Mike Dean Works With Rap’s Masters. So Who Does He Consider The Best? (Video)

Mike Dean is one of Rap’s most prolific producers of the last 25 years. Dean has been responsible for much of Rap-A-Lot Records 1990s and early 2000s successes, before joining Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music production team, and relocating to New York City.

From Scarface and Devin The Dude, to Seagram and Tha Dogg Pound, to Watch The Throne and Travis $cott, Dean has worked with some of Hip-Hop’s most exciting and original voices, regardless of era. Speaking with Montreality, the Houston, Texas native discusses being sought out by ‘Ye, following his production, mixing and engineering on Scarface’s The Fix album in 2002. The Dean’s House founder also clarifies a popular question regarding ‘Ye’s smoking weed. Despite the lyrics, Mike says that Mr. West does not chief in the lab. However, Mike Dean—who smokes through the interview, is never asked to put it out.

Also in this interview with the oft-reclusive veteran, he explains his idea of Best MC. Dean, who worked extensively with Hussein Fatal and Tha Outlawz, credits Tupac Shakur as the best. Notably, the producer (who worked with ‘Pac on Scarface’s The Untouchable album) adds that if ‘Pac was alive, his answer may be different. Specifically, it would be the other Rap vocalist on “Smile”: ‘Face. Perhaps not surprisingly, Dean also big-up’s three other MCs he regularly works with: Jay Z, Kanye, and Rick Ross.

While guarded on Kanye’s Swish album, he details Travis’ upcoming work. Additionally, Dean explains why Nate Dogg was so incredible at vocals, and reveals that he’s sitting on eight unreleased Nate tracks from his days staying with Tha Dogg Pound family in 2001 and 2002.

Mike Dean (and fellow onetime Rap-A-Lot hit-maker N.O. Joe) are said to be behind the boards on Scarface’s upcoming Deep Rooted album.

Related: Scarface Speaks on His Health Problems & The Fans Deciding Against a Geto Boys Reunion Album.