Viper in Los Angeles, USA
4 min read.
From Drakeo the Ruler and Remble to D-Block Europe and French Montana, Viper Beats has developed a production catalogue that reaches well beyond the UK. In an exclusive DUB 5 TIMES interview, he discusses his unconventional sound, experiences in Los Angeles, ambitions as an artist and a long-awaited record with NYDUS.
Still in his early twenties, Viper has already connected with some of the names shaping American West Coast rap. More recently, he contributed production to Do Your Big One and Bad Bitch in London on D-Block Europe and French Montana's 2026 album WORLDWIDE WAVE. His own eight-track project, Viper, arrived in 2024.
Photography by DUB 5
DUB 5 TIMES: You've worked with Drakeo the Ruler, Remble, Stunna Girl, JT and now D-Block Europe and French Montana. Why do you think your sound travels so well?
Viper Beats: "I think a big part of it has been consistency and staying true to my sound. I've spent years developing my own identity as a producer, uploading beats, building relationships with artists and making sure my music is always out there.
"I think my sound is very weird, out of the box and honestly just too hard for the UK to understand, which is why it resonates more in America. Even the UK artists who come to me, like DBE, end up making songs where fans have been saying 'this is American coded' and 'this is an American beat'.
"I've always enjoyed creating music that has its own character rather than just following whatever is trending. For me, it's about understanding the artist and giving them what they need while keeping my signature sound very present."
Life in Los Angeles
DUB 5 TIMES: What did spending time in LA and connecting with the Stinc Team teach you about music and the industry?
Viper Beats: "Being around the LA scene was important for me, both musically and personally. I'd already been studying the sound and working on that type of production, so being around the culture and the people connected to it gave me a different perspective on the music.
"One thing I've learnt is that relationships are just as important as talent. You can make incredible beats, but building genuine connections, having the right energy and being someone people want to work with makes a huge difference.
"Coming from the UK and building connections in America made me realise that music doesn't have to be limited by where you're from. If your sound connects with people, you can build something internationally."
Becoming an Artist in His Own Right
DUB 5 TIMES: Your 2024 project Viper put your own vision at the centre. How do you want to develop as an artist beyond producing for others?
Viper Beats: "Producing will always be a massive part of who I am, but I've always had a creative side beyond making beats for other people. The Viper project was an opportunity to explore that side and give people a better understanding of me as an artist, rather than just the producer behind the music.
"It was an amazing opportunity to have legends like Famous Dex, Young Slo-Be and many others feature on my project. It was what I always dreamed of as a kid.
"I also play multiple instruments, which gives me another way to approach music and experiment creatively. Producing for other artists will remain a priority, but I also want to build my own catalogue, explore different sounds and create projects that reflect my vision as a whole."
Six Years of Friendship With NYDUS
Viper x NYDUS
DUB 5 TIMES: You've known NYDUS for nearly six years and have an unreleased track together. How do you see his journey, and will we ever hear the song?
Viper Beats: "When you've known somebody for that long, you get to see their growth, their work ethic and how their vision evolves.
"I respect what NYDUS is doing as both an artist and somebody building something of his own. It's important to have people around you who are passionate about the culture and willing to put the work in.
"As for the unreleased record, we've had it sitting there for a while. It would be good to revisit it and see what we can do with it. Sometimes the timing has to be right, but I would say expect it sometime in 2027! I'm very excited to finally have this record out."
Shot by DUB 5
What Comes Next?
DUB 5 TIMES: How important are independent platforms like DUB 5, and what's the next chapter for Viper Beats?
Viper Beats: "I think independent platforms are extremely important because they give artists and producers opportunities to be seen and heard outside the usual industry channels. Everybody starts somewhere, and having platforms that genuinely highlight emerging talent can make a real difference.
"The internet has made it possible for producers like me to build an audience and work internationally without necessarily being based in the same city as the artists we're working with. But you still need people who are willing to spotlight the culture, introduce people to new talent and help build communities around the music. That's where platforms like DUB 5 can play a valuable role.
"I want to grow the business, reach new audiences, strengthen my relationships with artists and create more opportunities for myself and the people around me.
"I'm still hungry, and I feel like there's a lot more to come."
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