Underground hip-hop veterans, Dillon and Batsauce have been making unorthodox rap music together for nearly 20 years with a simple formula: Batsauce makes the beats, Dillon writes the songs, and whatever happens, happens. After carving out their own lane with a catalog of EPs and LPs over the past two decades, the duo has finally slowed down enough to ask themselves, “what have we done”?
Is the title of their latest effort rhetorical or meant to be an actual question? If so, Dillon and Batsauce probably don’t want to know the answer. They probably don’t want you, the listener to think too much about it either. Instead, What Have We Done is an invitation to experience the trials and tribulations, the small wins and the big losses of being aging independent artists in an increasingly cut-throat world for music makers.
But Dillon & Batsauce aren’t the only ones on this joyride, we also hear from a well-curated crew of characters they’ve befriended along the way, from bonafide legends like Grand Puba and Kool Keith to modern day rap heroes, Quelle Chris & Reef the Lost Cauze. The end result is a collection of songs that runs the gamut from personal to aspirational to … delusional. Whether it’s “too much’”or “not enough,” the answer to the question, “what have we done?” remains open to interpretation. Perhaps it’s not a question at all, but merely the naturally visceral reaction when career creators look back at a life lived on the edge.
In conjunction with the celebration of Hip-Hop’s landmark 50th anniversary, legendary rapper Saigon & and Swedish multi-platinum producer Fredro have joined forces to create a love letter to Hip-Hop. Specifically, 1986-1996, a/k/a The Jordan Era. They have also tapped many other legendary voices to help join their celebration.
After announcing their new album, and releasing the project’s first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” which featured one of Hip-Hop’s “holy trinity of emcees” in Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), and “Get Loose” with Pete Rock, now they are back again with yet another legend, Grand Puba, who is featured on the new single “Think Twice”; which is now available.
Saigon and Grand Puba both show and prove on “Think Twice,” taking turns flaunting their effortless styles and flows over Fredro’s bouncy production. You will also hear “Think Twice” being played during the new episode (EP. 302) of the Starz breakout hit show BMF, which will air on 3-8-24.
“Growing up, Brand Nubian was one of my favorite groups, and Grand Puba as a solo artist shaped and molded my fashion sense at that time, and he is my favorite artist of all time” Saigon divulges. “Grand Puba has never gotten his due respect. Before Kanye, it was Puba who made the rugby with the knapsack look cool. He also always made sure there was some kind of a positive message in his music. While making this song, I tried to channel Grand Puba Maxwell from Masters Of The Ceremony (his first group), with the Puba from his Reel to Reel album, and I came up with “Think Twice.” It was a pleasure and honor to work with this legend.”
Emcees take warning; if you’re thinking about stepping to Saigon and Grand Puba— take their advice and “Think Twice”!
Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era, is produced in its entirety by Fredro, and features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features to be unveiled.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album will be released on 5-3-24 via the iconic Payday Records.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brand Nubian founder Maxwell Dixon a.k.a. Grand Puba, was born today in 1966.
Grand Puba made his musical debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. The group’s first album Dynamite was released in 1988 and had an excellent critical reception. However, due to the lack of sales, the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release. This was when Puba emerged as the lead emcee of Brand Nubian.
Shortly after the 1990 release of the group’s debut, genre-less album One for All (which spanned reggae to Hip Hop to new jack swing), Grand Puba again parted ways from his group and embarked on a solo career. He recorded and released two albums, Reel to Reel, in 1992 and 2000 in 1995. Reel to Reel had much commercial success peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200 and toting the #1 hit single “360 Degrees (What Goes Around).” 2000 was also a success reaching the #48 spot on the Billboard 200 and its single “I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)” hitting #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 1997, Grand Puba returned to Brand Nubian, and the group released Foundation in 1998. This album marked the reunion of the four original members. It was the first time they appeared together since their debut. This was their most successful album as a group peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the single “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their highest climbing track.
In 2001 Grand Puba released Understand This, and in 2009, he released his fourth solo album Retroactive featuring production from Q-Tip, Large Professor, and Kid Capri. Over the years, Grand Puba has worked with Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and more. He was even sampled on the hook on the 2Pac record “Old School.”
