dj premier Archives

Here’s a Mind-Blowingly Comprehensive Oral History of Rawkus Records

Here's a mind-blowingly comprehensive oral history of Rawkus Records, one of the last great Hip-Hop record labels, put together by MySpace. The piece features contributions from DJ Premier, DJ Spinna, El-P, Evil Dee, Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip and many, many more. Check out an excerpt and link to... Read more

April 30, 2014 Throwback

Bink Remixes Big L & Fat Joe’s Historic D.I.T.C. Moment Together (Audio)

Philadelphia native producer Bink is known for producing joints for nearly 20 years, including Jay Z's "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)," Mr. Cheeks' "Lights, Camera, Action," and Kanye West's "Devil In A New Dress." The onetime Roc-A-Fella affiliate now takes a hand at D.I.T.C.'s "Da Enemy." The late '90s track was... Read more

April 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Close Out The Nas’ Illmatic Celebrations With DJ Moneyshot’s Amazing Sample-Sourced Mega Mix (Mixtape)

In one week, it'll be May, and much of the April coverage celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Hip-Hop's hallmarks, Nas' Illmatic, will seem out of vogue, or passé, while other things are highlighted. Before the calendars change, Solid Steel's DJ Moneyshot, who has previously re-considered and extensively examined... Read more

April 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Miguel Offers Up A Small Taste Of What He’s Doing With DJ Premier (Video)

From D'Angelo to Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera to K-Ci & JoJo, DJ Premier has worked with a plethora of highly-successful vocalists, who, while found in Pop or R&B genres, incorporate a whole lot more into their music. This week, Miguel posted a video Instagram of his stop in Midtown... Read more

April 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Time Travel Back To Rap Radio’s Golden Days In This 1991 Gang Starr Interview & Tim Westwood Mix (Audio)

Take yourself back almost exactly 23 years to the date, to April 19, 1991, when London’s Hip-Hop radio prophet Tim Westwood links up with Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Guru (plus Caveman) as they take the world by storm promoting the release of their album, Step In The Arena LP.... Read more

April 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier Remixes A 22-Year Old Classic From D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz & A.G. (Audio)

Twenty-two years later, the joint that got it all started for D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) gets amazing reconsideration. For May 7's D.I.T.C. remix album, DJ Premier (who always rolled close to the crew) reworked the Showbiz & A.G. "Soul Clap" B-side, which featured Diamond D and Lord Finesse as... Read more

April 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

The Week in Video Featured 50 Cent Detailing Why G-Unit Split, Drake Being Fake, Illmatic Celebrations & More (Video)

The week in video featured 50 Cent calling out members of G-Unit by name and explaining the demise of the crew, Drake in disguise on the street clowning himself, Jhene Aiko living out the ultimate revenge fantasy against a cheating ex, an Illmatic documentary featuring Nas and Kendrick Lamar, killer... Read more

April 18, 2014 Playlists, Video

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Dres Goes In For DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth. How Does The Black Sheep / evitaN O.G. Do? (Video)

Late last year, DJ Premier launched his Bars In The Booth series. Kicking things off with Papoose, the spot pairs MCs of all sorts with a Premo instrumental in the studio, seemingly on the spot. Next up, Premo goes to a peer in Dres. The former front-man of The Black... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Memory Lane: Noah Uman & Making Nas’ Illmatic XX & The Hip-Hop Reissue (Food For Thought Interview)

With some competition, in the 12 month radius of its release alone, Nas' Illmatic is commonly argued as Hip-Hop's greatest album. The debut from the Queensbridge MC was made in a place and time where the genre of Rap and the album format was changing shape. Surrounded by a council... Read more

April 12, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

DJ Premier Tells the Story of How He Became a DJ (Video)

Salute to DJ Premier who was honored by Serato today for his contribution to DJ culture. As part of the tribute, they've put together a phenomenal video of Premier discussing what led him to be a DJ, how Gang Starr came to be, his early days as a producer, his... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

The Lady of Rage Rocks Rough and Stuff with DJ Premier (Audio)

DJ Premier has launched a brand new site, Premier Wuz Here, where you can find some of the many gems he has bestowed upon the culture. One such jewel is a song he did with the Lady of Rage, which has a title that sums it up perfectly. Check out... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio

Check Out This Tender Hip-Hop Moment That Will Make You Smile (Video)

