DJ Premier on Gang Starr, Jay-Z, Biggie, and Becoming One of Music’s Biggest Producers

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Күн бұрын

On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, legendary producer DJ Premier takes us on a journey from his early days as part of the duo Gang Starr, to producing for then up-and-coming rapper Jay-Z and helping to shape his sound, to carving his own lane and becoming one of the greatest producers in hip hop history. And it all started with one idea.
0:00 - DJ Premier's Journey in Hip-Hop
1:10 - Parents' Careers and Early Creative Exposure
3:02 - Relationship with Travis Scott's Father
4:37 - DJ Premier's Perspective on Music Evolution
6:27 - From Aretha Franklin to Jackson 5
8:01 - Fresh Fest and the Birth of a Passion
9:48 - LL Cool J, Run DMC, Chuck D, and more
10:55 - From Blending to Scratching
12:01 - Choosing DJ Premiere as a name
13:04 - Pursuing Computer Science and Discovering Passion for Music
13:55 - Support from Parents and Working at a Record Store
16:00 - Making a Demo and Getting Noticed
20:06 - Joining Gang Starr and Developing a Sound
21:11 - Living and Working Together
23:03 - Defying Genre Labels
24:51 - Staying ahead of the trends
25:39 - Meeting Biggie Smalls
26:48 - Discovering Lady of Rage and Dr. Dre
27:12 - His evolution and collaborations with iconic artists
27:50 - Dynamic within Gang Starr
29:06 - The struggles of managing Guru
30:03 - A significant incident that impacted their relationship
31:25 - The story behind a classic song fight with Guru
32:14 - Overcoming creative block
33:02 - Unlocking the signature sound
33:07 - Making of "Mass Appeal"
33:57 - Collaboration with Biggie Smalls
34:27 - Impact of their music
36:12 - Personal Qualities and Humility
37:01 - Influence on Classic Albums
38:25 - Consistency and Evolution in Music
39:28 - Collaboration with Christina Aguilera
39:54 - Trusting His Instincts
40:13 - Coping with Guru's Passing
43:56 - Rebuilding with Royce da 5'9"
46:48 - Conclusion and Future Outlook
47:48 - Change in Beat Sound with Adrian Young Music
49:11 - Becoming Aware of Travis Scott's Musical Ambitions
50:32 - Scoring Movies and Creating a Cartoon
52:05 - Potential Collaborative Albums and Artists
54:40 - Embracing the Streaming Era and Rediscovering Joy and Passion

Пікірлер: 417

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

What's your all-time #1 DJ Premier beat? We'll go first... "NY State of Mind" by Nas

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

For me it’s “The Realness” off Group Home.

@yOGlo 11 ай бұрын

M.O.P - handle ur bizness (prod. by premier .. also comes out tpb 🤣🔥

@samaniewelbeck938 11 ай бұрын

"Mass Appeal" for me--I was 11, my big brother was 18. I used to steal his tapes and copy them 😂 I took Hard to Earn and copied it on my double deck Sony shelf stereo. I was obsessed with that joint!

@djaitchb 11 ай бұрын

"DWYCK" (featuring Nice & Smooth)

@yen4407 11 ай бұрын

way too many i cant really pick one but i guess mathematics by mos def

@rawkris 5 ай бұрын

The best producer ever. The crazy thing is this: NOBODY embodies the New York hardcore sound better than Premier, Yet he was born & raised in Texas. He is absolute embodiment of the golden age of hip-hop(1986-1999).

@UwU777UwU 11 ай бұрын

DJ Premier is the embodiment of 90s BoomBap

@4saxon7 11 ай бұрын

*hip hop

@UwU777UwU 11 ай бұрын

@@4saxon7 nahh BoomBap.

