Highlighting Key people in Hip-Hop
Shatek King is no stranger to the music industry. In fact, he produced several hit records including DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” and Fabolous’ “Throw It In The Bag” Remix. But after discovering a love for videography, this platinum producer’s career took a different route. In 2010, this Queens, New York native started his journey behind the lens. In his early days, he practiced shooting and editing videos with the built-in iMac camera. It didn’t take long for him to upgrade to a DSLR, especially as business poured in. Under his company Beats On Film, Shatek has been building his brand and catalogue. Not only has he worked with a ton of up and coming artists but he’s had the opportunity to shoot videos for Pusha T, French Montana and more popular artists. Here’s where you find out how Shatek went from the man behind the boards to one of the most sort after up and coming video directors in New York. Take notes.
When did you realize that you wanted to make that switch from production to directing?
When shooting videos became more of a passion rather than a hobby. I didn’t just pick up a camera and start shooting. I studied everything that had to do with directing, videos, postproduction and everything else that comes along with it. I still do. As far as producing, I’ve produced hit records but it didn’t take me as far as I wanted to go. But since I started with video, it became something that I love to do.
What do you think attributed to a successful transition?
I would have to say it’s my drive, determination and not compromising when it came to what I really wanted to do. I’m always studying my craft. It also helps that I was introduced to Aristotle back in 2011. He’s a director that’s doing his thing right now. He mentors me along with another director by the name of Puma. They help me out with certain things. Whatever I don’t learn with them, that’s where YouTube comes in handy [Laughs].
What’s the process of getting these mainstream placements?
A lot of these placements come from relationships and people seeing my work. For example, the video I did with Chinx Drugz, “Flexin Hard” featuring Jadakiss and French Montana, came about through my previous work with Stack Bundles. A lot of people know that I produced records for him and that continues to follow me through my career and in the streets. So most of these placements come from maintaining relationships, following-up and making sure the right people see your work.
You play zero games when it comes to investing in yourself.
I don’t think people understand how important that is. Of course I invest in myself. Even when I was producing, I made sure that I had the proper equipment to get the job done. Whether it’s money or time, it’ll all come back in some form. A lot of people out there don’t invest in their careers and that’s why they go but so far. You can’t sit there and wait for anybody to do anything 100% because they are not you. Invest in yourself.
What is your advice to other people on the come up?
Whatever it is that you have to do, just keep making it happen. It’s not about what you have, it’s about how you use it. You might not have the expensive equipment that the next guy has but if you utilize it and use it to the best of your knowledge, it shouldn’t matter.
What’s next on your agenda?
More videos. I have a lot of videos lined up with up and coming artists and some big names so stay on the look out. I’m also touching my hand back in producing again.
Follow @SHATEK on Twitter.
-Danitha Jones (@LifeLikeJones)
