Cory Mo isn’t really cool with industry hype. A veteran producer who has been instrumental in laying the foundation for the soulful sound that Houston hip-hop has become known for, his experience far outweighs his zealousness.

Since he started producing in 1999, he’s managed to remain not only relevant, but on the cusp of innovation. “My production has changed a little bit as far as the drums are concerned, they’re hitting a lot harder, but I still go to that old Southern UGK sound as far as the wa-wa’s and the organs,” he explains.

Now that he’s delved into rapping, not much has changed. He says that rhyming was a natural progression for him. Tracks like the slow-grinding, “Break it Down” and wa-wa-laced, “Neighborhood” show that he’s not just blowing hot air. 

“It wasn’t really a transition into me rapping,” he says. “I’m a writer first and foremost. I’ve been rapping since the fifth grade, but [the] fact that I do beats for a lot of cats is what really got me up and running on the national level.”

After working with everyone over the course of his career from Slim Thug and Z-Ro to Devin the Dude, Big Pokey and his close friend, Bun B, Cory’s new mixtape series, Still Paying Dues, readily illustrates that he is more than just a talented beatmaker. His debut album, coming in 2009 should only further propel him in the right direction.

“This record provided a chance for me to show my skills on the back end,” he says. “I can do a little bit of both worlds.” –jacinta howard

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