Family is an important part of Hip-Hop. So is having fun. Large Professor this video from Brooklyn Bowl of he and his daughter vibin' out to DJ Premier on the wheels of steel (playing some Run-DMC and some Big L). If this don't bring a smile, check your pulse... #FunFact:... Read more

April 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Strolls Down Memory Lane, Talking The Legendary Producers Who Backed Him Early, With Zane Lowe

Illmatic XX has Nas really looking in his rearview. The sometimes reclusive Queensbridge MC is completely open in looking at the formation of his most celebrated album. Zane Lowe, who is getting unrivaled access to guys like Eminem, Jay Z, and Kanye West, sits down with Nasir on his audio... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Papoose Links With DJ Premier Again, This Time On Current Events (Audio)

Papoose has been in the Rap game for over 16 years. From how people get their music to "what's beef," the Brooklyn MC has watched a lot change. He talks about what sees as it pertains to the now, while DJ Premier pieces together one of the best scratch-choruses heard... Read more

April 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Shows The Untouched Remnants Of D&D Studios, How A Fight With Guru Made A Gang Starr Classic (Video)

In Gang Starr's Hard To Earn 20th anniversary year, DJ Premier has done some special press concerning the group, the album, and the legendary status of his group with Guru. Today, DJ Premier, along with a host of others, work out of Midtown Manhattan's HeadCourterz Studios. Named after the late... Read more

March 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Planet Asia Breathes Fresh Fire Into a Classic DJ Premier Beat (Video)

If you get on the Rhyme No More beat DJ Premier laced for Jay Z, you better have BARS. Please believe, Planet Asia has got plenty. Check out how he breathes fresh fire into a classic. Related: Guilty Simpson & Planet Asia Switch Seats With Apollo Brown & Gensu Dean... Read more

March 14, 2014 Video

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Piece Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn

Gang Starr's Hard to Earn album turns 20 years old tomorrow (3/8). To celebrate the landmark LP, Nahright & Up North Trips have put together a phenomenal piece that features a track by track breakdown of the making of the album by DJ Premier, himself. Check out an excerpt and... Read more

March 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

9th Wonder Prepares For His Hip-Hop Fellowship At Harvard, Kendrick Lamar & DJ Premier Speak On It (Video)

In addition to the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard, 9th Wonder is currently a fellow at the Ivy League university. He will spend three years working on a research project at Harvard’s W.E.B. Dubois Institute. 9th, who has taught for years at North Carolina Central University (alongside Kid, from... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Underground Veteran Is DJ Premier Making A Full Album With Next? (Video)

From Charli Baltimore to Vinnie Paz to Roscoe P. Coldchain, DJ Premier has some strong Philly ties. The Gang Starr producer/DJ and the City Of Brotherly Love go way, way back like Just-Ice. Today, a surprising announcement was made as Premo links with a true Philly veteran. Jakk Frost might... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

2014 Dilla Day Detroit To Include Native Tongues, Slum Village & DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock

From his work with Slum Village to "Fuck The Police," J Dilla helped give Detroit a rhythm throughout the '90s and 2000s. Jay Dee, as Heads first knew him, helped take the sound coming out of the Electronica influence, combined with Soul City sampling, and made artists ranging from De... Read more

January 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Saigon’s Next Album To Feature 3-4 DJ Premier Tracks & Big Daddy Kane?

Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told album featured one of the most exciting production lineups for any debut artists. Although it was released over five years after originally planned, on a different label than commissioned it, the album featured production by Just Blaze, with involvement from Kanye West, Swizz Beatz,... Read more

January 16, 2014 Fresh

DJ Premier and Pete Rock Are Doing a Joint “Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier” Album (Video)

This is 50 caught up with DJ Premier and Pete Rock recently. The 2 legendary producer/DJs discussed touring, the BET Cyphers and their respective upcoming projects, including their joint Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier LP. Check out the video. Related: The 50 Most Compelling Visual Moments in Hip-Hop of 2013... Read more

January 5, 2014 Video

When DJ Premier Speaks Hip-Hop Listens. Here are His 20 Favorite Songs of 2013.