@4saxon7 11 ай бұрын

@@UwU777UwU get that but you don’t call him an embodiment of hip hop? You gotta be joking dunn

@4saxon7 11 ай бұрын

@@UwU777UwU he produced on the albums of the best MCS year after year? If that’s not an embodiment of hip hop I don’t know what is lol

@moonlefsyde 11 ай бұрын

Large Pro

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

SEASON THREE FINALÉ! I’ve worked as a music journalist for more than 25 years, and still-despite having met and talked with a few times, and even broken bread once or twice over the years-sitting down with DJ Premier is a unique distinction that rates at the top of the pyramid of career achievements. He created the soundtrack to my adolescence, and for that I’ll forever be indebted. But as I get older, my admiration for Preem is not so much about his work product, though his ear is unmatched, but more so about his integrity. I don’t care what your discipline is, we should all aspire to stand on our creative vision with the same steadfast, unwavering commitment Premier does. He has never questioned or compromised his brand, and never broken the trust of his fans. To do that over any period is commendable; to do it for over 35 years is a feat. I could go on and on about Premier’s many qualities and accomplishments, but I’d rather focus on the part of this conversation that I found the most fascinating. Premier grew up outside Houston, and fell in love with hip-hop in the early ‘80s when it was almost entirely an export of NYC. So that he figured out how to make rap beats-then an art with maybe a dozen practitioners in the world, 98% of whom lived in the five boroughs-by listening to 12”s, and reverse engineering the sounds by ear, is truly remarkable. That he managed to get the attention of execs 1600 miles away off those demos is almost unbelievable. But it happened. And it’s a testament to Premier’s talent, and the power of tenacity and ambition. Against all odds, DJ Premier willed himself to the place he wanted to be: the center of hip-hop. Tune in for this story, and a lot more about creating his career, navigating his partnership with Guru, and building a life after Gang Starr. And, since this, our 36th episode, marks the end of season three, I want to thank the IDEA GENERATION team who made it all happen: Helena Ochs, Tricia Clarke-Stone, Kyle Gaughan, Jack Erwin and John Walaszek.

@billynguyen710 11 ай бұрын

Bravo!!!

@REAP3Rsan 11 ай бұрын

25 years is not kids games, kudos to you too for this brilliant coverage

@PeaceAchance-os6lj 11 ай бұрын

Amazing interview.

@ericspivak 11 ай бұрын

goat

@treeverett1288 11 ай бұрын

L lol loo

@billynguyen710 11 ай бұрын

Premier is the example of our hip hop hero aging gracefully. Excellent interview!!

@D.E.M.A. 11 ай бұрын

love and admire this guy so much. 57 years old and still grindin' like a teen who just discovered his life passion

@sergiikushchenko5790 11 ай бұрын

Shout out to the incredible talents of his parents being real parents!!!

@GrandMaster.Smile. 6 ай бұрын

Word to the Mother! I had the same thoughts in my mind.

@ohdagee 11 ай бұрын

Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about how Preemo's signature sound has permeated Hip Hop for the longest. His beats, from NY State Of Mind, to Above The Clouds, all the way up to his most recent productions with Griselda is and always will be part of this culture's DNA. Peace to the Gods!

@djceejaay 11 ай бұрын

An absolute excellent interview with the one whom I consider Hip-Hop's best producer. Mahalo for giving him his flowers right now, in 2023! 👏🏾🙏🏾

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

Really appreciate the kind words.

@vkjfv 11 ай бұрын

not the best i put uncle Al first

@SCATTLE 11 ай бұрын

Premier is the best. Timeless beats, experimental approach, consistency is unmatched to this day

@robertm.vaughn4545 11 ай бұрын

LET IT BE KNOWN THAT DJ PREMIER IS THE MOST ICONIC TOP INDUSTRY PRODUCER OF OUR GENERATION.... BAR NONE! NO ONE WILL EVER DO WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR HIP HOP OVER THE YEARS AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME...."MAD" SALUTE TO DJ PREMIER!!

