LET’S A MAKE HIT

The Who

Corey “Mr Hanky” Dennard, is the producer behind several club single hits for Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti and Young Dolph. His music became radio mainstays from two breezy, laidback singles--“California” performed by Colonel Loud featuring Young Dolph, Rico Barrino and T.I. and the RIAA Gold Certified Smash “On the Way” featuring DJ Luke Nasty, “Smile Bitch/Living My Best Life” by Lil Duval ft. Snoop Dogg and Ball Greezy. Which was also RIAA Gold Certified and #1 Billboard on Urban Radio for six weeks, R&B charts for 12 weeks and #4 Rhythmic Radio. His most recent hit, he collaborated with 2 Chainz featuring Lil Wayne and The Human Jukebox, Southern University’s Marching Band, on the latest track “Money Maker.” Mr. Hanky has created unique gems in a field saturated with unoriginality and repetition.

How did you get the name “Mr. Hanky”?

Corey recalled getting the name in college from a character on South Park. He went on to say, the character, “Mr. Hanky ” on

South Park is literally “a pile of bleep” wearing glasses. He stated he wore big glasses and had radiant dark skin, so some of the members of the band coined the nickname thinking it was a funny comparison. He stated they didn’t realize the nickname “Mr. Hanky,” would become his personal brand and a household name in the music industry.

While in the band during his college years, he began working as a DJ selling mix tapes, and promoting pirates at local clubs. Mr. Hanky said most people only knew him by his band nickname, so he began to use his nickname as his personal brand. Therefore, “Mr. Hanky” became the brand on his mixtapes, His DJ name, and promoter name. He states while he was in band in college, he began working as a disk jockey, DJ, selling mix tapes, and promoting parties at local clubs. Corey said most people knew him by his band nickname, so he used the nickname as his personal brand, and “Mr Hanky”, became the brand on his mixtapes, his DJ name and his promoter name.

“Everyone knew if Mr. Hanky was involved, it was going to be the “shit.” to music that he had no business listening to. Mr. Hanky shared that there are multiple factors that affect and influence his creative process. He also emphasized that depending on the company and atmosphere when making music makes a huge difference. Mr. Hanky made a comparison between producing music when women are around and vs when “goons” are around. It was a funny comparison but unsurprisingly, it made his point clear. “If there are a bunch of “goons” around, you’re not gonna be in the right atmosphere to create a love-making song.”

In the same context, Mr. Hanky explained that his music also depends on the general mood of society. He stated that in a time of protests and widespread anger, it becomes creatively difficult for musicians to focus on uplifting or “booty-shaking” music. He replied that this type of music would not be embraced by people who are heading to the streets to protest.

When asked if there is any specific stimulus. i.e., drink or trigger that prompts him to make music, he responded. “it just happens and it’s not dependent on anything. A long time ago, as a DJ I learned to read the crowd and from there you see how the vibes go.” For instance, Mr. Hanky recalled that while at a cookout, he came up with the California record. He credits the knowledge that he gained from his years as a DJ helped him make hits that would make people dance and the ladies “booty-shake.”

How did you transition from a DJ to a producer?

The mindset of a DJ is the same as a producer. You simply go from playing the music to creating the music and vice versa. Music is a feeling. It’s a whole vibe.

What Does It Take to Become a Successful Artist or Producer?

“Artists should put in real work to get noticed and become successful.” Mr. Hanky was candid in sharing his thoughts that we live in a microwave society, and that many artists today have a DIY approach when it comes to making music. Just because you make a song today, doesn’t mean that it’s ready to be released tomorrow. Mr. Hanky went on further to say that because of the internet, artists think that they can YouTube and Instagram their way to success. For the most part, today’s artists’ element of thought is that they do not feel that you have to put in the hard work to become successful. Mr. Hanky’s response: “just because you make one hit song doesn’t mean that you’ve arrived.” He finds it quite hilarious when artists make a hit and they feel as though they’ve arrived and have achieved the same thing as other artists who yet remain relevant after years of being working in the industry. Adding more clarity, Mr. Hanky stated, “It takes 10 years to become an overnight success.” In essence, “you’ve got to put in real work.”

Mr. Hanky dropped gems on top of gems as he shared his point of view about being a DJ and a producer. “The people that are winning are winning for a reason.” Mr. Hanky references his longevity and relevance in the industry to the biblical scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.” He describes himself as a lifelong student. “Regardless of what I’ve achieved, I never stop learning, I always try something new, and I never take for granted that I know everything.”

