Hip-Hop History

The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Celebrated At The 2023 Grammys

by

On February 5th, 2023 at the 65th annual Grammy awards, in a groundbreaking performance, some of the most profound and influential names in hip hop took to the stage to deliver one of the biggest performances in hip-hop history. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the genre was a monumental moment for both musicians and fans alike. Why? The inaugural class of hip-hop artists who in 1989 boycotted the first Grammy ceremony to include a rap award, due to the fact that it was not being televised.

Adding to the sting, they referred to it as  “ghettoizing” at the time. Female hip hop supergroup Salt-N-Pepa stated,   Making matters worse, up until 2004 there was no award for best rap song. While the genre of hip hop/ rap has long been established since the 1980’s. To add insult to injury the first award for the best rap song in 2004 at the Grammys was given to Caucasian emcee Eminem for his song “Lose Yourself”. This was seen as a slap in the face to the vast majority of hip hop artists who are black. Therefore this 50th anniversary performance was seen as a full circle moment and a long time coming. “If they don’t want us, we don’t want them,” regarding the boycott back in 1989.

The Night Of The Hip-Hop Tribute

On the night of the hip hop tribute, a number of the performing artists had quite a bit to say regarding the long overdue acknowledgment of the genre and creatives that have built it and kept it around. Rapper turned TV star Ice-T said on the red carpet, “The Grammys didn’t even respect hip-hop for so long, and now to be here, to be honored like this, we’ll take it, absolutely,” to People correspondents Jeremy Parsons and Janine Rubenstein. “It’s only right,” Queen Latifah told Cox and E! on the red carpet before joining the performance. “We had to fight to get on the Grammys quite a long time ago, and so it’s great to be here to celebrate this in front of the entire world with people who were my mentors.”

How It Came Together

Back in December of 2022 The recording academy approached QuestLove about helping to right a long standing wrong. The legendary drummer, DJ, producer, culinary entrepreneur, designer, New York Times best-selling author and member of The Roots was the one who asked to fit 50 years of rap history into 15 minutes. On the Grammys red carpet he described  it as a “family reunion.” According to The New York Times, “for once, the awards show gave the genre a fitting spotlight.”

According to QuestLove he knew, “It was a lot of mountains to move to make this happen.” Mainly because, “It took a lot of cajoling for this particular generation to come to a function that has systematically treated them as stepchildren,” he said. He further explained, “I understand the historical significance of it, but you’ve got to understand that there is a new generation that has a seat at the table. Our job is to make it right. I know this reeks of a lot of overcompensatory acts, but just trust me, the old guard is gone and the new guard is the establishing guard. What should’ve been due to you 35 or 40 years ago is coming to light now.”

The Performances: Chapters One Two and Three

The Grammys performance itself was divided into chapters. Beginning with the start of hip hop in the 1980’s telling the story up to this point in time. The entire performance started with an introduction from LL COOL J . The star acknowledged all those not featured on the telecast. He said, “We wish we could have included every single hip-hop artist from 1973 to 2023 — I know, I know, I know,” as an attempt to get ahead of any criticisms based on the set list. From there the performance began. With narration from legendary frontman for the roots, Black Thought. The performance opened with 80’s great Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and the hit, “The Message”. Which seamlessly transitioned into a short yet memorable performance by the forever legendary Run DMC.

Followed by a remixed rendition of “Rock the Bells” by announcer LL Cool J and scratched by the incredible Dj Jazzy Jeff himself. Will Smith was asked to attend and originally was scheduled. But, there was a scheduling conflict with “Bad Boys 4”. Immediately following LL Cool J’s performance, Salt – N-Pepa came out performing their hit, “My Mic Sounds Nice”. Rakim followed up with his verse from the legendary hit, “Eric B. is President”. Chuck D and Flavor Flav slid in next with the 1988 classic, “Rebel Without a Pause”.

To begin the second chapter there was a short intermission of sorts with LL Cool J and Black Thought narrating the short interlude. Upon the beginning of the short second act of the tribute, there was a brief performance by one of the members of De La Soul. He performed his verse of the classic track, “Buddy”. What followed were performances by Scarface, who performed a verse from “My Mind is Playing Tricks On Me”.

