Hit-Boy

Grammy 2024 Nominees: A Look At Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical

by

On November 10, 2023, the Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 2024 Grammys. Once again, we’re back in Grammy season, and the countdown to the biggest day in the music industry begins. Besides the day of the ceremony, nomination day is the biggest deal for potential awardees. Artists, songwriters, and producers wait with bated breath as they hope to hear their names mentioned. This year’s nominees for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical have all proven themselves throughout the year. Each of the five producers has certainly earned their spot on the nomination list. As a result, this category is among the ones with the stiffest competition, and it’s anyone’s bet who takes home the trophy. However, one thing’s certain: whichever one takes the statuette home would deserve it.

Metro Boomin

For over a decade now, Metro Boomin has actively put in the work, contributing to the development and expansion of Hip Hop. While he’s been reaping the benefits of his work for a while, a Grammy win would certainly be a fulfilling milestone for the acclaimed producer. Known for his collaborative works with prominent rappers over the years, Boomin is finally getting recognized by the Recording Academy. In the most prestigious category for a non-classical producer, no less. Although he has won several BET and BMI Hip Hop awards, this is his first Grammy nomination ever in any category. This makes him the only first-timer among the five nominees for the 2024 Grammys. Boomin was primarily nominated for his work on the acclaimed album Heroes & Villains and the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse soundtrack.

Dan Nigro

Dan Nigro is a record producer, songwriter, and musician most popularly known for his work in the indie rock, emo, and alternative rock genres. Since his indie rock band As Tall as Lions disbanded in 2010, Nigro has grown to become a prominent producer. Over time, he has collaborated with various artists across several genres. These artists include Lewis Capaldi, Kylie Minogue, and Conan Gray. However, the most acclaimed projects he has worked on to date are both by Olivia Rodrigo. Nigro first received several Grammy nominations in 2022, his first ever, for his work on Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour. Subsequently, he won alongside Rodrigo in the Best Pop Vocal Album category. 

Once again, his work with Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts has earned him nods at the 2024 Grammys. This time, it’s in the most esteemed category for non-classical producers. His production on “Welcome to My Island” by Caroline Polachek, “Redwine Supernova” by Chappell Roan, and “Divide” by Dermot Kenedy, among others, also contributed to his nomination. This is Nigro’s first nomination in this category.  

Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

In 2022, D’Mile became the first songwriter in Grammy history to take two consecutive wins in the Song of the Year category. He’s not new to receiving accolades from the prestigious awarding body. While he has not yet won in the Producer of the Year, Non-Classical category, he has taken home five awards in other categories for his contributions to songs and albums.

D’Mile has two Grammys for Song of the Year and one each for Record of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best Progressive R&B Album. His first nomination for Producer of the Year came in 2023, but he lost to Jack Antonoff. At the 2024 Grammys, D’Mile will have another chance to take home the win for his stellar production work on Victoria Monet’s Jaguar II, which houses the Record of the Year nominated single, “On My Mama.”

Hit-Boy

Hit-Boy gained widespread recognition for producing Jay-Z and Kanye West’s hit single “N***as in Paris” in 2011. This production marked a significant breakthrough in his career, and he has since worked with many other prominent artists. “N***as in Paris” won the Grammy for Best Rap Song in 2013, marking Hit-Boy’s first nomination and win. Since then, he has been nominated several times for contributions to albums by Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, and Nas. However, until now, he had never been nominated in the Producer of the Year, Non-Classical category. 

His work on King’s Disease III by Nas and his collaboration project with Musiq Soulchild, Victims & Villains, earned him this nomination. If Hit-Boy takes home the award at the 2024 Grammys, it would be his biggest win yet from the ceremony. Admittedly, his recent wins in the Best Rap Album category (2021) and the Best Dance/Electronic Album category (2023) are great. However, as a producer, a win in this category would be more satisfying and in line with his craft.

