Mike Herard

Last updated
Mike "Heron" Herard
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active1997–present
Labels

Mike "Heron" Herard is New York based songwriter, producer and talent manager, primarily in the hip hop music genre. He is a vice president of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) for Shady Records. [1] [2] Additionally, Herard is a producer and co-owner at Hydra Entertainment, and the founder of BeatHustle, a music platform and management company. [3] [4]

Contents

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Joell Ortiz, Cool & Dre, Murda Beatz, Metro Boomin, DJ Premier, Royce 5'9, [3] [5] [6] [7] helping launch the career of rap artists and groups such as Conway the Machine, Griselda and Slaughterhouse. [8]

Early life and career

During his childhood, Herard's family relocated from Haiti to New York and settled in Elmhurst, Queens. [9]

In the mid-1990s, Herard gained recognition for his ability to discover obscure samples in music stores, which he would then re-record onto LPs and trade or sell to producers such as No I.D. and Dr. Dre. This experience later inspired him to create a digital platform for musicians, focusing on legal and supportive practices. [5]

Music Production

In 1997, Herard co-founded Hydra Records alongside Jerry Famolari, marking the beginning of his career in the music industry. [9] [10]

One of Herard's notable accomplishments was his production of the song "H-O-S-T-Y-L-E" for Screwball's debut album Y2K: The Album, released under Hydra Records. [9]

In 2000, at the age of 25, Herard started working for Rawkus Records, a music label, where he assumed responsibility for handling Lamont Coleman, a.k.a Big L's album, The Big Picture. In the aftermath of Big L's untimely death, Herard collaborated with Donald Phinazee, the late artist's brother, to preserve his legacy. Together, they obtained the publishing rights to Big L's debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, and worked with another partner to manage the rights and ensure Sony royalty payments were made to the artist's family. [11]

Since 2013, Herard has held the position of vice president of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) at Shady Records, the record label founded by rapper Eminem. [5]

In 2014, Herard collaborated with DJ Premier and Royce 5'9 and other artists to produce the album Prhyme. [6]

In 2019, Summer, a song written by Herard, and performed by The Carters, was nominated for the 61st Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance. [12]

Talent Management

While working for Shady records, Herard also started managing as a side hustle. He manages hip hop artists such as Robert "G Koop” Mandell, AntMan Wonder, Joell Ortiz, [2] [5] [9] and co-manages the rap group Slaughterhouse. [13] As a manager, Herard noticed the problem of artists not being credited and paid properly for their work. [5]

In January 2017, Herard established BeatHustle, a management company dedicated to supporting sample composers. [14] The company aims to produce music while coordinating with all parties, seeking the necessary permissions for sample music used, and making sure all artists are duly credited and paid what is due. [14] [3] Noteworthy clients of BeatHustle have contributed samples and production on tracks such as Muni Long's Hrs & Hrs, Migos' Bad and Boujee, and Drake's Knife Talk. [5]

Reception

Herard's professional accomplishments have garnered attention from music industry critics and have been covered in various media outlets. He has been notably featured in publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. [2] [4] Rolling Stone magazine specifically highlighted Herard's commitment to protecting musicians' copyrights and his stance against injustice. [11] [3] Additionally, Entrepreneur magazine recognized his contributions to the success of several celebrities, including Migos, Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Travis Scott, by helping them create hit songs. [15]

Discography

Solo albums

Credits

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Premier</span> American record producer and DJ from Texas

Christopher Edward Martin, known professionally as DJ Premier, is an American record producer and DJ. He is considered one of the greatest hip hop producers of all time. He was half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr—alongside the rapper Guru—and presently forms half of the hip hop duo PRhyme, together with Royce da 5'9".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shady Records</span> American record label

Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg, after the highly successful release of Eminem's The Slim Shady LP in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royce da 5'9"</span> American rapper from Michigan

Ryan Daniel Montgomery, known professionally as Royce da 5'9", is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Montgomery is currently one half of the rap duo Bad Meets Evil with fellow Detroit rapper Eminem, and is one half of the hip hop duo PRhyme with producer DJ Premier. He was also one quarter of the Shady Records hip hop group Slaughterhouse with Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked. Alongside his recording career, Montgomery served as a ghostwriter for Puff Daddy and Dr. Dre. Online magazine About.com ranked the rapper as one of the "Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)".

<i>2001</i> (Dr. Dre album) 1999 studio album by Dr. Dre

2001 is the second studio album by American rapper and hip hop producer Dr. Dre. It was released on November 16, 1999, by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records as the follow-up to his 1992 debut album, The Chronic. The album was produced mainly by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man, as well as Lord Finesse, and features several guest contributions from Hittman, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Xzibit, Eminem, and Nate Dogg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Meets Evil</span> American hip hop duo

Bad Meets Evil is an American hip hop duo composed of Detroit-based rappers Royce da 5'9" (Bad) and Eminem (Evil).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eminem</span> American rapper (born 1972)

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Eminem's global success and acclaimed works are widely regarded as having broken racial barriers for the acceptance of white rappers in popular music. While much of his transgressive work during the late 1990s and early 2000s made him widely controversial, he came to be a representation of popular angst of the American underclass and has been cited as an influence for many artists of various genres.