The Second Chapter Of The Performance

The second chapter concluded with Ice-T rapping, “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme).  The transition from 80’s to 90’s hip hop continued on with performances by Queen Latifah. She performed, “U.N.I.T.Y. Then, Method Man performed his self titled hit, “M-E-T-H-O-D Man”. Immediately after Method man concluded his set, one half of the iconic southern hip hop duo Outkast, Big Boi, performed “ATLiens”. Hip hop heavyweight Busta Rhymes followed  up by performing not one but two of his hits. He performed the 90’s hit “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”. Also, he performed his verse the early 2000’s hit,“Look at Me Now”.

The second chapter was concluded by the one and only Missy Elliott. She took to the stage to perform the dance classic “Lose Control”. The Third and final chapter of the performances were narrated by Queen Latifah herself. The performances that followed were by heavy hitters of the most recent generation of hip hop stars. Closing out the early 2000’s era there were performances by Nelly & City Spud’s performance of the hit “Hot in Herre ”.

Followed up by Too Short’s track, “Blow the Whistle ” and then ending the era with a track that summed up a generation; Swizz Beatz & the Lox’s “We Gonna Make It”. The final performances were all newcomers to the hip hop scene. Rapper Lil Baby came out to perform, “Freestyle”. Female emcee GloRilla performed her hit “ F.N.F (Let’s Go)”. Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert closed out the epic celebration by performing the party anthem “Just Wanna Rock”. 

Hip Hop Is Here to Stay

The conclusion of the epic 15 minute history lesson left attendees and viewers raving about the Grammys performances. Viewers took to social media as soon as the telecast ended. Some comments caught by tweeters said things such as, ‘This hands down the is THE best motherf***ing #grammys show to Air!!! Hip-hop cultureeeee winning.’ according to tweeter @sheisTylerV. @hinadira tweeted, ‘Hip-hop has literally impacted so much. Respect these artists and all of the pioneers. Y’all changed the world forreal.’

A writer for the New York Times who wrote a column on the 50th anniversary of the genre stated, “…the sound came from a people whose voices could never be silenced,”. Granderson continued, “This is why Black music is described as having an ‘uncapturable spirit’ . Hip-hop may be 50, but its lineage stretches back much further.” That Grammys tribute proved and meant a lot to a lot of people. Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav said on the red carpet prior to the airing of the show,  “This is to all those who said hip-hop wouldn’t last!”

Memphis Bleek Shares Rare Footage Of His First Performance With Jay-Z

by

Memphis Bleek might not have ever reached mainstream success like his Roc-A-Fella boss, Jay-Z, but he remained by his side throughout the years. He’s often regarded as Hov’s hypeman, which he’s done successfully throughout Jay-Z’s years on the road. However, his story and relationship with Jay-Z are much deeper than rap. Memphis Bleek previously revealed how Jay-Z helped get him out of the streets and become a legitimate rapper. 

During an interview on the Justin Credible podcast last year, Bleek explained how Jay-Z pulled up to him in a luxury vehicle to offer him $2000 to stop hustling. Bleek said that he tried to show off his street money to Jay after he pulled up on him but Hov ultimately threw it away and gave him an ultimatum. “He gave me two grand and was like, ‘Yo, man, I see bigger things for you,’” Bleek responded, which ultimately turned his life around.

Memphis Bleek Shares Throwback Footage With Jay-Z

This morning, Bleek reflected on their relationship on Instagram. He shared rare footage of the two performing their collaboration, “Coming Of Age (Da Sequel)” off of Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life for the first time ever. The grainy footage shows Hov in a crewneck and flat brim cap delivering his verses, while a young Bleek held it down as his hypeman for the performance. While Bleek performed his verse, Jay’s heard hyping him up with ad-libs in the back. It’s a crazy piece of history that showcases just how far Jay’s come in his career and the many individuals he brought on his journey to the top. 

“1st Performance ever,” he wrote on Instagram with several fire emojis. “Straight off the Project Bench,” he added. “#ComingOfAge Big Homie let me Hold It Down!! #MusicSavedMyLife #Roc4Life.” Nearly 20 years later, Memphis Bleek evidently saw why Jay-Z gave him two grand to turn away from his life in the streets. Though Bleek hasn’t released much music in recent times, there’s no doubt that Jay-Z put him in a position to win for the long haul. Check the footage out above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments. 