Jack Antonoff

The world was first introduced to Jack Antonoff when he joined the pop rock band Fun. However, he was not as popular back then since he served as the guitarist-drummer and not the lead singer. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the success of being a part of the group. At the 2013 Grammys, they won the Best New Artist and Song of the Year categories. While he achieved global fame as a member of the group, Antonoff’s popularity has grown exponentially since he started writing and producing outside the group. 

Since 2016, he has racked in quite a number of Grammys in other categories. Out of four Album of the Year nominations, Antonoff has won two, with one currently pending, all for his work on Taylor Swift albums. Additionally, he took home the Grammys for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical in both 2022 and 2023. This makes him the only producer in this lineup to have previously won in this category. Antonoff was also nominated in this category in 2021, which makes this his fourth consecutive nomination. Considering his track record, he poses the biggest threat to the other nominees on this list. It would be his third consecutive win if he emerges victorious again at the 2024 Grammys. 

[via]

The post Grammy 2024 Nominees: A Look At Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rapsody Talks Creating “Asteroids” Single with Hit-Boy: ‘This One Just Felt Right’

by
ao

Rapsody is reloaded and ready to introduce fans to her new album. Speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Rapsody details her new single “Asteroids,” which she created with Hit-Boy. Rapsody says creating the new single was “amazing.”

“It was a journey,” Rapsody said. “I was almost done with the album and I remember something DJ Premier said. He was like, ‘Rap, you have to serve your fan base. They want the bars, you got to give them the bars.’ So, I was like… I was with Terrace Martin. I was like, ‘We got to go see Hit-Boy.’”

She added, “So, we got in the studio. He was running through joints. I took five. I had to stop myself because it was going to get real dangerous. But, I recorded all of them. But, this one just felt right.”

You can hear the new single below and check into the full episode here.

The post Rapsody Talks Creating “Asteroids” Single with Hit-Boy: ‘This One Just Felt Right’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapsody Talks Creating “Asteroids” Single with Hit-Boy: ‘This One Just Felt Right’ appeared first on The Source.

Rapsody And Hit-Boy Are Dodging “Asteroids” On Their New Song

by

There are plenty of producers that have been tearing it up over the past few years or so. One of them has to be Hit-Boy without a doubt. One of the reasons why he has been so dominant is because of his tremendous run with Nas. Their King’s Disease and Magic series is one of the most impressive feats in recent memory. Now, he is collaborating with another lyrical talent, Rapsody.

Even though one of the greatest rappers has not been dropping too much since her 2019 record, Eve, she is still at the top of her game. The beat includes some piano keys, laser shots, and a boom-bap vibe. Rapsody announced this track in a clever way last night (October 29) on her Instagram. Hit-Boy also was hyping it up, saying, “It’s on [fire emoji].”

Read More: 21 Savage Slams Kodak Black For Claiming That He “Switched Up”

Listen To “Asteroids” From Rapsody And Hit-Boy

The message of “Asteroids” is dodging the hate and disrespect and standing up for yourself. Rapsody is rapping with authority and gives off the feeling that she is taking no prisoners this time. “My biggest flex is I can stand on what I did /
Never faked anything, the cars or how I lived.” If you need a track to give you a confidence boost, then this is the track for you.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new track from Rapsody and Hit-Boy, “Asteroids?” Is Rapsody one of the best rappers of all time? Do we need more material from her and Hit-Boy? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Rapsody and Hit-Boy, as well as all of the hottest song drops.

Quotable Lyrics:

Know my power, I know what my penmanship did
Drop so many jewels I couldn’t even put em on wrist
That’s the sacrifice when you this nice
They wanna dim your light
But never that, never that
Never that

Read More: Drake Breaks Silence On Israel-Palestine Conflict, Signs Letter Calling For Ceasefire

The post Rapsody And Hit-Boy Are Dodging “Asteroids” On Their New Song appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Does Hit-Boy Deserve The 2023 Grammy For ‘Producer of the Year’?

by

Hit-Boy

​​Hit-Boy is making a strong case for Grammy nominations in 2023 after a successful year collaborating across multiple genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The prolific music producer’s collective, Surf Club, is pushing for his consideration in five different award categories, notably for “Producer of the Year.” SOHH dives into Hit-Boy’s impressive year and why […]

The post Does Hit-Boy Deserve The 2023 Grammy For ‘Producer of the Year’? appeared first on SOHH.com.