There have been lots of wrap up lists of the "best of" 2013, including many of our own. When one of the greatest producers of all-time weighs in, however, Heads take note. DJ Premier has put together his list of his 20 favorite Hip-Hop songs of the year and some... Read more

January 4, 2014 Fresh

DJ Premier Flexes a New Sound with Disclosure…and it’s a Stone Cold Groove (Audio)

DJ Premier provided UK artist Disclosure with a remix to their song Latch that is a departure from his patented boom bap and definitive scratches. The song is full of melody and soul. It's a great expansion for Primo and an excellent look for Disclosure. Check it out. Related: DJ... Read more

December 16, 2013 Audio

DJ Premier Opens Up A Limited Time Online Gang Starr Pop-Up Shop With Rare Goodies

Gang Starr is forever. In the '90s and 2000s, a Gang Starr hoodie was one of the most coveted, respected pieces of Hip-Hop merch out there. If you were at The Ownerz Tour in 2003-2004 with Guru, DJ Premier, Common, Talib Kweli, DJ Dummy, Big Shug, and the others, you... Read more

December 14, 2013 Fresh

Raekwon Freaks The Classic Gang Starr Funk On Lion’s Paw Freestyle (Audio)

Gang Starr and DJ Premier have longstanding ties to the Wu-Tang Clan, from the days of Premo lending equipment to RZA in the Tommy Boy Records days, to Inspectah Deck on "Above The Clouds," and Method Man's appearance on the "In Together Now" remix. Interestingly enough, Staten Island's Raekwon has... Read more

December 2, 2013 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Cuts The Scratches To Who’s Gonna Take The Weight Live (Video)

Asking a Head to name their favorite Gang Starr tracks can be a lot like Sophie's Choice. From the joints included on the duo's two greatest hits compilations onto the album cuts from 1986 to 2003, it was all pretty revolutionary for beats, rhymes, style, charisma, and "tha voice." One... Read more

November 30, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

The Nas and DJ Premier Collabo Album is Coming…DJ Premier Speaks on the Project (Video)

EME caught up with DJ Premier to discuss his much anticipated joint album with Nas. Primo spoke on that, as well as working on new material with Joey Bada$$, Macklemore, The Lady of Rage and more. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru... Read more

November 24, 2013 Video

Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru (Video)

Guru has been gone for three and a half years. However, the man also known as Baldhead Slick will never be forgotten. Marco Polo enlists Guru's Gang Starr partner DJ Premier, as well as late in life collaborator Talib Kweli for "G.U.R.U." This is heartfelt, and the latest tribute, following... Read more

November 1, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier To Produce Future Nas Album (Video)

Fans have been bothering (rightfully) DJ Premier and Nas about this planned album together since word broke in Scratch magazine back in the mid-2000s. In a recent interview with Phenom Bank, Primo confirmed that a collaboration between the two living legends was on the way, saying "I just saw him last... Read more

October 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier vs. DJ Whoo Kid on The Whoolywood Shuffle (Video)

DJ Premier sat down with DJ Whoo Kid and told Hip-Hop stories for days. Primo spoke on being the official DJ for The Cypher, Gang Starr, the original more controversial version of KRS-One's Outta Here, his relationships with Big L, Kanye, Tupac, Jay Z and more. Check out the video... Read more

October 7, 2013 Throwback

Dynasty – Street Music ft DJ Premier

After becoming one of Hip-Hop's most important co-signs of the last 25 years, this time DJ Premier adds to his mile-long list of production credits with "Street Music," the latest single from Dynasty. The Queens female MC does the production justice, spitting raw lyrics over precise Primo cuts. The track... Read more

October 4, 2013 Audio, Fresh

KRS-One’s Return Of The Boom-Bap 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

This weekend, the first KRS-One album to not be billed as Boogie Down Productions turns 20 years old. On September 28, 1993, Jive Records and Kris Parker teamed to release Return Of The Boom-Bap. The album was exactly one decade removed from the arrival of Run-DMC, the "boom-bap" was a... Read more

September 30, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Mack Wilds – Keepin’ It Real

We told you recently that Mack Wilds was working with an arsenal of Heads-heralded producers including Salaam Remi and DJ Premier. Premo's fansite announced that "Keepin' It Real" is produced by the pair, who both contributed joints to Nas' Stillmatic album 12 years ago. Reports claim that Remi laced the... Read more

September 24, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody – Kingship (Video)

She Got Game continues to slam dunk its way onto iPods, CD-Rs, and playlists everywhere. Rapsody made a video for standout single "Kingship," produced by the almighty DJ Premier. Shot in HeadCourterz Studios in Midtown Manhattan, two masters at work, where one master has been working for 20 years and... Read more