Omar Epps & Marlon Wayans Reminisce Over 2Pac’s Out Of Pocket “Juice” Prank

by

On The Daily Show, Omar Epps and guest host Marlon Wayans talked about 2Pac and recalled a prank that the rapper had performed during the filming of Juice. It had made Epps super mad at the time, but he now laughs back at it. They spent most of the segment talking about their history together as friends, and a little bit about Epps’ new book. Epps and Wayans were friends since childhood. At first, they did not like each other. However, after they fought each other and learned that they had the same fighting style, they became best friends.

Juice was Tupac’s second movie. The first was Dan Akyroid’s 1991 Nothing But Trouble. However, he was only a background character in that movie, so it does not really count. People had high hopes for Tupac’s acting career, with some even saying that he was a better actor than he was an actor. He would continue on to appear in five more movies and two tv episodes, before his passing in 1996, something that J. Prince believes could have been prevented.

2Pac’s Jokester Ways

Wayans explains that Tupac had a penchant for pranking the cast members. One time, Epps had fallen asleep with his mouth open, so Tupac pulled out his testicles and put them near his mouth. Epps admits he was very mad about it at the time, but he now finds it funny. He even admits that it would have gone viral if the internet was as massive back then as it is today. He also tells Wayans that he would be upset too if he woke up to find somebody’s testicles near his mouth.

2Pac was a big jokester. It does not matter when or where he was. He was always willing to play jokes on people. DJ Quik had this to say about him during a recent interview. “Outside of the studio, he was a jokester – bagging on n-ggas, joking, fun. We toured a little bit. He got in my ass one time too. We were about to get into a fight because he thought I was stealing his stage show — like when he would rap and jump up on the speakers.”

[Via]

‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ – A Masterpiece Beyond TV

by

Few musical groups have impacted society to the extent of the Wu-Tang Clan. The mark they left on hip-hop in the 1990s is simply unmeasurable. Emerging during the golden age of hip-hop, the Wu-Tang Clan quickly established itself as one of the era’s most innovative and influential groups.

Their music and philosophy helped define the era, and their impact is still felt in music and pop culture today. Wu-Tang remains a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and excellence. They are a testament to the power of collective vision and collaboration.

As the Hulu show Wu-Tang: An American Saga ends, reflecting on the group and the show’s impact is essential. The show’s creators, actors, and crew brought their passion and dedication to every aspect of the production.

From the writing and direction to the music and cinematography, they strived not to make a TV show but to create a work of art.

The Creation of ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’

Wu Tang: An American Saga

RZA, one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, along with Alex Tse, pitched the show to Hulu. Hulu jumped at the concept. They saw it as the ideal opportunity to explore the group’s origins. It also was a way to tell the saga of Wu-Tang’s rise to fame in a way not done before.

Hulu’s biggest draw to the project was the cultural significance and influence on hip-hop music that the Wu-Tang Clan presented. Also, they wanted to share its impact on popular culture. Hulu recognized the potential for a compelling story as well. Most of the group’s origins largely remained shrouded in mystery and myth.

Moreover, the show promised an intimate and authentic look at the lives of the Wu-Tang Clan members. The show offered a fresh perspective by focusing on their struggles as young men growing up in a turbulent and violent environment.

The Importance of the Wu-Tang Story

Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang’s influence on the genre of hip-hop extends far beyond music. They arrived on the music scene during a time of incredible social and economic upheaval in New York City.

The crack epidemic ravaged communities, and poverty, high unemployment rates, and police brutality constantly lurked as a threat. Against this backdrop, the Wu-Tang Clan used their music to speak truth to power. And they gave a voice to their community’s struggles and aspirations.

That is not to take anything away from their music. Their sound is unique and all their own. The heavy use of sampling and martial arts-inspired imagery characterizes it. Wu-Tang’s music is distinctive and raw. This combination sets them miles apart from other groups.

Furthermore, their music is unapologetic and uncompromising. But it is also profoundly poetic and reflective. It captured the complexities of life in the inner city while celebrating the resilience and creativity of the people of New York.

Ultimately, the story of the Wu-Tang Clan is a testament to the power of art to inspire, heal, and bring people together.

‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ as an Art

Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Wu-Tang: An American Saga is more than just a TV series; it is a masterpiece. The show is a stunning piece of art that goes beyond the expectation of a standard TV show.

The Writing

The Writing

Excellent writing is akin to fabulous painting, a masterpiece of words that evokes strong emotions and leaves an indelible impression on the mind. Just like a painting, it has the power to capture the essence of the human experience, immortalizing the moments that define us as a species. This type of writing radiates throughout the entire series.