We here at The Source would like to wish Grand Puba a happy born day. May you see many more years of success and prosperity!
In the golden age of hip-hop, Brand Nubian emerged as a powerful and influential force, blending socially conscious lyrics with a distinctly soulful sound. In the 1990s, the group, with founding members Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar, actively soared to prominence by delivering thought-provoking messages layered over booming beats, resonating with fans, and occasionally sparking controversy. With classic albums like One For All and In God We Trust, Brand Nubian’s impact on shaping the culture and the genre is undeniable. However, as time has marched forward, the whereabouts and endeavors of this trailblazing trio have become a source of curiosity for fans. Here’s a brief look into where the trio have been in recent years.
Since the final collaborative days of Brand Nubian, Grand Puba has navigated a versatile solo career, showcasing his distinctive flow and lyrical prowess. As a solo artist, he released five studio albums, with the most recent venture being 2016’s Black From The Future. Grand Puba’s solo work often delves into socio-political themes, mirroring the conscious lyricism that defined Brand Nubian. Unfortunately, these political messages have led to controversy for the group, as many fans consider the pro-Black rhetoric explored on Brand Nubian records analogous to Five-Percenter talking points. Critics often characterize the Five-Percenter movement as antisemitic, with prominent figures like Louis Farrakhan frequently facing criticism for promoting hateful conspiracies in the name of Black separatism.
In recent months, Grand Puba has taken to social media to promote musical ventures from both his son and daughter, who perform under the stage names Stunna Gang and Pretty Hoopz, respectively. Puba has also reunited with his Brand Nubian cohorts for viral performances on web series’ such as Live On The Front Porch.
Sadat X
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: Sadat X of Brand Nubian performs at 5 Spot on April 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Sadat X has maintained a prolific solo career both during the height of Brand Nubian’s fame and in the years after the group disbanded. As a solo artist, X has released a staggering 12 full-length LPs, with the most recent record Science Of Life premiering in 2022. The rapper also holds a prolific place as a community leader in his home of New Rochelle, New York. Outside of rap, Sadat X has taught in elementary school and coached children’s basketball. The “Slow Down” vocalist has also received training as a firefighter, with the intention of volunteering when the community calls on him.
As a solo act, Sadat X has also appeared in prominent placements on tracks such as “Show Business” by A Tribe Called Quest, “Come On” by The Notorious B.I.G., and “Stay In Ya Lane” by Marley Marl. The rapper faced firearm possession charges in 2005, but the legal battle fortunately did little to tarnish the respected MC’s reputation. The hip-hop iconoclast is also a noted wine connoisseur, as evidenced by his creation of the web series True Wine Connoisseurs in 2009.
Lord Jamar
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 01: Lord Jamar attends the YO! MTV Raps 30th Anniversary Live Event at Barclays Center on June 1, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Lord Jamar, the Brand Nubian rapper with the most clear-cut and unambiguous ties to the Five-Percenter movement, has experienced a significant amount of controversy in his career. His debut solo album, released in 2006 is titled The 5% Album, as a clear nod to his political leanings. In 2013, the rapper received backlash for releasing the Kanye West diss record “Lift Up Your Skirt” which many fans perceived to be homophobic. The track contained lyrics such as “Instagram Black man looking half a f**, with the blazer and dress, I’m just amazed at the mess. Pioneer of this queer sh** is Kanye West” and “I rebuke all this gay sh**, some are scared to say sh**.”
The Brand Nubian rapper has also made a number of polarizing comments on his podcast Yanadameen Godcast with cohost Rah Digga. On the pod, Lord Jamar has made claims that white rappers such as Eminem are guests in hip-hop culture and that Black Lives Matter does not adequately represent the needs and desires of the black community. In December 2020, Lord Jamar unequivocally expressed his disbelief that 6 million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. During an interview with Rizza Islam, Jamar stated “Check the records: There wasn’t even six million Jews in Europe at that time. There was about 500,000 over there, in Germany, in Europe, there was no six million, so what are we talking about? Stop it.”
Today marks the 31st anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s debut album, What’s The 411?. This was her introduction to the world and Puff Daddy before he called himself Diddy and proclaimed Mary as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”. This was one album that totally dominated not only the 90’s but also r&b music. During that time, she wasn’t your average r&b singer as she talked about love, lost, and heartbreak and she dressed in hip hop clothes instead of your typical gowns & dresses.
