Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels, a Grammy Award-nominated producer, songwriter, and musician, unveils his latest single, “TIC TIK,” featuring the dynamic Reekado Banks. This new track marks a significant milestone in Samuels’ illustrious career, offering a compelling glimpse into his upcoming Fro & Bee EP set to release this fall.
Known for his exceptional contributions behind the scenes with global icons like Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as afrobeats stars such as Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay, H-Money is now stepping into the spotlight as an artist in his own right. “TIC TIK” showcases his unique blend of afrobeats, pop, and dancehall, highlighting his Nigerian heritage and musical prowess.
As a self-taught musician who began his journey at the age of four, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels has consistently demonstrated his versatility and creativity. His work spans collaborations with a diverse range of artists, from Maroon 5 and Janelle Monáe to Destiny’s Child and Fifth Harmony. With this new single, H-Money is set to redefine musical boundaries and continue his mission of bridging cultures and genres.
You’ve had a remarkable career working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in music. What motivated you to step into the spotlight as an artist with your new single “Tic Tik”?
I have a purpose and a goal—a mission with the music I’m creating—and it needs a face. I am representing so many different genres, cultures and bridging gaps that only music can bridge. Tic Tik is my fire starter. Grab everyone’s attention. It’s called GETTING LOUD, especially with so much music being released. Tic Tik helps me cut through the noise.
Can you share a memorable moment or challenge from your early career that helped shape your approach to music and production?
When I first moved to LA, it was very HARD for me. Because in the UK my music was too American, and in the US they expected me to produce like I was British, I never felt like I fit anywhere. I almost felt stuck. People struggled to be open to my music. So I decided to blend everything I represented—the UK, Nigerian, and the influence of American music—and fuse it all together to create a sound that made everyone pay attention. Chris Brown saw the gift in me and allowed me the space to do me, and we created Say It With Me and OH MY LOVE on the Fame Album which sparked everything.
Your background in London and Nigerian heritage play a significant role in your music. How have these influences helped shape your unique sound and style?
My father had a very large and valuable music collection. In it, you would hear Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, UB40 and Madonna, as well as Michael Jackson, Kool and the Gang. Then you would hear King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Shina Peters, and Orlando Owo. From there, my dad will play Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks and many more, such as The Commision, BeNe and CeCe Winans, to Hezekiah Walker. My ears as a child was a melting pot. I grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood (the hood) but yet went to an all-white Catholic school where I was the minority. So my ears were surrounded by so much culture and music that it shaped who I am as well as the music I make.
Working with artists like Ariana Grande and Janet Jackson, you’ve been part of numerous high-profile projects. Is there a particular collaboration that stands out as particularly memorable for you?
Chris Brown will always be the strongest memory. He PUT ME ON, he asked for me to work on his Fame album and honestly, he didn’t need me. He felt something and regardless of me being a no name he accepted me. His work ethic is unmatched and he forced me to step up. He is all round one of the best to ever do it and the No. 1 in his Generation!! He saw my potential when others looked away.
What was the inspiration behind “Tic Tik,” and how does it reflect the fusion of afrobeats and R&B that you’re aiming to showcase with your upcoming EP?
Well, I had actually created the song after the HIT In My Bed for Rotimi. It’s part 2 and it is fusing not just the r&b elements with the afrobeats but fusing Arabian and other cultural influences together. Its to bridge the gap between worlds. I feel like this song translates well not just to the diaspora but to other cultures outside of Africa.
The song features Reekado Banks, known for his captivating vocals. How did you decide on this collaboration, and what do you think he brings to the track?
REEKY!!! I love his vocal ability. He is a charming young man. I was originally working on his album and heard the potential of what tic tik could turn into from its demo form. When I played him the song he just started vibing to it. That’s when I knew that there was something special with this collaboration.
The single is the first release from your upcoming EP, Fro & Bee. How does “Tic Tik” set the tone for the rest of the project, and what can listeners expect from the EP as a whole?
Tic Tik is my firestarter. It’s my introduction. It’s my ( Hello World), It’s the loud person that walks into the room. It’s my attention grabber. With The rest of the EP we have some many collaborations and genre bending experiences. This is a global project and I am excited that the world will hear ME in my totality.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind “Tic Tik”? What were some of the key steps or moments in its production that were particularly significant?
The first thing I wanted to do was grab the listeners attention with something familiar. I sampled the strings from the same place Timbaland sampled the strings from, where he made you make it better for FABOLOUS and Neyo. I knew most listeners would know the string line which would familiarize them with the track. Then I added the Afro Beat Bounce to it. I always sing melodies while making beats. and the Tic Tik melody seemed so natural, my boys Ryan Toby and Al Sherrod Lambert sliced that up with the pen, and we had magic. Later on, Reekado and Iguocho came through, worked on the Verse and added vocals to give us this amazing final version.
The music video for “Tic Tik” has been released alongside the single. How involved were you in the visual aspect of the project, and what was the concept behind the video?
As a man behind the scenes, I am always involved in the visuals, the rollout, and the experience of the songs I’ve worked on. So it was natural for me to be hands-on with the visuals. I wanted something energetic; the red and black stand for warning, Something is Coming & Pay Attention. The single cover and the video are intentional. I wanted the visuals to be about our performance and not have the cliché video with girls twerking everywhere. I’m a big fan of 90s music videos and wanted to recreate that experience.
The track has been described as a “fire starter” for your new wave of music. What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Tic Tik”?
Have fun and enjoy, but there’s more to come.