Screwball is an American underground hip hop quartet from New York City, composed of rappers Hostyle, KL, Blaq Poet and Solo. The group has released two studio albums, Y2K: The Album in 1999 and Loyalty in 2001, and a compilation album Screwed Up in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slaughterhouse (group)</span> American hip hop group

Slaughterhouse was an American hip hop supergroup consisting of rappers Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce da 5'9". They released two studio albums as a group: Slaughterhouse (2009) independently and Welcome to: Our House (2012) under Shady and Interscope Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock City (song)</span> 2002 single by Royce da 59" featuring Eminem

"Rock City" is a song by American rapper Royce da 5'9", released as the third single from his debut album, Rock City , which was released in 2002 through E1 Music and Game Recordings, after another record label had turned down his first version of the album. The song also features vocals from rapper Eminem, becoming Eminem's debut appearance on one of Royce's solo albums. The single was released on January 5, 2002, the same date as its same titled album was released. "Rock City" charted at #99 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in 2002. Not counting Bad Meets Evil or Slaughterhouse songs, "Rock City" is Royce da 5'9"'s most successful single chart-wise.

<i>Hell: The Sequel</i> 2011 EP by Bad Meets Evil

Hell: The Sequel is the debut extended play by Bad Meets Evil. It was released on June 13, 2011, in some countries, by Shady Records and Interscope Records and it was released on June 14, 2011, in the United States. The EP incorporates various styles such as hardcore hip hop and horrorcore. In May 2011, the album's title and artwork was revealed. The EP features the executive producers Eminem and Mr. Porter, with production handled by Bangladesh, Sid Roams, Havoc, DJ Khalil, The Smeezingtons and Supa Dups, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fast Lane (Bad Meets Evil song)</span> 2011 single by Bad Meets Evil

"Fast Lane" is the lead single by hip hop duo Bad Meets Evil, a group composed of Royce da 5'9" and Eminem, from their first EP Hell: The Sequel. The single was produced by Eminem, Supa Dups, and Jason "JG" Gilbert, and released on May 3, 2011 by Shady Records. It features uncredited vocals by Sly Jordan on the chorus. A music video was created by director James Larese of music video direction group Syndrome. The music video features animated visuals and kinetic typography, with cameo appearances by Mr. Porter and Slaughterhouse. Fans and critics considered it a return to Eminem's Slim Shady alter ego. Texas rapper Chamillionaire released a remix.

<i>Welcome to: Our House</i> 2012 studio album by Slaughterhouse

Welcome to: Our House is the second and final studio album by hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, consisting of Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". The album was released on August 28, 2012 via Shady Records and Interscope Records. This would also be their only major label album before disbanding on April 26, 2018.

<i>The Marshall Mathers LP 2</i> 2013 studio album by Eminem

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is the eighth studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was released on November 5, 2013 by Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. The album is Eminem's last to have the involvement of independent label Web Entertainment. It serves as a sequel to his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). The album was recorded from 2012 to 2013 with several different producers, with Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Skylar Grey, Rihanna, Nate Ruess, and rapper Kendrick Lamar, among others.

<i>Shady XV</i> 2014 compilation album and greatest hits by Shady Records

Shady XV is a hip hop compilation album performed by various artists of Shady Records. The double disc album was released on November 24, 2014, by Shady Records and Interscope Records. The album was released in honor of the label's 15th anniversary and as its 15th project. The compilation consists of two discs, the first featuring new material from Shady Records artists such as Slaughterhouse, Bad Meets Evil, D12 and Yelawolf, as well as the label's founder Eminem. The second disc includes the label's greatest hits, also featuring former Shady Records members. All previous and current members of the label are represented on the album.

<i>PRhyme</i> (album) 2014 studio album by PRhyme

PRhyme is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo PRhyme, consisting of Royce da 5'9" and DJ Premier. The album was released on December 9, 2014, through their own record label PRhyme Records. The album features guest appearances from rappers Killer Mike, Jay Electronica, Common, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Slaughterhouse, Mac Miller and soul singer Dwele. PRhyme features production by DJ Premier, as well as samples from psychedelic soul composer and producer Adrian Younge. The album was supported by the single "Courtesy". A sequel, PRhyme 2, was released on March 16, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Detroit vs. Everybody</span> 2014 single by Eminem, Royce da 59", Big Sean, Danny Brown, DeJ Loaf and Trick Trick

"Detroit vs. Everybody" is a song by American rappers Eminem, Royce da 5'9", Big Sean, Danny Brown, Dej Loaf and Trick Trick, featured on the 2014 Shady Records compilation album Shady XV. Produced by Statik Selektah and Eminem, it was recorded in Ferndale, Michigan, Oak Park, Michigan and Brooklyn, New York. The song was released as the fourth and final single from the album on November 11, 2014.

