love it then you won’t make it. There will be pitfalls that make you want to quit but the love will keep you going.
VALIDATED: You’re currently working as Chief Music Producer at SCLC/ Justice Music Label, how did that opportunity come about?
NICK FURY: One of my sons mothers recommended me for the position to the president. He liked my work and we started from there.
VALIDATED: You’re branching out into R&B, Rock, Pop, Gospel, film scores, movie soundtracks, and advertising jingles, what motivated you to expand your footprint?
NICK FURY: You have to wear many hats and have multiple streams of income in today’s music business. I go for it all.
VALIDATED: What’s next for Nick Fury?
NICK FURY: Millinial Music, my New label. We have a lot of music we will release this year. I’m also a cast member on a new reality show called “DJs of Atlanta”. It’s going to be dope!
VALIDATED: What’s your social media contacts and website?
NICK FURY: Instagram: @nickfurybeats
Facebook: The Nick Fury