Hit-Boy Sells Publishing Rights On eBay to Travis Scott’s Song Collaboration With Beyoncé

by

Hit-Boy

Hit-Boy is making headlines as he actively seeks to sell his publishing rights to Travis Scott’s highly anticipated album UTOPIA. In a surprising move, the hip-hop producer has listed his publishing stake for the hit track “Delrestro (Echoes)” on eBay, which features the iconic Beyoncé. Alongside this sale, Hit-Boy has also put his Akai MPK […]

The post Hit-Boy Sells Publishing Rights On eBay to Travis Scott’s Song Collaboration With Beyoncé appeared first on SOHH.com.

Nas & Hit-Boy’s “Magic” Trilogy Albums, Ranked

by

There is no better term to describe Nas and Hit-Boy’s working relationship than “magic.” Ever since the two released their first collaborative album in 2020, their six-album run within the past three years has been nothing short of epic. With each quality King’s Disease and Magic release, Nas and Hit-Boy strengthened their chemistry and proved to be the rapper-producer pairing that fans did not know they needed.

The two recently concluded their second trilogy of albums with the release of both Magic 2 and Magic 3 this year. Further, we celebrated their first trilogy with a ranking of the King’s Disease albums, but now it is time to spotlight the Magic series. Ranked from least to greatest, look at our hierarchy of Nas and Hit-Boy’s Magic trilogy below.

3. Magic 2 (2023)

The sequel to 2021’s Magic arrived back in June, following the release of King’s Disease III last year. While it is an admirable sequel, Magic 2 sits at the bottom of the series. It is a quality release on its own merit, but it is far from the strongest work that Nas and Hit-Boy have made together. The album certainly continued to accentuate the duo’s chemistry, but it does not stack up to the others in the trilogy. Nas’s rapping and Hit-Boy’s production on Magic 2 make for an enjoyable listen, but it features the weakest production compared to the other Magic and King’s Disease albums. 

The choppy “Abracadabra” and the menacing “Motion” may not feature Hit-Boy’s best, but Nas still shines as a lyricist. Magic 2 includes several highlights, including “Bokeem Woodbine,” “Earvin Magic Johnson,” and “Pistols On Your Album Cover.” The celebratory “One Mic, One Gun” with 21 Savage served as yet another example of Nas and Hit-Boy’s ability to merge generations of hip hop seamlessly. Magic 2 has plenty of strong moments, but Nas and Hit-Boy set the bar so high with their previous works that they have had to keep up with themselves.

2. Magic 3 (2023)

Nas and Hit-Boy ended both the Magic trilogy and their six-album run on a perfect note with Magic 3. Released just months after its predecessor, the trilogy’s final installment strongly executes the consistent level of quality that the two have maintained. On the album, Nas celebrates his accomplishment of releasing six albums in three years with Hit-Boy. He basks in his longevity on songs like “I Love This Feeling” and “Speechless Pt. 2,” as well as proving that his storytelling is still on point with “Based On True Events, Pt. 2.” On “Never Die,” Lil Wayne delivers a brilliantly constructed verse that sticks to one consistent rhyme scheme. 

Hit-Boy’s production throughout the album is luscious and gritty, creating a perfect soundtrack to end the series. The song “1-800-Nas&Hit” serves as the closing credits to the Magic trilogy, creating a perfect send-off to their prolific string of albums. Released on Nas’s 50th birthday, Magic 3 may have marked an end to a trilogy, but it also felt like the rap legend was just getting started. 