Moreover, one of the most striking examples of the show’s persistence in creating art is the exceptional writing. It seamlessly blends real-life events with fictionalized elements. Though based on the true story of the Wu-Tang Clan, the writers also incorporated creative liberties to enhance the narration.

The writers, including RZA, developed an engaging narrative that stayed true to the actual events’ spirit while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The writers also masterfully incorporate symbolism and metaphors throughout Wu-Tang: An American Saga. These metaphors add more profound layers of meaning to the show.

Chess

Chess as a Metaphor

In Addition, an example of a frequently used metaphor is chess. The game of chess represents the Wu-Tang members’ strategic thinking (particularly RZA’s) and their ability to navigate difficult situations.

The artistry of incredible writing lies in its ability to transcend time and space, allowing people to enter a different world and experience things they may never have thought possible. The writers of Wu-Tang: An American Saga mastered this art.

The Directing

The Directing

Outstanding direction does not merely create a TV show but rather crafts a work of art that speaks to the human experience powerfully and profoundly. Superb direction on a series can open the audience’s eyes to new perspectives and stir their hearts with the power of storytelling.

The directors of Wu-Tang: An American Saga formed such a realistic and authentic world set in the 1990s. They recreated the period with extraordinary attention to detail. From the costumes to the site locations, every element was examined.

But perhaps the most crucial element in the director’s arsenal is their ability to draw out powerful performances from their actors. Through a combination of careful coaching and instinctual guidance, the director can coax out the raw emotions and vulnerability of the actors, creating a palpable sense of authenticity and realism.

The directors undoubtedly brought out some of the best performances in the actors on this show. Wu-Tang: An American Saga has a huge ensemble cast. So giving each member their moment to shine was not a small chore.

The Cast

The Cast

Ashton Sanders as Bobby Diggs, aka RZA, is phenomenal and outstanding. Additionally, Siddiq Saunderson as ​​Dennis’ D-Love’ Coles, aka Ghostface Killah, is extraordinary and unforgettable.

Ultimately, the directors were not merely creating a TV show but crafting a work of art. Through their mastery of the medium, the directors created a sense of camaraderie and chemistry between the actors, effortlessly felt through the TV screen.

The Cinematography

The Shots

Additionally, extraordinary cinematography can transform a show into a work of art by using visual language to create a powerful emotional and intellectual experience for the viewer. It is a palette of the artist, the DAW for rappers.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga‘s cinematography immerses the viewers in their world. It gives the viewer permission to experience the story viscerally. The creative camera movements, framing, focal length, and angles develop a sense of urgency and danger. These shots result in honest and genuine scenes.

Contrast, Color, and Lighting

Lighting

Using contrast and color brings a sense of visual poetry to the show. The show’s color palette is muted. The use of numerous shades of browns and grays gives the show a gritty and pragmatic feel.

The interplay of light and shadow is also carefully crafted to establish a sense of depth and dimensionality. This use of shadows and low-key lighting produces a sense of intimacy and intensity.

Ultimately, through its use of composition, lighting, color, movement, and storytelling, Wu-Tang: An American Saga converts poetry to a visual medium. It transports the audience to another world and leaves them with a lasting impression of beauty, meaning, and inspiration.

And, OF COURSE, the Music

The Music

Music holds power. And the music of this show elevates it to a higher artistic level. The music creates a sense of identity throughout Wu-Tang: An American Saga. It also provides a unifying thread that ties the story together.

The show’s music pays homage to the Wu-Tang Clan’s classic sound while incorporating new elements that feel fresh and modern. The show’s original score, composed by RZA, is a testament to his producer skills. It also showcases his deep respect for the Wu-Tang Clan’s musical legacy.

The score incorporates classic Wu-Tang samples, gritty drums, and fierce vocals.
Additionally, it employs classic Wu-Tang Clan tracks to underscore key moments in the story.

The show’s creators and RZA carefully chose the ideal tracks to complement scenes and evoke the exact emotion from the viewers. It is truly a remarkable art form that can enhance and enrich the viewing experience in ways that are beyond measure.

The Enduring Art and Legacy of Wu-Tang Clan

The Legacy

The Wu-Tang Clan’s impact on hip-hop culture cannot be understated. They introduced a new style of lyricism, with each member bringing their unique voice and perspective to the group’s collective output.

Ultimately, their music is courageous and authentic, capturing the struggles and experiences of urban youth in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. Their philosophy of brotherhood, self-reliance, and artistic excellence inspired a generation to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world.