@ShaamJones 11 ай бұрын

Preemo’s contribution to the culture has been instrumental in pushing us forward 👏🏾 he deserves all the flowers he gets and then some.

@louisbarak3283 11 ай бұрын

Great Parents are the building blocks to Greatness… I wish I had parents like Premier….. such a blessing….. happy to be a positive force in my children’s lives…

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

That's why I always lead these interviews asking about how people's parents frame their professional ambitions. Whether they know it or not, our folks really level set our ambitions, and teach us our work ethic. You see it as a recurrent theme in nearly every episode.

@chomptonstoodios5140 11 ай бұрын

KING!! 👑 He should have worn a crown for this whole interview!!

@BeatLjooZ 11 ай бұрын

I was about 16 yo, when I thought a lot about how it would be having DJ Premier as a mentor (only listening to music, never seen an interview!). I can still say he probably one of those guys you would want as a mentor. Great personality! This interview shows that.

@EpisodiacSelections 11 ай бұрын

Living legend, hard to earn one of the best top 5 albums of all time. When one even thinks of the phrase, feeling or culture of hip hop, premiere is right there and isn't going anywhere. Superb interview and one for the history books of hip hop!

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

Thanks, kindly. Glad you enjoyed.

@guieming3018 10 ай бұрын

I have to say as much as i love hard to earn, it’s only a top 3 Gang Starr album for me (MOT being my fav hh album ever, Daily operation being one of my fav 90s rap albums)

@guieming3018 10 ай бұрын

Plus, The Jeru album from 94’ is the better 94’ album produced by him imo

@drayhudson3776 7 ай бұрын

@@guieming3018daily operation is highly slept on, some of Guru best lyrics and some gems by Premo too

@moteebmalik80 11 ай бұрын

As someone who grew-up as a young kid in the 90's, this was beautiful to watch. Nothing like Preemo production and beats, he is at the top of my producer list!

@travelinman 11 ай бұрын

The greatest hip hop producer ever

@Celliam7 11 ай бұрын

DJ Premier is the epitome of the golden age of hip hop... Definitely in my top 5 hip hop producers of all time!

@HappyWolverine 10 ай бұрын

top 5 yes! I'm saying Dilla, Premier, P Rock, Dre, Muggs

@Gretev1 9 ай бұрын

He is the greatest to me

@onewardog1169 7 ай бұрын

Preemo Dre Rza Dilla Ye

@jaimerodriguez1550 11 ай бұрын

If you want to talk about one of the father's in the family tree of music production, DJ Premier is definitely at the top.

@taureanwashingtonstudios 11 ай бұрын

My favorite producer of all time... period

@nuggz22 6 ай бұрын

You can tell Preemo had a really good upbringing. HIs parents were pivotal to his rise to superiority, a living legend in the game.

@ARE_YOU_SICK_OF_YT_CENSORSHIP 11 ай бұрын

i've been waiting (probably in vain) for Preem x Bub B album, Bun's flow sounds good on boom bap beats

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

We’re gonna be in Houston with Bun for a live taping next Wednesday. Will put a bug in his ear for you…

@ARE_YOU_SICK_OF_YT_CENSORSHIP 11 ай бұрын

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL Ha, exciting

@wolverineweaponx6304 11 ай бұрын

Dj Premier is the Greatest Hip Hop Producer of all times!!! 1. Dj Premier 2. Pete Rock 3. Erick Sermon 4. Dr. Dre 5. J. Dilla 6. The Rza 7. Nottz 8. Alchemist 9. 9th Wonder 10. Marley Marl .....is my top ten!!!💯

@seandacosta2421 11 ай бұрын

This is an ill top 10 ✊🏾

@oraclejmt 10 ай бұрын

1. DJ Premier 2. Paul C 3. Pete Rock 4. Marley Marl 5. RZA 6. Large Professor 7. QTip 8. Dr. Dre 9. J Dilla 10. Alchemist

@exelbeats 11 ай бұрын

As a producer, Premo was one of my biggest influences growing up. Solid interview. I was glued to the screen the entire time.

