LT mOE
LT mOE, is a one time deejay turned producer, from Cleveland, OH. He has worked with artists such as Ludacris, Jean Grae, Tony Yayo, Stat Quo, Murz, Trey Songz, and Snoop Dogg to name few. He not only produces, he is also a video director/editor, engineer, studio owner, and songwriter. Together with his group The Plague Co. (Donny Arcade, Buddy Boie, and Okelis) and growing catalog of tracks he will definitely be a person of interest in the years to come. Check out their self-titled EP The Plague Co. with special appearances from Phoenix Jones and Ahdae. This EP boasts a sound like no other and LT mOE has opened up his production with mind blowing sounds! Stay tuned and pay attention to the Lieutenant and his Plague its a worldwide pandemic!
Check out The Plague Co. EP here.
During your 12 year grind you’ve had many accomplishments. Would you describe your journey from dream to fruition?
My journey from the beginning up to this point in my career has been not too fast, but not too slow making steps in the forward direction towards the goal I have yet to reach.
What does LT mOE stand for, and why is the “M” in mOE lowercase?
The name started out as LT and at first it stood for Little Todd then as time past it changed to Lord Tyrant. It was my tag for when I was doing graffiti and trying to be a DJ, after that LT was just a name with no particular meaning. The mOE got added after I got my first Major placement on Ludacris’ ” Red Light District ” album in 2004 track # 10 ” Spur of the moment ” feat. DJ Quik & Kimmi. The LT these days stands for lieutenant (lutinent) and the mOE is an abbreviation for my last name Moore. The lower case ” m ” was for design purposes.
You’re from Cleveland home of Kid Cudi, Ray Cash, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony; what prompted your move to Atlanta? Also what’s the Hip Hop/R&B scene like in Cleveland? Who are some artists we should lookout for?
The music scene is what prompted me to move to Atlanta. The Hip Hop/R&B scene is active as far as I know but there is no major outlet and that was another reason that prompted me to leave home and go to Atlanta. As far as I know any one that has been successful in entertainment ( music or acting ) has left Cleveland Halle Berry, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Terrance Howard, Bobby Womack, Eddie Levert, Avant, and Kid Cudi just to name a few. Look out for The Plague Co. and Phoenix Jones based out of Cleveland residing in Atlanta, female rapper Chevy Blue, producers Young Yonny and Kalam aka Killah Beats, and the entire roster at Hushmoney Managementout of Cleveland.
You’ve produced for many artists, how did it feel to have one of the artist say that the track you produced was their favorite track on their album? (”My favorite track would have to be everything, number 6″-Murs)
To have an artist say that your contribution to his/her project/album is their favorite is one of the best feelings in the world as it pertains to something created, that is ” priceless “.
Shout out to MURS!!!!! Go pick up that ” Murs for president ” album!!!
I read that you’d rather be in the studio working than out in the club. So how do you relax, and what do you do to for fun? Also is it true club appearances come with the territory of being an industry insider?
I relax by getting as far away from music as I possibly can, for fun I like to workout & throw parties (small get togethers) and bar-b-que. The club appearances do come with the territory more so for the artist rather than the producer/songwriter, but whatever you do in music/entertainment it doesn’t hurt to be out and about for the sake of networking.
Many producers have a musical background such as school bands, musical training, or playing instruments. Do you have such a background?
I played the trumpet from the 5th until the 9th grade I hated it. I just did it because band members always got called out of class for events. Saying that to say believe it or not, being in the band had nothing to do with me choosing music production for my career.
How would you describe your sound and what do you strive for when creating tracks?
My sound is diverse and what I strive for when I’m making beats/producing depends on my vibe. I might feel like reinventing the wheel or I might be inspired by something I hear on the radio/T.V./top 40.
Take us inside your creative process; tell us what goes into you creating tracks. Also are you one of the producers that use live instruments?
My creative process is fueled off pure vibe. I might come up with a melody in my head or remember a song from my dreams; I might start playing on the keyboard to see what happens. It’s like one of those method to the madness situations, and I do occasionally get with guitar players depending on the vibe of the track.
Producers use various different software versions, synthesizers, recorders, drum machines, and keyboards. What equipment do you use?
I use a MPC 2500, Motif ES & XS 6, Access TI Virus, Protools 8, and a Pioneer CDJ.
In your opinion what are the attributes of a great producer, and what are the makings of a great track?
The attributes of a great producer in my opinion are having an open mind and being a visionary. The makings of a great track is a great vibe and good energy.
There are many new producers popping up on the daily basis; is there any advice you could give to them?
The advice I have for up & coming producers is to be innovative and learn everything it is to know about publishing, especially before you sign anything.
You’ve created your own brand and launched a group called The Plague Co. How did this group form? And what is your relationship with GMM-Grown Man Music?
The Plague Co. was always together for the most part, we grew up together myself and Okelis are cousins. I was there from the time he was born up to the present and me and Donny Arcade met in 1995 we went to school together.
I am not apart of GMM any more; I don’t know if GMM is still around. The members were myself, Stat Quo, and Zeek who was both of our manager but, since then Stat went his own way and myself and Zeek ( my manager ) still rock til this day.
Many people have different opinions on what Hip Hop and R&B needs, what do you think these genres need? Also what will help propel these genres to the next level?
I think they need to bring back diversity to the Hip Hop/R&B game and as far as what will propel the game; they need get back into focusing on real talent instead of this stuff that anybody can do. [Otherwise] How are you going to sell something to somebody that feels they can do it their self? Everybody couldn’t do what Michael Jackson or Prince did and still does see what I’m saying?
In addition what are you doing to help further music and push the limits creatively?
Outside of the mainstream artist that I’m working with I’m focusing on my group The Plague Co. The music we create has no creative limits, saying that to say, we are going to be one of the pioneering groups. As far as bringing creativity back to this non-creative, non-innovative, slump that Hip Hop is in at the moment.
You are more than just a producer and studio owner. You are also an engineer, song writer, video director and editor. When did you transition into each different trade, and what was the catalyst causing each change?
I got into engineering about 3 years ago, video editing/directing about a year ago and I started writing shortly after I started producing in 1997. The catalyst that caused each change/transition was the fact that I’m a very independent person, saying that to say, if there is anything I want done I do it myself. I’ve always been self-reliant with anything I’ve done in life, so I guess my own will power and determination was the catalyst.
Thanks for letting me share my story and express my views!!!
Shout out to my manager Zeek, The Plague Co., Phoenix Jones, Big Norf, the new 3 headed monster ( myself, Kalam aka Killah Beats, and Young Yonny ) Sincere my publicist, and CLEVELAND!!!!!!!!!!
The Plague Co.