1. Magic (2021)

Nas and Hit-Boy were in the zone when they released Magic. Arriving on December 24, 2021, just months after King’s Disease II, the album was a true holiday gift for fans. The nine-track opus felt like an extension of the masterpiece they had released earlier in the year. Hit-Boy’s production on Magic emphasized traditional loops in favor of its predecessor’s layered instrumentation. However, the album had the same polish of the King’s Disease sound he had already established. Hit-Boy’s approach to Magic allowed Nas to freely showcase his signature style after releasing a project full of new flows. 

Magic’s opening song, “Speechless,” sees Nas commanding a mesmerizing loop from Hit-Boy, rapping about his timeless winning streak. Album highlights like “Ugly” and “40-16 Building” serve as tales of old New York, while Nas and A$AP Rocky feel themselves on “Wave Gods.” Magic left minimal room with its concise tracklist, solidifying a new prime for Nas on an album that served as an appetizer to feed the buzz of King’s Disease III. Nas and Hit-Boy ultimately summed up their chemistry and consistent run of quality releases with the perfect word: magic.

[via]

The post Nas & Hit-Boy’s “Magic” Trilogy Albums, Ranked appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nas & Hit-Boy’s “King’s Disease” Trilogy Albums, Ranked

by

Nas and Hit-Boy recently concluded their King’s Disease and Magic series with the release of Magic 3. What started as a single collaborative album became two different trilogies of music, released over three years with a grand total of six albums. After an unprecedented string of quality releases, Nas and Hit-Boy became the ultimate rapper-producer pairing that fans did not know they needed. With each album, the two brought the best out of each other. While Nas and Hit-Boy officially ended their series of collaborative works, for now, it is time to highlight their epic run by ranking their albums. Today, we are ranking the King’s Disease trilogy from least to greatest. Take a look at the list below.

3. King’s Disease (2020)

It all started in 2020 when Nas released his twelfth studio album and first project to be entirely produced by Hit-Boy. Looking back, King’s Disease has many great qualities. While Nas had previously made mature and introspective albums with Life is Good and Nasir, King’s Disease felt like a new beginning for the hip hop icon. The album’s production was new for Nas, but also honed in on his strengths. He embraced the current sounds of hip hop while sticking to his signature style. 

Compared to the other King’s Disease albums, the first installment is notably calmer with somber production. However, it does have its unpredictable moments like the uplifting “Ultra Black,” the street banger “Spicy,” and the song for the ladies in “Replace Me.” There is even a Firm reunion on “Full Circle.” The first King’s Disease marked an evolution of Nas’s sound with the help of Hit-Boy’s production and his collaborations with younger artists. Still, the pair had yet to unlock the full potential of their working relationship.

2. King’s Disease III (2022)

Nas and Hit-Boy could not have ended the King’s Disease trilogy on a better note. The series’s third and final installment did not include any guest features and consisted of very minimal co-production. The featureless tracklist attests to the duo’s ability to make quality music without relying on others. The chemistry between the two on King’s Disease III is undoubtedly the tightest it had ever been on any of their albums. 

Nas likens his and Hit-Boy’s collaborative relationship to that of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones on album highlight “Michael & Quincy,” which features one of the most jaw-dropping beat switches of their six-album run. He also sharpens his ability to not only personify objects but also concepts in the song “Beef.” The album features some of Hit-Boy’s most inventive productions, such as the Five Heartbeats-sampling “Legit” and the groovy “Hood2Hood.” He even flips an EDM song into a New York anthem for “Til My Last Breath.” King’s Disease III features some of Nas and Hit-Boy’s best collaborative moments and is a very close second to its predecessor. It was an epic closer to a trilogy, reaffirming that Nas and Hit-Boy were on fire.

1. King’s Disease II (2021)

Following their first collaborative album in 2020, Nas and Hit-Boy struck gold with King’s Disease II the following year. Its tracklist is the most varied out of the trilogy, with layered production that captured the essence of vintage and current Nas. The album was built upon the strengths of the first King’s Disease. The sequel also took more artistic risks that ended up paying off. Nas’s hooks and overall songwriting on King’s Disease II stand out as the best among the trilogy. 