She released her first single, “Real Love”, which sampled rap duo Audio Two”s hit single, “Top Billin”. The album featured collaborations from rapper Grand Puba from Brand Nubian and then labelmate/boyfriend K-CI Hailey from Jodeci. She even put a spin on Chaka Khan’s single, “Sweet Thing”. Despite not being the number one in the country at the time, the album still remains a favorite among today’s singers. Some of the singles off the album still being sampled in today’s music.
Since the release of the album, Blige went on to become one of the biggest r&b singers in the world and even performed for President Obama when he was sworn into office for the first time and still continue to influence today’s singers.
In an interview with Complex Magazine, A$AP Rocky named the three best dressed rappers of all time; Brand Nubian’s Grand Puba, music/fashion mogul Kanye West and super producer Pharrell Williams.
Rocky, whose given name is Rakim Allah Meyers, names Puba first for his truck jewelry and signature Tommy Hilfiger gear that was gifted to him by Mr Hilfiger himself in the early 90s.
Kanye’s contribution includes his unparalleled contribution to adidas with his Yeezy brand, making the brand wave the white flag after their split from the mogul following his statements about Jews last year.
Rounding up the trio, Rocky Names Pharrell Williams, the current head of Louis Vuitton’s men department, who created his own high-end brands, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, GRAMMY award-winning producer Salaam Remi launched his historic concert series Midnight at MuseZeuM inspired by Remi’s newest creative venture MuseZeuM.
The event took place in the legendary Miami Beach Bandshell inMiami. Midnight At MuseZeuM had Grand Puba alongside legendary emcee Rakim.
Limited edition merchandise of renowned artists, all created by Remi himself in collaboration with other artists and photographers.
Now Remi is back in NYC with a special MuseZeuM Pop Up to unveil the 1of1 Rakim Artwork piece and the 1of100 Limited Edition Rakim hoodies. During the first installment, attendees got a chance to see pieces of thecollection curated and created by Remi himself which included Bob Marley, Nas, MarvinGaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more.
Attendees of this week’s popup will see a special NYC unveiling. The MuseZeuM Pop UP will be open to the public: Monday May 1st – Sunday May 7th11am -9pm.
A special tastemakers event will be on Thursday May 4th, 7-10pm at Legacy NYC. Beverages will be provided by JADE champagne. RSVP HERE.
The next installment ofMidnight at MuseZeuM will be held on JUNE 10th with Big Daddy Kane.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brand Nubian founder Maxwell Dixon a.k.a. Grand Puba, was born today in 1966.
Grand Puba made his musical debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. The group’s first album Dynamite was released in 1988 and had an excellent critical reception. However, due to the lack of sales, the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release. This was when Puba emerged as the lead emcee of Brand Nubian.
Shortly after the 1990 release of the group’s debut, genre-less album One for All (which spanned reggae to Hip Hop to new jack swing), Grand Puba again parted ways from his group and embarked on a solo career. He recorded and released two albums, Reel to Reel, in 1992 and 2000 in 1995. Reel to Reel had much commercial success peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200 and toting the #1 hit single “360 Degrees (What Goes Around).” 2000 was also a success reaching the #48 spot on the Billboard 200 and its single “I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)” hitting #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 1997, Grand Puba returned to Brand Nubian, and the group released Foundation in 1998. This album marked the reunion of the four original members. It was the first time they appeared together since their debut. This was their most successful album as a group peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the single “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their highest climbing track.
In 2001 Grand Puba released Understand This, and in 2009, he released his fourth solo album Retroactive featuring production from Q-Tip, Large Professor, and Kid Capri. Over the years, Grand Puba has worked with Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and more. He was even sampled on the hook on the 2Pac record “Old School.”
We here at The Source would like to wish Grand Puba a happy born day. May you see many more years of success and prosperity!
Video network Vevo teamed up with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. There will be programming including “Legends In Concert,” “Hip-Hop International,” “2K Hip-Hop Legends,” and more. The world’s leading video network will also collaborate with a hefty, yet, impressive list of hip-hop artists with appearances throughout 2023 from legends such […]
