EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Rudolf On New Single/LP, Lil Wayne

Since the success of his debut single, “Let It Rock” – Kevin Rudolf’s fame and fortune have risen to new heights. In addition to preparing his sophomore LP, Rudolf now finds himself in demand as a songwriter/producer – working with some of the biggest names in the business. But the Cash Money artist is grounded – and very cognizant of his success due not just to his talent, but the popularity of his hit song.

“Once you have one big hit, you can walk through a wall that you could not get through before,” explained Rudolf, who called “The Ralphie Radio Show” from his Los Angeles home. “And don’t think I haven’t used it, because it’s like, if I want to get in the room with somebody and work on their project, on their record, I go after it too.”

Rudolf helped out on Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad” and tells me that he’s currently working with Natasha Bedingfield and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The singer/songwriter started his career as a studio guitarist for producer Timbaland, working on all of his tracks – whether it be for Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, or The Black Eyed Peas.
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“He’s a pioneer – which is the greatest compliment you can give,” remarked Rudolf on Timbaland. The two haven’t collaborated with each other since Rudolf worked for him in studio – although they’ll occasionally run in to each other at shows/functions and exchange greetings. “He’s got the entire package – he’s such a talented guy.”

Rudolf finds himself surrounded by more talent now that he is a part of Cash Money Records. The stable, which also calls Lil Wayne and Jay Sean their own, has seen its share of success over the years. Now, as the label’s top money maker heads to prison, Rudolf reveals that Wayne is rapping, recording, and shooting videos right up until March 2 – when he’ll be sentenced to a year behind bars in conjunction with a plea deal over a weapons possession charge that stems from 2007. Rudolf says a single from Tha Carter IV could be released to radio during or shortly after Weezy’s prison term – which could be shortened to eight months on good behavior.

Before then – Wayne dropped Rebirth – an album Rudolf contributed to and calls “really dope.” The “Lollipop” rapper also dropped a verse for the first single from Rudolf’s new LP – “I Made It.”

“Birdman, he said to me, ‘Yunno, why don’t you make a record that everyone on Cash Money can get on,’” Rudolf said. “I just kinda whipped up this beat in like 20 minutes and threw the hook on it and sent it out to everyone. When it came back to me, I was like, ‘This thing is crazy!’”

The final version features Weezy, Birdman, and Jay Sean. The video is out now. Rudolf confirmed on “The RRS” that he is shooting for a May release on the album, but has yet to think of a title.