From Graffiti to Classics | Sildebeatz
INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK PHOTOGRAPH SLIDEBEATZ
From the streets of Poland to the heartbeat of the Queensbridge sound, Slidebeatz has spent decades mastering the craft of hip hop production. Starting as a graffiti artist in 1998, he quickly immersed himself in Poland’s underground scene, evolving into a producer and rapper whose work resonates across the globe—from the U.S. and Mexico to Switzerland, Ireland, and Puerto Rico. Influenced by legends like Mobb Deep and Alchemist, Slidebeatz blends melodic samples with heavy drums, creating a sound that’s simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. In this exclusive interview with VALIDATED, he opens up about his journey, collaborations with iconic artists, and the meticulous process behind his beats, giving fans a rare glimpse into the mind of a producer who has become a cornerstone of the global underground.
VALIDATED: Being from Poland, what’s your earliest memory of hip hop culture?
SLIDEBEATZ: I started painting graffiti in 1998, and I still do it today. Since then, I’ve been continuously active in Poland’s underground scene as both a rapper and a producer.
VALIDATED: Coming from Poland but rooted in the Queensbridge sound, how did your journey into hip hop production first begin?
SLIDEBEATZ: My dream as a beatmaker was always to hear Prodigy on my beats, which inspired me to start working in the US. His premature passing was a heavy blow, but by then I was already progressing musically, and everything else unfolded naturally.
VALIDATED: What was it about Havoc and The Alchemist that shaped your ear and inspired the way you make beats?
SLIDEBEATZ: I’ve always been a huge fan of Mobb Deep. Havoc’s early beats and his sample-flipping skills left a big impression on me, and when Alchemist joined them, I became obsessed with his productions. His sound was so fresh that it pushed me to create my own. I’ve always been very musical—listening to music from morning to night—so producing my own tracks became a natural step.
VALIDATED: How did you first connect with the Queensbridge scene around 2015, and what was it like creating for the Meta World Peace mixtape?
SLIDEBEATZ: I’ve always been drawn to the music of Mobb Deep, Infamous Mobb, CNN, and Crhyme Fam. It all really began through my connection with Mr. Challace from the group Killa Kids, who introduced me to the game—and for that, I’m truly grateful.
VALIDATED: Your beats are known for being melodic and heavy, often blending samples with organic drums. Can you break down your process when starting a new beat?
SLIDEBEATZ: For years, I’ve been building a large collection of my own samples and loops. I try to dig into the most obscure albums possible for material, but I let everything flow naturally without following a strict routine. I usually create beats in the 76 to 94 bpm range.
VALIDATED: You work with an Akai 2500, Alesis, and DAV software. What do each of those tools bring to your production style?
SLIDEBEATZ: I don’t believe the equipment really matters. I’m not a gear collector or a tech geek. While I do appreciate the sound of SP-1200s and Akai 60s, for me it’s always been about the final result, not the tools used to get there.
VALIDATED: How do you balance staying true to the Queensbridge sound while also injecting your own identity into the music?
SLIDEBEATZ: I’m not sure—maybe the inspiration I drew from that ’90s scene left its mark on me. But honestly, I just make the kind of music I enjoy listening to, nothing more.
VALIDATED: You’ve worked with legends and rising names alike, from Blaq Poet and Lords of the Underground to Eddie Kaine and Estee Nack. What do you look for in an artist before collaborating?
SLIDEBEATZ: Everything flows naturally for me. I’ve been running my own business for a few years now, so money isn’t an issue. Music is purely a passion. Coming from a very artistic family, creating is simply in my blood.
VALIDATED: Out of your catalog — from God’s Gift with Supreme Cerebral to Sincere Leader with XP Marxman — which project do you feel best represents Slidebeatz as a producer?
SLIDEBEATZ: Each of these albums is equally important to me, as I’ve put a piece of myself into every one. No matter which project you pick, sonically you’ll hear the essence of who I am.
VALIDATED: You’ve got an unreleased album with Blahzay Blahzay. Can you tell us what listeners can expect from that project?
SLIDEBEATZ: We’ve already recorded about 25 songs to choose from, featuring guest appearances by Lords of the Underground, Ill, and Al Skratch, among others. The project is being promoted with music videos for “Iam East New York” and “The Big One,” both available on YouTube. We’re not in a rush with the material right now—Blahzay is currently in Asia, so we’re waiting on his return. At the end of the day, it really comes down to me and Blahzay being in the same room. We need to sit down, figure out what stays and what goes, and make sure we give the project the love it truly deserves.
VALIDATED: Your production has touched albums across the USA, Mexico, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, and Puerto Rico. How does it feel to have such a global impact as a producer?
SLIDEBEATZ: I’m glad that the culture I’ve been a part of for 30 years is thriving worldwide. I’m proud to have established myself in the global underground, though I recognize there’s still a long journey ahead.
VALIDATED: Do you notice differences in how artists from different countries approach your beats?
SLIDEBEATZ: Yes, generally speaking, U.S. rappers are very spontaneous—they feel the beat and immediately lay down their bars. European rappers, on the other hand, tend to focus more on details, constantly tweaking and adjusting the volume instead of just flowing with the emotion of the track.
VALIDATED: Looking at your journey so far, what moment made you feel validated as a producer in this culture?
SLIDEBEATZ: When legends you’ve looked up to, like Vinnie Paz, reach out personally to say you’re doing a good job.
VALIDATED: What's next for Slidebeatz? Do you have any dream collaborations or projects you're aiming for?
SLIDEBEATZ: I’m working on a few projects, but I can’t reveal any details just yet. I will say this—it’s going to be greasy, raw, and classic.
VALIDATED: Where can people support Slidebeatz on social media, etc?
SLIDEBEATZ: www.instagram.com/slidebeatz