This is the spot where you’ll see upcoming producers and Industry veterans in the game. A lot of people don’t know what goes into production. This will be the section where we feature the hottest producers in hip hop. Each month we’ll bring to you a new producer along with their background.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE IS: KHAO

The Deep South has a rich legacy of producing some of history’s greatest leaders and trailblazers. So too is the story of producer, writer and artist Kevin “Khao” Cates. A Montgomery native, Khao has taken the hip hop industry by storm and has led an innovation in lyrical content and creative expressions that transcends musical genres and styles. While making moves into mainstream, Khao has garnered recognition and acclaim from today’s leading artists and industry insiders. His credits include production work with Lil Kim’s “Naked Truth” album, Paul Wall’s “The People’s Champ” album, P$C’s (Pimp Squad Click) “25 to Life” album, Young Jeezy’s “Thug Motivation: 101” and T.I.’s “Urban Legend”.

In 2005, Khao’s beats, lyrics, and production proficiency and talent propelled chart-topping artists to sell more than 8 million copies worldwide in that year alone. With more than ten years of experience under his belt, Khao has clearly established himself as a producer on the rise. Although his credits read like that of a more tenured professional, the 27-year-old plans to re-emerge as a major artist of the day holding fast to his first love of storytelling and performing.

Before becoming a multi-platinum selling producer, Kevin “Khao” Cates began his career as a member of the Crumbsnatchaz back in Alabama’s capitol city. However, Khao’s professional path would soon change as he soon found himself on the other side of the mic at Montgomery’s Hot 105 as the voice behind the Friday Night Street Jam. During that time, he established a strong listening base by incorporating independently signed artists into the daily rotation of chart-topping singles. It was then that Khao met Jason Geter, who now heads Grand Hustle Records (T.I.’s record label) as its president and formed a relationship that would catapult his professional career into new dimensions and a new city-Atlanta. He attributes that relationship and his desire to assist independent artists as the keys to his current success.

In his transitions from artist to songwriter to disc jockey to producer, Khao discovered a niche for developing a signature sound that embraces the essence of his southern roots that has become his distinction and industry trademark. Through his relationship with Jason Geter, Khao also teamed up with T.I. to work on his fourth album titled “King”. While working closely with T.I. on that album and the soundtrack for “ATL,” a feature length film starring the “King of the South,” Khao was named head of production for Grand Hustle Records/Atlantic. Khao has upcoming projects with Alabama native Reuben Studdard, Disney and more. In looking to the future, he remains passionate about emerging as not only a recognized producer but also a multi-platinum artist as well.

Through various experiences, Khao was groomed to become not only a noted musical genius but also an astute businessman. In addition to being a successful barbershop owner and entrepreneur in his hometown, Khao devotes much of his efforts to grooming other young artists at Intaprize Entertainment- a one stop shop for aspiring talent.

Despite new found fame and recognition, Khao remains focused and continually cognizant of his goal to always create ground-breaking music.

“Music should inspire people; it should make them feel and believe and grow. Those of us who are blessed with the opportunity to be in this business should never forget that.” -Khao

KHAO DISCOGRAPHY