The Power of the Art

The Art

Furthermore, by telling the story of the Wu-Tang Clan, the world gains a more philosophical understanding of the social and political context that gave rise to hip-hop culture. The show also gives an incredible insight into the creative process and artists’ struggles. It spotlights the sacrifices needed to achieve success.

Wu-Tang’s impact on hip-hop and pop culture continues to be felt to this day, making them one of the most essential and enduring groups in music history. Wu-Tang: An American Saga goes far beyond simply retelling their story, but instead gives viewers a stunning work of art they can scrutinize over and over.

[VIA] [VIA] [VIA]

DJ Quik Recounts Almost Fighting Tupac

by

DJ Quik recently revealed that he almost fought with hip-hop legend Tupac over a misunderstanding. “Outside the studio, he was a jokester – bagging on n****s — joking, fun — we toured a little bit. He got in my ass one time too — we were about to get into a fight because he thought I was stealing his stage show — like when he would rap and jump up on the speakers. I had to tell him ‘bro I got that off of Bobby Brown my n**** — off of the ‘My Prerogative’ shit.”

The DJ then shared the way they resolved the conflict. “Come here, Quik. Let me holler at you — How am I stealing the show — this n**** hot; he ready to fight. So, instead of us fighting, we went into the weight room and just started lifting weights and shit. You know what I’m saying? Just go in there like ‘knock it out, dog.’” 

The Time DJ Quik Almost Died

This isn’t the first time DJ Quik has gotten into trouble thanks to the “All Eyez On Me” artist. The star recently recounted how he could have lost his life in an altercation over Tupac’s bootleg music in a Uproxx Video interview. He states that he gave a security guard a copy of a copy of a CD that the late rhymer was working on.

Quick said “‘Ay, you know ni**as up here playin’ that new Tupac sh*t y’all in there workin’ on?’ He’s like, ‘What!?’ What!?. So I get a call, ‘Hey man, come up to the office.’ I already know with them Death Row meetings, when they call you randomly at 4:20 to fight traffic and get up here, ‘Aw, this finna’ be some bullsh*t.’” 

The 53-year-old then speaks about getting into a life-threatening altercation after he asked the security guard who received the aforementioned CD from him. “So I fight the dude, and he dropped his Hennessy, and I think he was more mad that he dropped his Hennessy than me actually swinging on him or whatever. So he told his homeboy, ‘Man, blast this mothaf*cka!’ My man just pulled out a Tec and cocked it. I just [stopped and became] cold over this dumb-ass Tupac tape. So my man didn’t shoot me. My security got the gun from him and was like, ‘Y’all just go ahead up.” What’s your favorite DJ Quik song? Let us know in the comments.

[via]

Mack 10 & Ice Cube Haven’t Spoken In 20 Years

by

They were once tearing up with charts together in Westside Connection, but a falling out caused a divide between Mack 10 and Ice Cube. The California rappers are respected icons in their own rights, but when they came together with WC to create their supergroup, Hip Hop fans ate it up. Their classics “Bow Down,” “Gangstas Make the World Go Round,” and “Hoo-Bangin’” remain favorites, but don’t look forward to a reunion anytime soon.

The trio did reunite for their sophomore effort Terrorist Threats, but that was short-lived. There were rumors of infighting, and Mack later revealed why he got into with Cube. It apparently stemmed from interactions with Cube’s brother-in-law, who Mack said wasn’t handling his money appropriately. Unfortunately, he further shared in a recent interview with Bootleg Kev that they haven’t mended their disagreement.

Mack 10 Talks Ice Cube & Mount Westmore

Hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection photographed at Irwindale Speedway on November 16, 2003 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)

“I f*ck with who f*ck with me, you dig? That’s where I’m at with it,” said Mack.
If you f*ck with me, I f*ck with you. But if it’s f*ck me, it’s f*ck you.” He added that he hasn’t “seen [Cube] or talked to him in damn near 20 years, so there it is.” He also dropped off a few thoughts about Mount Westmore, Cube’s latest supergroup that includes Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort. He admitted to hearing “bits and pieces of it,” but hasn’t thoroughly checked them out. “Westside Connection was a movement. It was a little different.”

Meanwhile, in 2020, Mack 10 seemed open to a Westside Connection reunion. While speaking with the Murder Master Music Show, he was questioned about its potential. “That’s the question of the year bro!” he answered. “I don’t know man! I’m down, I’m sure Dub is down. “That’s the question of the year bro! Somebody probably gotta ask Cube what it is gonna take because I really don’t know.”

