We sat down with Detroit-born producer Pooh Beatz to talk discipline, instinct, and the moments that change everything.
From pulling up to a session and playing the first beat that would become “WHATS POPPIN,” to building real-life collaborations with Murda Beatz, Turbo, and Go Grizz, Pooh’s catalog reads like a timeline of modern hip-hop’s defining records. But behind the placements and plaques is a mindset rooted in something simpler: energy, work ethic, and never quitting when it gets uncomfortable.
For Pooh, it’s not about chasing moments. It’s about being ready for them.
Is there anything from being an athlete in high school and college that you've carried into your career as a producer? If so, what is it, and how has it served you as a producer?
Yes, I think the hard work and dedication carried into my career. Playing sports, even when it got challenging, I could never quit, so that same mind frame stuck with me.
How did the placement come together on Jack Harlow’s hit “WHATS POPPIN”?
One day Jetson hit me to pull up to the studio. When I got there, he was working with Jack. We kicked it for a sec, then the first beat I pulled up was “WHATS POPPIN.” Jack started cutting it.
What’s something unrelated to music that you do to inspire creativity or just unplug?
I like to read, watch movies or documentaries, or look at art.
What’s the story behind how you came up with the “Pooh you a fool for this one” producer tag?
I was recording some friends from back home, and one of them said it while recording. At the time I had another tag that I didn’t like, so it worked out.
Name a few of your key collaborators and tell us something that makes them special.
I got a few people I love collaborating with. For me, it’s not about the actual music-making part, it’s about the energy. A lot of these guys are my real friends. We laugh, joke, create, and keep each other inspired.
Go Grizz
Murda Beatz
Turbo
Dougie F
SupaKaine
Coupe
Inkredibeatz
It’s a couple more, but yeah, with me it’s all about the vibe.
How has Postal amplified your workflow?
Postal has made my workflow easier and sharing beats and music easier. I’m able to have my frequent collaborators update their personal folders while keeping everything organized.
Who’s a key person that helped you get to where you are in the music industry, and how did they change your path?
I would say my manager Kash. He has been there since day one, making sure I’m focused and locked in and supporting in any way needed. It’s important to have a team around you to keep you sharp.
How did growing up in Detroit shape you as a producer?
I’m pretty sure everybody feels this way, but I feel that being from Detroit set me up to be successful. I feel I learned certain skills early, and once you realize those skills work in every field of work, all you have to do is apply them, then you’re on your way.
If you could put one sentence on a billboard for every young creative starting out, what would it say?
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill
How did you and Murda Beatz initially get connected? What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned from him?
One day I had a session and Murda was in the other room. I went to say what’s up to somebody else and ended up kicking it with him. We locked in right away and made like four beats, and all four beats immediately got placed, and we’ve been locked in since.
I learned a lot from Murda, like how to move as a producer. Also, I learned a lot about branding from him. I’ve seen how he built himself into a brand, which I’m preparing now to do more of to brand myself better.
Ten years from now, what do you hope people say about how it felt to work with you?
I know for a fact people are going to say Pooh always kept everybody inspired and motivated or even changed some people’s lives.
Do you spend more time on artist development or sending out beats? And why?
Depends on the artist. Some I like to put in physical time with, but some I might just send. But I prefer to build with an artist. It allows you both to understand each other and create something more special. In my opinion, I like to bounce ideas off each other.