Eric Kwabena Matlock is a Ghanaian-born American producer who has set his eyes on unearthing new talents and helping polish already existing ones in the Ghanaian hip hop music scene. Eric, also known as Coptic The Producer shares his vision of African Music with #TheAfricanDream blog.

In the past Coptic did some production for the late iconic American rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Biggy Smalls) and says the death of Biggy really touched home a lot for him because “we hung out in the studio in the past when he was alive”.

One of the things Coptic says they discussed was about Biggie wanting to buy the very first beat he made as he says, “I was too scared to sell it so never did”, down the line into the future Coptic was managed by Deric Angelette along with Kanye West for 3 years.

“Either way I still believe Notorious was a good guy. Today I have been able to establish my Ghanaian record label which I call The Black Star Line on which I already have already signed one Ghanaian artist names Trey LA aka Selorm.”

Eric says his label is currently finalizing Trey LA’s first mixtape - The Introduction - due for release in summer 2014. One other thing that is being wrapped up is a personal project that he has been working on in the US called Close To My Roots that features US and African acts on same the records.

Back home on the Ghanaian music scene, Coptic is producing the Coptic Presents… The Rising Stars Of GH Mixtape series featuring upcoming artists. This annual project is released on Christmas day for free download; “Volume III of the project will be ready on Christmas day of 2014” he says.

There is a lot of talent and potential in Ghana’s music industry, which is why Coptic returned to establish a partnership with Bless The Mic, (a hip hop music talent program) to produce an annual concert based on the mixtape concept he works on.

The concert happens in Ghana during September and it is in its second year. The 2013 event was an overwhelming success that saw every major hip hop act in Ghana performing - Sarkodie closed that year out.

Ghanaian acts that Coptic has produced for include Sarkodie, Dblack and Kwaw Kese. He has also partnered with Jayso (Skillions) in producing the latter’s upcoming solo album and with Kwaw Kese & Madd Time Entertainment in releasing the forthcoming album: FOREVER. He says other partnerships with major Ghana acts are in the works.

“Exposing the authentic African sounds and its musicians to the global music market has always been my desire” says Coptic.

This producer genuinely believes Africa has a strong mix of respective musical genres and a deep Cultural Rap presence that is often misunderstood or overlooked in regards to its worldwide musical influence, something he wishes to change with time.