September 20, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock: The Rematch (Video)

Heads may have seen Pete Rock and DJ Premier battle in the past. This is the rematch...In the next round of their friendly battle, the 2 legendary DJs flip the script by competing using the other's beats. Pete spins Primo's classic productions and vice versa. Check out the video. Related:... Read more

September 15, 2013 Throwback

DJ Premier Explains the Meaning of the Gang Starr Logo (Video)

After more than 20 years, the Gang Starr logo remains one of the most iconic brands in Hip-Hop. DJ Premier spoke with Mass Appeal about the symbolism and evolution of the logo. Check out the video below. Related: Shop Talk With DJ Premier (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Video

Fat Joe – The Darkside 3 (Mixtape)

In the post-Atlantic Records era, Fat Joe's artistry has been perplexing. While the D.I.T.C. member has always put a song or two on every album to remind the Heads of his roots before becoming a household name, in recent years, he's made some really grimy albums. 2010's The Darkside was... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Rapsody – Kingship (Prod. DJ Premier)

I attended a small listening session for Rapsody's upcoming mixtape She Got Game last night. It is hands down one of the best projects of the year so far (album or mixtape) with production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Terrace Martin and more, as well as guest verses from Ab-Soul, Raekwon,... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio

DJ Kool Herc, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane & More To Do Free NYC Park Show (Event)

If you're within a day's drive of New York City on August 10, you have an opportunity to live, breathe, hear, and see true hip-hop history. The Godfather DJ Kool Kerc, pioneer Coke La Rock, iconic MCs Big Daddy Kane & Rakim, and our friend DJ Premier are all slated... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

The Making of Jeru The Damaja’s Come Clean (Video)

Here's an incredibly well done documentary on the making of Jeru The Damaja's classic Come Clean. It features interviews with Jeru, DJ Premier, Talib Kweli, Special Ed, Pete Rock and more, vintage footage and photos, and priceless stories. Check out the video below. Related: The Making of Pete Rock &... Read more

August 1, 2013 Throwback

DJ Premier Speaks on His Favorite Current MCs and More (Video)

Here's one that might be a scratcher for some Heads...The legendary DJ Premier, the stalwart of hip-hop credibility, named Drake as the current MC with whom he wants to work and praises 2 Chainz rhyming ability. Check out the video of him on The Combat Jack Show below to learn... Read more

July 8, 2013 Video

DJ Premier Discusses Mister Cee, Porn and More on The Combat Jack Show (Video)

DJ Premier talks porn, Mister Cee and more on part 2 of his sit down with Combat Jack. Check out the video. Related: DJ Premier Discusses the Genesis of 10 Crack Commandments and More on The Combat Jack Show (Video)... Read more

July 3, 2013 Video

DJ Premier Discusses the Genesis of 10 Crack Commandments and More on The Combat Jack Show (Video)

Would you believe the Notorious B.I.G.'s classic 10 Crack Commandments was originally a radio promo spot featuring Jeru Tha Damaja on NYC's Hot 97? You can hear DJ Premier discuss that on The Combat Jack Show and listen to the original Jeru version below. Props: NahRight Related: DJ Finesse –... Read more

July 1, 2013 Video

DJ Premier – Guru Tribute Mix

Today marks the third anniversary of our loss of Guru. To celebrate his life, here's the mix that his Gang Starr partner DJ Premier did as a tribute. Since Guru was also one of the finest MCs to ever come out of Boston, we dedicate this to all those affected... Read more

April 19, 2013 Audio

Marco Polo – G.U.R.U. ft Talib Kweli & DJ Premier

One day before the 3rd anniversary of Guru's passing, here's a really dope tribute to him from Talib Kweli, DJ Premier and Marco Polo. Check out G.U.R.U. Related: Talib Kweli – Come Here ft Miguel (Audio) Click here to download... Read more

April 18, 2013 Audio

Shop Talk With DJ Premier (Video)

Music industry veteran Jeff Sledge sat down to talk shop with DJ Premier. Primo spoke about the early Gang Starr years, the challenges with recording back in the day, how he felt after having his first number 1 record and more. Check out the video. Related: DJ Finesse – B.I.G.... Read more

April 10, 2013 Video