Interview with Producer 9-0

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have a man who wears many hats—music producer, label owner, author, entrepreneur, and more. You may know him as Producer 9-0, but behind that name is La’Nardo Myrick Sr., the founder of 9.0 The Underground, The Under Link, No Limit East, BGE Digital Distribution, and so much more. He’s here to set the record straight. Welcome, Producer 9-0.

Producer 9-0: Appreciate you having me, Wanda. Let’s get to it.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: You’ve built quite a legacy. But let's address the elephant in the room—people say you focus too much on yourself and haven’t helped local artists. What do you say to that?

Producer 9-0: (leans in) That’s bull. Straight up. I’ve been putting in work for artists since the beginning. Look at 7even Foot, Myn Keesh, Zeno, ToSweet Vellie, DJ Spin$, and many more. These are artists I’ve helped—whether it’s getting them streams, putting them on platforms, or connecting them with opportunities. Just because I’m not on social media bragging about it every day don’t mean it ain’t happening.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: You seem frustrated by that criticism. Does it bother you?

Producer 9-0: Yeah, because it’s not fair. People wanna rewrite history. If I was really about myself, why would I have spent so much time and money building BGE Digital Distribution, helping independent artists get their music out? People forget, but I don’t.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: Speaking of money, you’re not exactly rolling in millions, despite your achievements. You’ve even said you’ve spent more on your family than yourself.

Producer 9-0: (pauses, eyes glistening) That’s real. Look, I’ve never been the type to chase a dollar just for me. I take care of mine first. Family is everything. I’ve invested in my people. Yeah, maybe I could’ve kept more for myself, but I don’t regret it. And I ain't ashamed to admit that.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: You’re 53 now. Some say that’s too old to be rapping. What’s your response?

Producer 9-0: (laughs) Too old? Man, come on. Look at Jay-Z, Nas, Tech N9ne—hip-hop ain’t got an age limit. My music still hits. Millions of streams, millions of plays. The numbers speak for themselves. You tell me—does that sound like I should stop?

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: Fair point. Let’s talk about royalty theft. You’ve accused companies like Symphonic Distribution of stealing royalties. What happened?

Producer 9-0: (shaking head) It’s not just me—it’s a lot of independent artists. These companies collect money that never reaches the artists. Symphonic? They straight-up took revenue that was mine. And it’s not just them. This industry is dirty. If you don’t fight for your money, you won’t get it.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: You also claim you helped Tech N9ne’s career. Can you clarify that?

Producer 9-0: (nods) Absolutely. Back in the day, I was moving in those circles, helping get Tech N9ne’s music out. People think Strange Music did it all, but there were folks behind the scenes making it happen. I was one of them. That’s just facts.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: Your career has had its highs and lows. What keeps you going?

Producer 9-0: (smiles) Passion. I love this. Music, business, storytelling—it’s who I am. And as long as I got something to say, I’m gonna keep saying it. Whether people respect it now or later, the truth is the truth.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: And if you had one message for the people who doubt you?

Producer 9-0: Keep watching. I’m not done yet.

Wanda Hilton-Wilkes: Producer 9-0, thank you for sitting down with me. I have a feeling this won’t be the last time we talk.

Producer 9-0: (grins) You already know.