For over a decade, DJ Mustard has been a relentless force shaping the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B. From his breakout success with Tyga’s “Rack City” to becoming a cornerstone for artists like Ella Mai, Roddy Ricch, and YG, Mustard’s impression is undeniable. His distinct West Coast bounce, clean production, and anthemic hooks have carved a lane few can rival. However, his latest project, GNX, takes a different path, a creative risk Mustard admits was inspired by years of growth and introspection.

“With GNX, I wanted to take things deeper,” Mustard explains during our sit-down at his studio. “I’m known for hits, right? But I’ve been thinking about legacy. What’s the story I want to leave behind? This project is about stepping out of the formula people expect and telling stories that mean something to me.”

From the title alone, GNX—short for “Generation Next”—signals an ode to forward momentum. Mustard’s trademark production flair is there, but the album incorporates eclectic elements: live strings, jazz influences, and even unexpected vocal links, “We brought in people who push boundaries. Artists like Jorja Smith, Kaytranada, and even Anderson .Paak,” he says. “We’re showing a different side of what the sound can be.”

The Impression of Kendrick Lamar’s Co-Sign

Every producer dreams of a moment like Mustard had in 2015 when Kendrick Lamar gave him a shoutout during his Grammy acceptance speech for To Pimp a Butterfly. “It was surreal, man,” Mustard says, pausing to take in the memory. “Kendrick’s like the GOAT for our generation, so for him to acknowledge me on that platform? That’s love forever.”

He admits the co-sign came at a critical point in his career. “I had hits, sure, but I wasn’t sure if people saw me as more than just a ‘club banger guy.’ That moment made me realize I could be a part of something bigger, something timeless.”

Mustard reveals that Kendrick’s shoutout led to more meaningful collab, “After that, people in the industry started looking at me differently. I got calls to work on projects I’d only dreamed of before. It gave me confidence to experiment.” One of those experiments included his input on Kendrick’s later projects, though he keeps the details close to the chest. “With Kendrick, you don’t just make a beat; you create a world. It’s a privilege to build with someone like that.”

Chasing Grammys and Evolving Soundscapes

Over the years, Mustard has racked up a growing collection of Grammy nominations, including wins for projects like Ella Mai’s self-titled debut album, which featured the chart-topping single “Boo’d Up.” Reflecting on his Grammy success, he says, “It’s validation but also motivation. Winning a Grammy doesn’t mean you stop hustling—it means you level up.”

For Mustard, that meant venturing into storytelling-driven production with GNX. The project marks a deliberate departure from the 808-heavy beats he’s known for, instead weaving narratives through sonic layers. “I had to step out of my comfort zone. Songs like ‘Dream Deferred’ and ‘Falling Forward’—those are personal. They’re about the struggles we don’t always talk about but need to face.”

Critics have hailed the project as a bold evolution for the producer, while fans appreciate its authenticity. “I think GNX shows people that I’m not just here for the moment—I’m here to build a legacy,” Mustard adds.

What Happens When Kendrick Lamar Screams Your Name?

Mustard shares a lighter moment from working with Kendrick: “He’s intense, man. But in the best way. There was this one time during a session—he heard a mix I was working on and just screamed, ‘This is it!’” Mustard laughs. “It’s wild because when Kendrick does that, you know it’s real. He’s not the type to hype you up for no reason.”

The producer says moments like that remind him of why he fell in love with music in the first place. “Kendrick pushes you to bring your best every time. He doesn’t settle. And that energy—it’s contagious. After that, you want to go harder on everything you touch.”

Breaking Down the Hits

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mustard interview without touching on some of his greatest hits. Tracks like “Paranoid” by Ty Dolla $ign, “My Hitta” by YG, and “Pure Water” by Migos are staples in his catalog. But Mustard reveals that creating hits isn’t as formulaic as people think.

“Every hit starts with a vibe,” he says. “It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about finding a feeling and amplifying it. With something like ‘Pure Water,’ we just wanted to have fun. You can hear that in the record.”

When asked about his favorite track he’s ever worked on, Mustard pauses, considering. “It’s hard to pick one, but ‘Boo’d Up’ holds a special place for me. It brought R&B back to the forefront, and Ella [Mai]—she’s family. That song proved that timeless music still wins.”

Looking Ahead: Mentorship and the Future of Music

Mustard is now focused on more than just his own projects—he’s passionate about mentoring the next generation. “I came up with mentors like Ty [YG] and Jeezy showing me the ropes, so now I want to pass that down,” he says. “I’ve got producers and artists I’m working with who are hungry, and they’re going to change the game.”

He’s also excited about the evolving landscape of music. “AI, new tech, global sounds—it’s crazy what’s possible now. But no matter how things change, the core stays the same: great music comes from the heart.”

Final Reflections

As the session wraps up, Mustard reflects on the journey so far. “When I started, it was just me, my laptop, and a dream. Now, it’s bigger than I ever imagined. But I still feel like I’m just getting started.”

With GNX earning praise, Grammy nods stacking up, and a legacy that continues to inspire, DJ Mustard proves that when you stay true to your vision, the possibilities are endless.

“I want people to know that it’s okay to evolve, to take risks,” he says with a smile. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the music. And for me? The music’s just beginning.”

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