Tay Keith

I grew up in the area where we had Three 6 Mafia, and Playa Fly, and 8Ball & MJG. My parents and my family used to listen to it. I learned from them there, and got more into it - listening to the beat of songs, and just learning more about music.

Man, Dr. Dre just inspired me so much. Just him personally, outside of music, too. You know, him doing the whole Beats thing... People like him, they set the bar high for me to set the bar even higher, you know? It's more than just music when it comes to building a foundation and building your empire.

I want people to see me as the entrepreneur, the boss, the public figure, the person who motivates.

As far as Memphis being underrated, I feel like a lot of people have slept on Memphis music when it comes to breaking through into the mainstream.

I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, born and raised. It was hard. I stayed with my momma, then I ended up moving with my daddy.

I don't want to be labeled as just a producer. Producers have little control and they get little respect. And I'm a man of respect.

When you got a personal relationship with somebody, it's easier to work with someone.

Whatever you make from music, you invest that right back into what you want to get into in life.

I actually got to work with TM88. He was one of my big influences as far as producing. It was pretty cool. I had met him in California at the crib and it was one of those random meet-ups and we got to working from that point on.

Yo Gotti had some influence on me for sure. I would say Three 6 Mafia, too.

I want to prove that you can go to school and still chase your dream, too.

We need more Memphis culture in the industry.