Mustard Reveals Multiple Rappers Turned Down Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Hey Now’ Beat
Super-producer Mustard recently opened up about the unexpected journey behind the creation of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping hit “Hey Now.” In a January 17 interview with People, Mustard shared how the beat, which would eventually land in Kendrick’s hands, passed through several high-profile rappers before finding its true home. Initially, the beat was played for YG, as Mustard envisioned it as a West Coast version of “Grindin'” by The Clipse. He described it as minimalistic with “weird sounds,” but YG passed, leaving the beat open for other artists.
The Quest for the Right Artist
Undeterred, Mustard then offered the beat to Quavo, one-third of the rap group Migos. Despite Mustard’s enthusiasm, Quavo wasn’t convinced, humorously asking, “What the hell you want me to do to it? You want me to whisper on the beat?” Mustard soon realized Quavo wasn’t the right fit.
Next, Mustard gave the track to Ty Dolla $ign, hoping the versatile artist could bring it to life. Ty created a song with the beat, but Mustard wasn’t fully satisfied, admitting, “I never was all the way there with it.” This suggested that while Ty’s version wasn’t bad, it lacked that special magic Mustard was searching for.
Kendrick Lamar Recognizes the Beat’s Potential
Despite several artists passing on the track, Mustard remained confident. The breakthrough came when he sent the beat to Kendrick Lamar. Mustard recalled, “I was talking to Kendrick one day and said, ‘Man, I got this really weird-ass beat, but I really love it. Like, I know that I love this beat.’” Kendrick immediately responded, “Oh yeah, I got it.” Mustard didn’t hear Kendrick’s take until much later, during the filming of the “Not Like Us” video. When he finally heard it, he was blown away—Kendrick had transformed the beat into a hit track.
Chart-Topping Success
Mustard’s belief in the track paid off. “Hey Now” became one of the standout songs on his GNX project, reaching number five on the Billboard Top 10. Another track from the album, “TV Off,” claimed the number two spot in the same week, marking a major success for Mustard. He celebrated the achievement on Instagram Stories, writing, “I’m just getting started #2 and #5!” along with emojis to express his excitement.
The success of “Hey Now” not only showcased Mustard’s talent as a producer but also solidified Kendrick Lamar’s ability to turn unique beats into chart-topping anthems. This collaboration was yet another milestone in Kendrick’s legendary career, with the track gaining massive popularity and recognition across the industry.
What’s Next for Mustard?
With “Hey Now”’s success, Mustard continues to prove his versatility in the music world. As a producer, he is known for blending traditional West Coast sounds with innovative beats that resonate with listeners. His ability to collaborate with top-tier talent like Kendrick Lamar and Ty Dolla $ign keeps him at the forefront of the music industry.
As Mustard looks toward the future, he remains one of the most influential producers in the game. Fans and artists alike can expect more chart-topping hits as Mustard continues to shape the future of hip-hop with his unique sound and keen sense of musical innovation. While YG, Quavo, and Ty Dolla $ign may have missed out on this opportunity, Kendrick Lamar’s recognition of the beat turned it into an undeniable success—further cementing both Mustard and Kendrick’s legendary statuses in the industry.
