Meet Marques Lattin | Hip Hop Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marques Lattin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marques, what matters most to you?
The value that matters most to me is authenticity. In both life and music, I believe in being real—staying true to who I am, where I come from, and what I’ve been through. As a hip-hop producer, my sound is rooted in classic boom-bap, and I don’t chase trends just to fit in. I create from a place of truth and emotion, and I think that’s why people connect with my music. I’ve learned through personal growth that when you stand in your truth, you attract real energy and opportunities that align with your purpose. Authenticity builds trust—with your audience, your collaborators, and most importantly, with yourself.

In today’s music landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, algorithms, and what’s “hot” at the moment. But I believe timeless music comes from a deeper place. When you create with intention and honesty, you tap into something that can’t be manufactured. That’s the kind of impact I aim for—music that makes people feel something, that lives beyond the moment. Authenticity isn’t just a creative choice for me—it’s a lifestyle. It’s how I build relationships, how I stay grounded, and how I make sure that everything I put out into the world reflects who I truly am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a hip-hop producer, my art is rooted in the essence of classic boom-bap—raw, soulful, and timeless. There’s a feeling in the music that can’t be replicated or faked. I’ve always believed that every beat I create should tell a story, whether it’s through a dusty sample, a hard-hitting drum break, or the layers of emotion I inject into each track. What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and my ability to capture the soul of hip-hop in a way that resonates with anyone who listens. It’s about more than just making beats—it’s about crafting an experience, a moment in time that lives on long after the track ends. I pride myself on staying true to my roots while evolving with the culture, always striving to push the boundaries of what I can create.

The path to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like any artist, I faced obstacles—self-doubt, financial struggles, and trying to find my place in a competitive industry. But through the grind, the late nights, and the constant learning, I kept moving forward. The support of my community and key figures like Chromatic619, Sir Froderick, Kenjiii, Alejandro, and others played a huge role in my growth. But it was also the willingness to embrace failure, to learn from it, and to push through the tough times that shaped who I am today. Every setback became a lesson, every challenge a chance to improve. And through it all, I stayed focused on my vision, knowing that the only way forward was to keep creating, keep evolving, and keep staying true to myself.

Looking back, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that the journey is just as important as the destination. Success isn’t defined by the accolades or the recognition—it’s in the daily commitment to your craft, the relationships you build, and the impact you have on others. I want the world to know that my music comes from a place of passion and authenticity. It’s not just beats and rhythms—it’s a reflection of my journey, my experiences, and my growth as a person and an artist. My brand isn’t just about making music; it’s about telling stories, connecting with people, and creating a space for others to feel heard and understood. This is my story, and it’s just beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting San Diego and I wanted to give them the ultimate hip-hop and art experience, we’d start the week off at Chicano Park—a hub for street art and culture. The murals there tell powerful stories of San Diego’s history and the Chicano community, and it’s a place where art and hip-hop intersect. From there, we’d head over to Beat Box Records. The best spot in the city for vinyl digging. Beat Box Records is a goldmine for classic hip-hop, jazz and soul. We’d spend some time searching for hidden gems before grabbing some Hayes Burger, a legendary spot on Logan Ave. No San Diego trip would be complete without hitting the beach, so we’d head to Sunset Cliffs located south of the OB Pier. We’d catch some sun and vibes by the ocean while bumping classic hip-hop beats. For breakfast, we’d stop by Kono’s Cafe for a solid meal, and then maybe walk over to Mission Beach boardwalk. San Diego’s connection to hip-hop runs deep, and North Park is where you’ll find some of the most creative minds, artists, and collaborators. We’d dedicate another day to exploring the art side of the city with a visit to Balboa Park, where the combination of museums and street art showcases San Diego’s rich cultural diversity. San Diego’s hip-hop scene is thriving, and this itinerary would give us the perfect blend of music, art, culture, and good food. All of these experiences—digging for records, catching live music, connecting with local artists, soaking in street art, hitting the beach, and enjoying the city’s food scene—could easily be stretched out across a full week. San Diego has so much to offer when it comes to hip-hop, culture, and creativity, and every day would uncover a new layer of inspiration and connection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shout out to the San Diego hip-hop community that’s helped shape my journey and continues to inspire me. Supraliminal has been a major part of that—an artist collective for like-minded creatives to come together and build something meaningful. Big respect to Kenjiii, Master Villain, and SnapGhost for cultivating that space. I also want to acknowledge This Is My Beat, run by Al3jxndro, who consistently holds it down for local producers and emcees with showcases and beat-making workshops that bring people together and help the scene grow.

Another important part of my journey has been working with Rare Breed Records, run by Sir Froderick, who also owns Five Space in North Park, San Diego. He gave me the platform to release an instrumental tape and has been a solid supporter of the culture. I’ve also connected with Slappin Hands, a collective led by Ric Scales, Dunekat, and DJ Root, who continue to push the underground forward. Shout out to the talented artists I’ve collaborated with—Sham Blak, Apollo 3-D, Odessa Kane, Scvtterbrvin, Obnoxious, Smalls, Uno. Tec, and Sam R I. Tranzformer. I’ve got to show love to Chromatic619 for seeing my potential in my early beat journey. He introduced me to the MPC drum machine/sampler. And of course, major love to the local record stores that feed my creativity with amazing vinyl selections: Beat Box Records, Feel It Records, Folk Arts Rare Records, and Five Space. Each of these people and places have played a role in my growth, and I’m truly grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marqueslattin

Image Credits
Al3jxndro
Sam The Master
Gits
Slaps & Kicks
Carinoe