<i>Book of Ryan</i> 2018 studio album by Royce da 59"

Book of Ryan is the seventh studio album by American rapper Royce da 5'9". It was released on May 4, 2018 by Royce's own label Heaven Studios and eOne Music. The album features guest appearances from artists Eminem, J. Cole, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Fabolous, T-Pain, Logic, pianist Robert Glasper, Chavis Chandler, Agent Sasco, King Green, Ashley Sorrell, Melanie Rutherford, and Marsha Ambrosius. Meanwhile, the production was handled by a wide array of producers, including Mr. Porter, S1, Boi-1da, Cool & Dre, DJ Khalil and Frank Dukes, among others. Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim.

PRhyme is an American hip hop duo composed of Detroit-based rapper Royce da 5'9" and New York-based record producer DJ Premier. They created their own record label PRhyme Records and released their first album, PRhyme, on December 9, 2014, and its follow-up, PRhyme 2, on March 16, 2018. The production of each album is based on sampling a single artist's compositions: Adrian Younge for PRhyme and AntMan Wonder for PRhyme 2. When the concept was originally pitched to Premier, he viewed it as a challenge since he recognized that he was previously known for his beats from obscure samples from many different sources, and this project forced him to find what he needed from a single catalogue of work. For PRhyme 2, Royce described the process of receiving compositions to work off of directly from AntMan Wonder as being "like sampling from Mozart but Mozart is actually giving you the music". The duo also appeared on the Southpaw soundtrack. In 2021, DJ Premier confirmed PRhyme 3 is in the works.

<i>PRhyme 2</i> 2018 studio album by PRhyme

PRhyme 2 is the second studio album by American hip hop duo PRhyme, consisting of Royce da 5'9" and DJ Premier. Produced entirely by DJ Premier, the album features samples composed by producer AntMan Wonder. It was released on March 16, 2018 via their own record label PRhyme Records and INgrooves Music Group, and is a sequel to the eponymous album PRhyme. The album features guest appearances from rappers 2 Chainz, Big K.R.I.T., Dave East, Rapsody, Roc Marciano, Yelawolf, Chavis Chandler, bassist Brady Watt and singers Novel, CeeLo Green and Denaun Porter.

<i>Music to Be Murdered By</i> 2020 studio album by Eminem

Music to Be Murdered By is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was released on January 17, 2020, through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. Just like Eminem's previous studio album Kamikaze (2018), the album was released with no prior announcement. The album was produced by many producers, with Eminem and Dr. Dre serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Skylar Grey, Young M.A, Royce da 5'9", White Gold, Ed Sheeran, the late Juice WRLD, Black Thought, Q-Tip, Denaun, Anderson .Paak, Don Toliver, Kxng Crooked and Joell Ortiz. The album's title, cover art, and concept are inspired by Alfred Hitchcock and Jeff Alexander's 1958 spoken word album Alfred Hitchcock Presents Music to Be Murdered By. The album was supported by three singles: "Darkness", "Godzilla" and "Those Kinda Nights". Alongside the album's surprise release, Eminem also released the music video for "Darkness", which revolves around the 2017 Las Vegas shooting from the point of view of the perpetrator Stephen Paddock alternating with Eminem's own.

References

  1. ↑ Leight, Elias (2020-05-12). "'Pray for Paris' Is Westside Gunn's First Charting Album. It Won't Be His Last". Rolling Stone.
  2. 1 2 3 "Sample Snitching: How Online Fan Chatter Can Create Legal Trouble for Rap Producers". Pitchfork. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "The Musicians Behind Your Favorite Songs Are Coming for Their Credit". Complex. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  4. 1 2 Leight, Elias (22 January 2020). "How a Trusted Group of Producers Jammed Their Way to an Eminem Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rys, Dan (29 June 2018). "The New Business of Hip-Hop Beats: How One Company Gets Musicians Paid For Creating Samples". Billboard. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  6. 1 2 Peterson, Quinn (2014-12-05). "Royce da 5'9″ and DJ Premier Rap About Collaboration Album "PRhyme" | Life+Times". Life+Times.
  7. ↑ Ketchum III, William (2021-03-04). "TIDAL Backstory: Royce 5'9". Tidal.
  8. ↑ Gee, Andre (2023-05-05). "Conway The Machine Went A Mile High And Wrote Six Albums". Rolling Stone.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Hydra Special – Mike Heron Interview – unkut.com – A Tribute To Ignorance (Remix)". unkut. 15 May 2007. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  10. ↑ Golianopoulos, Thomas (1 August 2019). ""How to Rob" and "Who Shot Rudy?": The Story Behind the Two Most Controversial Rap Songs of 1999". The Ringer. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  11. 1 2 Leight, Elias (18 May 2021). "Big L Is 'Rap Royalty.' Why Is His Legacy in Disarray?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  12. ↑ Lang, Cady (2018-12-07). "Here Are the Nominations for the 2019 Grammy Awards". Time.
  13. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-08-28). "Slaughterhouse, Paul Rosenberg Talk 'Welcome to Our House' Album & Success". Billboard.
  14. 1 2 Staff, WalletAlly (25 November 2018). "Mike Heron Wants to Make It Easier For Musicians to Get Paid For Their Work". WalletAlly. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  15. ↑ Abo, Jessica (23 November 2018). "Why One Music Exec Created a New Platform for Musicians to Get Paid". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  16. ↑ "Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.