July 09, 2003
5 DJ Premier Classics.
I keep twitching at my lace curtains and filtering the phone-calls but I've yet to be contacted by any high-end record company lawyers. In fact, and please bear this in mind all you badass solicitors, I've sold quite a few records for you folk. The usual rejoinder. Blah blah blah. You know me, in more trouble than Paddington Bear!
Not going to get to wordy about this lot; I'm acquainted with these tracks better sonically than culturally, and I've said quite enough this week. Ya get me! This is a great DJ Premier site if you want to find out more about the all-conquering genius of Premo. Here is my selection of truly wonderful, vaguely obscure, Premier productions. Premier defined the mid-range woomph of hip-hop, and he's done lots of productions for loads of folk. Practically anyone who showed up at D&D Studios with a rhyme sheet got a nice little beat to walk over.
1. Jeru the Damaja: Me, Not the Paper (Remix)
The best Jeru track I've heard. Took me an age to track it down, as it doesn't seem to have an orthodox release. Sheer beauty.
2. OC: My World
Won this on a bid at eBay, then the seller turned out to be two blocks away (Pete at Smallfish!). I like Time's Up too, but I think thats someone else, not Premier.
3. Lady of Rage: Some Shit
This really busts out! She's one sassy lady.
4. Sunnyside: Finsta Bundy
It's unclear whether this is Premo or not. Ego Trip seem to believe it is. Actually the beats are better than the rap, but that sound perfectly captures the sensation of steam rising off summer-hot streets.
5. All City: The Actual
A joint production between Pete Rock and Premo, a rare example of a super-partnership actually working. Check those stabs! The LP is a bit so-so. I found this 12" on my recent NYC jaunt.