Interview by Jamie Benson
Ever wonder who the genius was behind the infectious track that helped catapult Wale to worldwide fame? The producer responsible for “Nike Boots,” Osinachi, is far from a one hit wonder. Even before you caught the black-and-white masterpiece video all over MTV, Osinachi had impressed Rodney Jerkins with his beats and signed with Darkchild Entertainment. Now he’s ready to open up – with a brief interview exclusively from elitaste.

From an up-and-coming producer in the DC area to an established producer with Darkchild Entertainment…was it easy?

[It wasn’t] easy at all. It was a tough journey to get where I am at Darkchild. It’s actually even tougher being here, because you always have to be on point at all times.

How’d you link up with the Darkchild team?

I linked with Darkchild through a series of events consisting of me hustling down in Atlanta. I was on a serious grind trying to pass my CD onto somebody – anybody that would listen. The CD got passed around enough until it reached Darkchild’s engineer. The engineer (Tito) gave it to Rodney Jerkins and he wanted to do a deal right away.

Production-wise, which do you prefer: Samples or straight beats?

I prefer straight original beats. I can do both but you’ll appreciate the originals more when those royalty checks come in.

Any big name projects you’ve got coming out soon? Perhaps an album/mixtape on your own?

Well I’m currently working on Ciara’s project, Jordyn Taylor’s project, and I also did some work on Brandy’s new album. There’s plenty of other projects I’m working on but I’ll let those out of the bag a little later. As far as albums/mixtapes…[nothing] at the moment. I’m just focusing on the priority projects here at Darkchild.

When we caught up with Southeast Slim, he told us a great story about meeting Wale at Virginia State. Were all three of you working together?

Not actually. I’ve worked with Wale; I’ve never worked with Southeast Slim before. [Although] Wale and I went to the same college.

The “Nike Boots” video premiered last month and has received an overwhelming positive response from fans in the area and across the world. Was it your mission to capture the essence of the DC scene when you produced the track?

Honestly my goal was just to make a good record. I wanted to make a record that everyone would gravitate to. But I love the response it’s receiving from DC, of course.

Can we expect to hear you on Wale’s debut album?

[Laughs] I’d better be on the album.

You’re in LA now; did you have any trouble adjusting to your new home away from home?

At first yes, but now I’m loving it. Being around celebrities, good weather, women, and palm trees…..can’t complain about that [laughs].