Mannie Fresh is the legendary producer behind some of Cash Money Records biggest hits. The producer was known to spit verses on Cash Money hits and in 2000 he and Cash Money co-founder Baby became full fledged rap artists with the release of their debut album I Got That Work.

As one half of the Big Tymers, Mannie Fresh raps and boasts about the good life they live. He continues that trend with his debut solo single "Real Big." The song is burning up the air waves and the video is in heavy rotation and the making of the video was highlighted on a BET special. His album The Mind of Mannie Fresh hits stores on December 21st.

As a producer Mannie Fresh has produced songs that will go down in history as classics. Songs in his production credits include, "Ha," "Bling Bling," "Back That Azz Up," "#1 Stunna," "Get Your Roll On," and the new radio hit, Lil Waynes, "Go DJ."

On November 18, 2004 I had the chance to talk with Mannie Fresh. This man may be rich and a big time baller, but he is quite humble and easy to talk to. This was definitly one of my best interviews. We discussed his future plans, his lifestyle and how most of all he would really like to be home for the holidays. And even though I was on the phone with one of the Big Tymers, I didn't even ask him to get my Wal-Mart layaway out. A Joke! We even discussed fans that ask him for money.

The name of your first single is “Real Big.” You and the Cash Money players all make your all lifestyles look so lavish and big cars, big houses, do you all really do it up like that all the time?
Mannie Fresh-I mean I'm going do it real big you know. That is my philosphpy in life.

When you are not touring or in the studio how do you spend your free time?
Mannie Fresh-Uhh... I dont really have no free time, Imma think about that in 4 or 5 years. I'm always on the road or on the studio. I mean if you want to do this you gotta work all the time.

A lot of your fans aren’t millionaires or big ballers, how do you think you all drew in the masses or regular working class people? I know I drive a Toyota 4 Runner and Toyota Tercel and I love your music.
Mannie Fresh-I think every wants to acheive overall. Everybody loves that story of someone that comes from nothing and makes it big. From nothing to something. That is what everyone is hoping for. That is what everyones goal is in life that is why so many people show love genuinly, they can tell dude is from the hood.

Were you surprised that “Go DJ” a song you produced for Lil Wayne has become such a big hit?
Mannie Fresh-No, everything I do I am thinking I want it to be successfull. It's the energy. I dont think, this one could be, if you aren't sure you shouldn't be doing it.

What artist have you worked with lately as a producer?
Mannie Fresh-T.I, Trina, Ludacris.

Have you worked with Lil Mo yet? (Lil Mo is now with Cash Money Classics)
Mannie Fresh-Oh yeah Lil Mo.

Do you have any big plans for the holidays?
Mannie Fresh-Hopefully, I will be home. It would be nice if I can be home for Christmas.

Do you travel a lot?
Mannie Fresh- I'm always travelling or doing shows. Shaking hands and kissing babies.

What is a typical day for you like when your aren't in the middle of promotion?
Mannie Fresh-Well I cant stand it to be quiet. So I find a studio. When stuff is quiet I'm nervous.

What made you decide to release a solo album after all of this time?
Mannie Fresh-They cut a big check. It motivated me.

What Cash Money artist do you really like working with in the studio?
Mannie Fresh-I mean overall all of them, everybody that went their way, we grew up together as a family so there is not one I prefer over the other. I enjoy working with all of them.

How did you get started in the music business? I tried to do some research and I saw that you had been involved in music since 1991.
Mannie Fresh-No. I have been in the game longer than that. Like 85. My father was a DJ. I used to drum machines, turn tables and mixers for Christmas.They used to stack up and then I started playing with them and developed an interest.

Just curious, so much of you all’s image is based on the big money, living large, and millionaire life style, do fans ever ask you for money?
Mannie Fresh-Yeah. Surpise!

What do they say? I'm curious.
Mannie Fresh-Like I'll be in Footlocker, getting my stuff and someone will put their stuff on this counter like I'm supposed to get his stuff too. Like, "Hey are you going to get my shoes." Or I'll be in the airport getting a ticket and somebody at the airport will be like, "Can you get mine too?"

Will there be another Big Tymers album in the future?
Mannie Fresh-Uhmm, I dont know. It's not like, we are not trying to do it. I like to end on a good note. I don't want to do stuff till people are tired of hearing it. That I dont know.

What guest artist do you have on the album?
Mannie Fresh-David Banner, Bun B from UGK.

What are your favorite cuts on the album?
Mannie Fresh-I like the whole album overall, because of the way its like a story. I mean I couldn't say songs that stand out.

What are your long term goals? Would you like to continue as a artist/producer or do something different?
Mannie Fresh-I would like to run a record company.

That's all I have. Any last comments for your fans?
Mannie Fresh-Umm, buy the album December 21st.

I had heard of an original release date of November 9th. What happened?
Mannie Fresh-I have no idea.

What is the name of the album?
Mannie Fresh-The Mind of Mannie Fresh.

Mannie Fresh Audio: Too Big
Real Big ASX Format
Real Big RAM Format

Mannie Fresh Video: Too Big
Real Big Video ASX Format
Real Big Video RAM Format

Visit Cash Money Records on-line at www.cashmoney-records.com