One of the perks to this job is getting the opportunities to meet and/or interview some of the best creative talent on the scene. Unarguably at top of the list is songwriter-producer Polow da Don. Perhaps relatively new as a hitmaker, Polow's journey within this business of music certainly is not. He was once a member of the group Jim Crow (signed to Sony Music during the 90s), but seems to have found his footing writing and producing mega-hits like "Runaway Love" for Ludacris f/Mary J. Blige, "Throw Some D's" by Rich Boy, "Promise" for Ciara, "London Bridge" and "Glamorous" for Fergie and "Buttons" for the Pussycat Dolls. And I didn't even mention joints such as "Like This" by Kelly Rowland f/Eve and "Get Buck" by Young Buck. As you can see it's been a busy couple years or so for Da Don..

Thank you for taking the time to speak with Urban Network, and congratulations on such a successful year. What are you currently working on?
Thank you! Right now my number one priority is finishing Keri Hilson's album. She's probably one of the most anticipated acts out there right now. Other than that, I'm doing my production thing working with Nicole Scherzinger on her solo project [the lead singer of Pussycat Dolls,] Usher, Alicia Keys, getting ready to work with Whitney Houston—I'm just getting my arsenal together so that I'm prepared.

How are you able to be so creative with such a diverse group of artists?
You just gotta love it. It's as simple as that—and you've got to be a fan of the artists that you're working with which makes it easier. I'm a fan of Usher's, a fan of Alicia Keys, so I have to step up my game and go above and beyond for them. I recently had a meeting with Clive Davis where he played me some new music by Whitney. She sounds really good!

What would you say was your breakthrough moment, the song or circumstance that changed your life?
"London Bridge" and "Buttons" were numbers 1 and 3 on the Billboard Charts at the same time, and stayed in the Top 5 together for some time. "London Bridge" was so unique. The beat was so hard, and it had such a hip-hop feel, along with Fergie's vibe—it just captured everybody. "Buttons" was just a smash hit.

How do you know when you have a hit on your hands?
There's a feeling that I get when I hear a record, and then I'll want to hear it again and again!
Talk a bit about your growing production company, Zone 4 Productions [also an imprint through Interscope Records].

There is the lovely Keri Hilson. We're trying to put her out for later this year. She's building a fan base, and she's featured on the single with Timbaland ["The Way I Are"]. There's also a male R&B vocal group by the name of i-15. I'm trying to refresh the energy that New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe had. These guys are a total package. They can write, sing and dance. I have some young producers who are like my understudies, by the names of Hitboy and Chase. I don't want to say they are under my wing as if I'm going to smother them. I just want to work with them and show them the game—which is what I wished somebody had done for me. I think these guys can be huge one day.

Do you play instruments?
I do play some, I'm not great! I'm good with [composing] a melody, then I'll bring in someone who can play it for real. I am taking piano lessons as we speak. My teacher felt that I had down some of the fundamentals, but I really want them to teach me many of the rules and laws, basic chord structure, etc. In a couple of years I'd like to take drum lessons.

Talk a bit about your publisher, Ethiopia Habtemariam and Universal Music Publishing Group?
I love my publisher for the work she does and I love her as a person. I'm lucky to be in business with such good people. Ethiopia came up in the business the hard way, and here we are working our way up to the top. For someone like her to vouch for me the way she has, has made her a major part of my success. She introduced me to [UMPG Chairman] Dave Renzer and [UMPG EVP] Tom Sturges and now we have a good relationship as well. I think we'll have a long healthy relationship.

So, are you're still interested in being a recording artist?
I'm not really that interested, but I feel hip-hop might need me to some extent. I do have a lot on my mind as far as issues, and our culture. I'm an entertainer as well, so I feel I could do it easily.

If I mentioned the name Ludacris, what word comes to mind?
Talented

What about Fergie?
Talented and underrated

Rich Boy
He's just starting out. I can't wait to see when he really breaks out of his shell. He has a lot to say, and lot of talent to be exposed.

Ciara
She's a sweetheart. The record we did, "Promise," was very special—almost as it came from another time period. It was very different and something unexpected from her.

From what I understand, you're interested in trying to create an even closer knit Atlanta music scene?
Definitely! The Atlanta music community is like a family, but at the same time, I'm trying to create a hub similar to like LaFace was. I'd like to create a place like the Hit Factory was in New York –a spot known for its creativity. We are cool here, and there is respect and even some healthy competition.

There have been a few folks who know you well that say you have an outrageous personality?
I don't have one! I'm very low key and observant. I have very strong opinions. I think many Americans don't know who they really are. Me in particular, I believe I know who I am and what I'm not. I feel like my personality comes through my music, and I've made some bold music thus far. That's how I live my life!