When asked about his transition from being a DJ to becoming a producer; he simply replied stating that the mindset of a DJ and a producer are basically one. You simply go from playing the music to creating the music and vice versa. Mr. Hanky added that music is a feeling. If you’re not feeling it, it doesn’t make sense. It’s a whole vibe. We’re all energy. It’s about controlling the energy. When it comes to making music, you do it- to feel it. Be intentional.” It was obvious that Mr. Hanky’s success and expertise is grounded by unbreakable wisdom and his passion for music. He openly shared what many artists would selfishly keep to themselves. He advised that when it comes to showing up for any job, that you come “locked and ready to play.” “Music is currency”

Do You feel traditional education is necessary to be successful in today’s music industry?

In this context, I wanted to ask Corey about his opinion on going to a traditional school to learn music-making skills or if choosing the self-taught method was a better alternative to acquiring the necessary knowledge to be a successful producer. Mr. Hanky stated that music-making is not similar in any way to traditional professions. He thought school was important because it requires discipline and establishes consistency in learning. However, he didn’t consider it to be completely necessary because most schools don’t offer music and entertainment training due to the constant technological developments and ongoing changes in the artistic fields. Mr. Hanky added traditional schooling teaches students to operate the equipment, however creativity can not be taught. In conclusion, Mr. Hanky said that school can be helpful to groom skills and learn the basics, however, he didn’t consider it necessary. Mr. Hanky stated that trends can come and go every three months. New applications can change the way music is produced and completely change the music industry in the blink of an eye. He used the pandemic as an example. He explained that the pandemic required everyone to readjust normal day to day practices and routine practices of artists. Strategies were created to promote social distancing, and minimize risk of contamination in studios. Going back to his time in school, Mr. Hanky recalled wanting to be a band director, but instead, found his passion as a DJ. He confirmed that he made it as an artist while still attending school both artistically and financially which supports his idea that traditional schooling isn’t necessary to be successful in the music industry. Mr. Hanky admitted that he learned to make money in lieu of graduating from college. He highlighted that one of the important perks of attending college is that it helped him establish a solid network of contacts that he can still use today.

How helpful was your musical background at Southern University to your current success in the music industry?

Mr. Hanky credits his musical background as helping him throughout his entire production career. He stated there are producers that pray musicians take care of the composition which for him is not the case. Instead, he’s thrilled that he doesn’t have to split his earnings with anyone. Unlike most producers,he can play most instruments well enough to produce melodies.Most producers need to bring in musicians to play the hook to develop a certain beat. As a testament, growing up in a home where his mother played the organ and the piano, he and his sister grew up playing the piano. He also started taking trumpet lessons at the age of seven and played a myriad of instruments in school. “ I can’t count the number of instruments that I can play because to me they’re all the same.”

Not negating his God-given talent, Mr. Hanky clarified that he doesn’t think it’s wrong to hire someone to play a melody for a hook, even if the producer can actually play the instrument. However, it’s always a benefit if you already know a little about a particular instrument to give guidance on what you need from the musician. Furthermore, Mr. Hanky considers artists and producers who do all the work by themselves to be powerful. “Producers that have a musical background can often build and create all parts of their work more smoothly and faster.”

How do you feel about collaborations with other artists and producers?

Mr. Hanky said that he’s always appreciative and willing to collaborate with other artists.“Nowadays, I ain’t trying to be funny, but song producers nowadays, have eight producers and 20+ songwriters. What are you going to buy after the money is split? A hotel room for the weekend? It just doesn’t leave that much money.”

Mr. Hanky prefers working alone because it allows him more space and freedom to implement his ideas and put his complete vision to work. He also highlighted in the past, a lot of legal disputes stemming from collaborations. For example, an individual who was in the studio and didn’t contribute ended up suing a label and the other artists for his split. I know it sounds crazy but it has happened. So sometimes it is just easier to work independently.

What is next for you in the future?

“I am working on some independent personal projects. Most people do not know that I can rap and hold a tune. I can actually sing, compose and rap. So you might see my personal album drop soon,” he said jokingly. Edging him on, we told him the ladies in the back wanted to hear him sing. In response, he said they could hear him sing in a one-on-one personal session jokingly declined. “However, I also see myself collaborating with more artists locally and internationally.”

“You do it to feel it”

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