It is impressive that on his thirteenth studio album, Nas was still trying new flows and pushing the boundaries of his sound with different productions. Songs like “40 Side” and “YKTV” saw him exploring new musical territory, not to mention “The Pressure,” which is arguably the best opening track from their entire run. Nas’s songs of reflection like “Moments” and “Store Run” are lyrical highlights. King’s Disease II also boasts many of the best features out of the trilogy with commendable verses from Eminem and Lauryn Hill. While Hit-Boy provided both classic soulful beats and modern upbeat instrumentation, he shined as a rapper on “Composure.” Overall, King’s Disease II stands tall at the top of the trilogy between Nas and Hit-Boy, displaying that they were in rare form during their historic run.

[via]

The post Nas & Hit-Boy’s “King’s Disease” Trilogy Albums, Ranked appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nas on Working with Hit-Boy for Six Albums: ‘It’s Gratifying, A Feeling of Accomplishment’

by
Nas to Drop 'Magic 3' with Hit-Boy on His 50th Birthday

Nas and Hit-Boy have concluded their two rap trilogies but that doesn’t mean there won’t be collaborations in the future. Speaking in a clip shared on Instagram, Nas stated he now knows he could return to create more together.

“For me, there’s an emotional moment because to complete something beyond what you thought you were even working on, we didn’t know we’d do six albums,” said Nas. “So to be at this point, it’s satisfying, it’s gratifying, it’s a feeling of accomplishment on another level for myself as an MC, and I’m lucky enough to work with some of the greatest producers in the world.”

In a monumental celebration of his 50th birthday, Nas, the iconic wordsmith of Hip-Hop, gifts the world with the grand finale of a remarkable trilogy – “Magic 3.” This magnum opus, brought to life by Nas’ longtime collaborator and production maestro, Hit-Boy, comprises 15 brand-new tracks. As the final chapter in their legendary partnership, “Magic 3” solidifies the duo’s status as one of Hip-Hop’s most prolific and dynamic pairings.

This project marks the sixth album crafted by Nas and Hit-Boy in just three years, following their previous triumphs in the “Magic” series. The saga began with “Magic” dropping on Christmas Eve in 2021, followed by the explosive release of “Magic 2” this past July, featuring heavyweight collaborators like 50 Cent and 21 Savage.

What makes “Magic 3” even more extraordinary is that it lands on Nas‘ 50th birthday, aligning perfectly with the golden jubilee of Hip-Hop itself.

True to his word, Nas teased fans with a cryptic video captioned “The Finale” on his social media, leaving the Hip-Hop community in anticipation. The official announcement of “Magic 3” arrived on September 12th, 2023, adding to the mystique surrounding this project.

Throughout their collaborative journey, Nas and Hit-Boy have gifted fans well over 70 tracks, featuring remarkable guest appearances from the likes of A$AP Rocky, Eminem, Lauryn Hill, and The Firm. Their exceptional streak of high-quality music has undeniably etched its name into the annals of Hip-Hop history, leaving fans wondering about Nas’ next move in his illustrious career.

As we eagerly dive into “Magic 3,” here’s a glimpse of the tracklist, promising a sonic journey like no other:

1. “Fever”

2. “TSK”

3. “Superhero Status”

4. “I Love This Feeling”

5. “No Tears”

6. “Never Die” Feat. Lil Wayne

7. “Pretty Young Girl”

8. “Based On True Events”

9. “Based On True Events Pt. 2”

10. “Sitting With My Thoughts”

11. “Blue Bentley”

12. “Jodeci Member”

13. “Speechless Pt. 2”

14. “Japanese Soul Bar”

15. “1-800-Nas-&-Hit”

With “Magic 3,” Nas and Hit-Boy invite us to witness the culmination of an extraordinary era in Hip-Hop, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in the legendary Nasir Jones’ storied career.

The post Nas on Working with Hit-Boy for Six Albums: ‘It’s Gratifying, A Feeling of Accomplishment’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Nas on Working with Hit-Boy for Six Albums: ‘It’s Gratifying, A Feeling of Accomplishment’ appeared first on The Source.