A Previous Attempt At A Reunion

He added that fans consistently questioned him about it. “They ask me in traffic and everywhere,” said Mack. “And my answer is the same every day, I don’t know. I really don’t know.” Would you be down to hear another record from Westside Connection?

Biggie Mosaic Unveiled On Christopher Wallace Way In Brooklyn

by

NYC Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a new mosaic mural located on Christopher Wallace way honoring Biggie Smalls. Moreover, the piece was done by Brooklyn artist Jan Carlos Pinto and shows the rap legend made out of glass and various pieces of stone. Furthermore, they all unite to show him donning a crown and his iconic Coogi sweater. In fact, it’s a reference to Barron Claiborne’s 1997 snapshot of Big during his “King Of New York” photoshoot for a Rap Pages magazine feature. However, the mural’s most unique quality is a mirror where Big’s face would be, allowing passerby to see themselves as the King of New York.

To celebrate the occasion on Thursday (March 9), city leaders and hip-hop community members alike gathered on the street named after the “Hypnotize” icon. Mayor Adams spoke during a press conference in Notorious’ hometown of Brooklyn about the honoring, which came on the 26th anniversary of his tragic loss. “We are larger than our surroundings,” Adams remarked according to PIX11 News. “The possibilities are endless if we go within and use the creativity for our life experiences, how do we tell our stories, and how do we make sure we leave from our block of Brooklyn and become a global phenomenon.”

Biggie Mosaic Unveiled, Eric Adams & Fans Usher It In

Furthermore, Diddy was one of many who honored the hip-hop legend 26 years after he passed. “There will NEVER be another,” Puff wrote. “The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!” Also, he included a rare interview clip of Biggie that spoke to his dedication to idiosyncrasy. “Don’t be a fool and sit back and do it because somebody else is doing it,” Big stated. “Because only thing you gon’ do is follow in somebody else’s footsteps and you gon’ be a shadow. Who wants to be a shadow for the rest of they life?

“If you got a lil’ something that you know how to do, progress that and keep trying,” he continued. “God knows what could happen, you know what I’m saying? That’s what I did. I kept on rapping and it happened to get to the right ears.” Given the continuous cultural ubiquity and consistently present legacy of the MC, his efforts yielded greater results than he could’ve imagined. Let us know what you think of the mural in the comments and return to HNHH for the latest on Biggie Smalls.

[via]

DJ Quik Says Death Row Artists Had To Be Hood: “It Became The Streets”

by

As some who boasts being a former Death Row artist, DJ Quik knows the ins and outs of the infamous record label. During its heyday, Death Row was the collective to beat; several of its artists were floating at the top of the charts, and the demand was unending. It was easy to flip through radio stations and find songs by Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, and more. However, with the success came stories of Suge Knight’s intimating ways. Quik remembered those Golden Era days on the All the Smoke podcast.

Expectedly, being a member of one of the hottest labels in Hip Hop came with its perks, but everything that glitters isn’t always gold. Quik had a front-seat look at Death Row’s downfall and blamed the ‘keep it real’ mentality. “Sometimes it was cool, and then it just became the streets,” he said. “All the stuff that I got away from, all the gang-banging and all that, just met me right there head-on at the office.”

DJ Quik Wanted To Do Business, Not “Hood Sh*t”

Suge Knight during 2005 MTV VMA – Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Party in Association with Hennessy Paradis – Arrivals at Skybar at The Shoreclub in Miami Beach, Florida, United States. (Photo by Lawrence Lucier/FilmMagic)

For decades, people who knew Suge Knight during that time have shared frightening stories of their encounters. There are tales about him taking to music executives’ offices with threats and hanging artists over balconies. Knight’s presence would shake the room, and it didn’t benefit his artists. “It was hood sh*t,” Quik added. “You had to kind of be hood to deal with it because they were in there. Them n*ggas was detecting fear.”

“They just wanted to see if you were scared, make you feel some kind of way,” the rapper said. “It’s like, that energy doesn’t go with making the right songs. Songwriting is a beautiful process. You know what I mean? And it’s a lot of thought involved. You got guys in here gang-banging and sh*t and threatening you. Saying crazy sh*t.”

