While some have elaborate goals and intricate schemes, 88-Keys keeps it simple. “I’m just trying to give the community some real dope Hip Hop from me and my guys,” he tells us via phone. His “guys” are Nemo Achida, Mann95, Little Vic, Tre Dejean, and Robert Atkins III, all of whom are a part of 88’s Locksmith Music. After coming into his own with the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, and other established artists, 88 is now looking towards the future and spending his time guiding a new class of emcees who want to work hard and make great music. In this edition of our Record Producers interview series, we chop it up with 88-Keys about his young roster at Locksmith Music, what’s he learned from his best friend Kanye West, and more.