Things Could Have Been Different

Quik further noted that Death Row fostered a dangerous environment, but it didn’t have to be that way. “It was the greatest record company, at one point, in the world,” he said. “It was going to be the biggest thing in the game.”

[via]

DJ Quik Recalls Studio Session With Jay-Z & Beyoncé: “An Out-Of-Body Experience”

by

Jay-Z and Beyoncé are formidable artists individually, but as a couple, the powerhouse hitmakers are untouchable. They’ve collaborated with hundreds of artists from all facets of the industry and even more openly desire to work with them in the future. DJ Quik is a Hip Hop legend in his own right, but he, too, couldn’t help but be a tad star-struck when he was in the studio with Jay and Bey.

The California icon shared his story while visiting the All the Smoke podcast. It was 20 years ago when Quik collaborated with Jay for his The Black Album project. He called it an “amazing, out-of-body experience” to be in close quarters with the couple. “It’s like, ‘Wow.’ You really made it when you’re in the studio, Beyoncé’s offering you motherf*cking water, fruit, and sh*t. And just chilling.”

DJ Quik Details Studio Session

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) (L-R) Jay-Z and Beyoncé attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

“That session was just like you could imagine it’d be,” Quik continued. “Jay is quiet. He ain’t the kinda dude to walk around the studio writing and thinking or something. He sit there and just let the music get in and whatnot.” Young Guru was “at the controls,” he added, while “I’m on the beat, [Beyoncé] is over there chilling. Cool as shit, so humble, sweetheart, right?”

“Jay will just be sitting there humming, making these little sounds and sh*t. And he’d just cock his hat to the side, and it’s like, ‘Alright, Guru, I’m ready.’ When he cock his hat, he go in there and just start nailing that sh*t. I ain’t see this motherf*cka write not one lyric.”

Jay & Bey’s Next Era

Hov and Bey have been busy, if not with their crafts, then in business. Fans are preparing for what is slated to be the most significant world tour in the last few years as Beyoncé is preparing to embark on her Renaissance travels. She recently became the artist with the most Grammy wins, and Jay-Z was at the ceremony to watch his wife accept her honor. Meanwhile, ever so often, Hov creeps on a track with a surprise verse that sets the internet on fire. His diversified portfolio keeps his schedule stacked; from sports to politics to spirits to management, the Knowles-Carters stay at the top.

Diddy Honors Biggie Smalls On Anniversary Of His Passing

by

It’s been 26 years to the day since hip-hop lost one of its most impactful, resonant, and powerful voices. While the tragedy of his passing isn’t lost on anyone, millions around the world continue to keep The Notorious B.I.G. alive. For example, Diddy made an Instagram post on Thursday (March 9) honoring Biggie on the anniversary of his tragic death in Los Angeles. “There will NEVER be another,” Puff wrote as a caption to a video of a B.I.G. interview. “The GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME. Today we celebrate and honor you king. Love and miss you!!”

In that clip, the legendary MC spoke on maintaining his originality, freshness, and unique voice as an artist. “Don’t be the fool to just sit back and do it because somebody else is doing it,” the Brooklyn native expressed. “Because those of you who do just gon’ follow in somebody else’s footsteps, and you just gon’ be a shadow. Who wanna be a shadow for the rest of their life, you know what I’m saying? If you got a lil’ something’ that you know how to do, progress that and keep trying. I mean, God knows what could happen. That’s what I did. Just kept on walking, just happened to get to the right ends.”

Diddy’s Tribute To Biggie Smalls On Anniversary Of His Tragic Loss

Most recently, Nas spoke on how Biggie influenced his classic album It Was Written, shortly before the anniversary of his death arrived. “Biggie made it different, where you can’t just be the hot dude that they liked from New York to Connecticut to Virginia,” he expressed. “You got to hit the mainstream. You got to touch the world.” Elsewhere in the interview, he said that they inspired each other in many different ways. For example, Nas working with Dr. Dre possibly opened up the doors for Biggie to work with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Meanwhile, this year will also mark what would’ve been Big’s 51st birthday in May. Last year, Lil’ Kim penned an inspiring message for his 50th. “He was more than just a rapper more than an artist; he was an educator, he was a poet, obviously a writer. He was a prophet, he was here to do more than just make some songs or record a couple of albums, which is at the end of the day, that’s what he did. And he did way more than that in his spare time.” Join us in honoring Biggie Smalls with your favorite tracks, albums, or moments in the comments, and if you don’t know, now you know.