@CVinyl 11 ай бұрын

Master Teacher Premo 🎛🎚🎧

@alexanderclaylavin 11 ай бұрын

Like Kubrick, his presence is felt outside of his own art form

@angel77lopez 11 ай бұрын

Great Interview. Thank you. Premier is my favorite musician. Yes I said musician. This man takes parts and pieces of old songs and puts together dope samples. The sample machine and turn table is an instrument for this man. He makes timeless music. Thanks for your contribution to Hip Hop. Flowers to you and Primo and Gifted. Unlimited. Rhymes. Universal. GURU!!!!!!

@Sincere4Eva 2 ай бұрын

Salute to the greatest producer to ever grace Hip Hop with his amazing abilities.. DJ Premier is in a class all by himself.. no one, & I mean no one can touch his production.. 🫡💯 Respect from the Boogie Down..

@damegrand2954 11 ай бұрын

Nicely said Noah, DJ Prem is a true DJ, and his music will always be etched in my brain and a huge part of my life. Thanks DJ Premier.

@BogodileMotlhabane 11 ай бұрын

PREEMO!!!! Love him to bits! Thanks for the interview. I still get chills even today when i see "produced by DJ PREMIER" ahahaha He's a true Legend and true to his art! Respect to GANGSTARR and REST WELL GURU!!!

@soultribej 5 ай бұрын

Guru on "The meaning of the name." Is what Makes guru a top 5

@KD_SWAGGER 11 ай бұрын

DJ Premier is not only one of the great producers in hip hop, but a down to earth humble individual. Great interview!

@dabrownsound 11 ай бұрын

No way! Stoked for this one. Great guest choice, NCB

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

had to end the season with a bang!

@anthonygrady3733 11 ай бұрын

I watched half stopped & made a beat then watched other half.. Thank you for making so much Beautiful music 🙏🏾

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

👏👏👏

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

You just made my day with that comment.

@twocents6951 11 ай бұрын

To me is the best to ever do it when it comes to hip hop production. He took Group Home and made a classic album. He even made a classic with Limp Bizkit. His resume is ridiculous: Big, Jay, Nas, Jeru, Rakim, Fat Joe, Snoop, M.O.P., Krs, Das Efx, Slick Rick, All City, Devin The Dude, Big L, Big Shug, Bahamadia, Capone & Noreaga etc etc etc all bangers!!!!

@MrLovell1971 11 ай бұрын

This was an awesome interview I am a big Gang starr fan who never could afford to go to a show back in the day but was bless to see Guru on tour with House of pain in ‘96 Guru gave the coolest freestyle of the mass Appeal beat . DJ Primo is tops to me on the beats and production I really enjoyed this thank you 👊👊🥂.

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed. We really try to make these equally entertaining for both heads and the unfamiliar.

@muppet1184 2 ай бұрын

DJ Premier has consistently been the best hip hop producer for me. He is still making great boom bap beats to this day that prove hip hop is alive and kicking

@kingallah7911 11 ай бұрын

🔥🔥🔥🔥1of the best producers of all time big up to the Gang Starr. RIP GURU

@AntonVSE-DELA 11 ай бұрын

Настоящая легенда! Gang Starr НАВСЕГДА!!!!

@ingmarvanderhoek6314 11 ай бұрын

My favorite producer of all time: creative, genuine, articulate and always open to the new sounds and new generations. Great interview, they genuinely enjoy talking to each other.

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

🤝🤝🤝

@Well_Its_Me 5 ай бұрын

Seen so many interviews of Premier over the years, and in every one of them you learn something new.

@KidAlmighty30 11 ай бұрын

This is the best DJ Premier interview. I've been looking for a complete Gangstarr story because I'm a big fan. Thank you.

@vanman757 11 ай бұрын

Just watched it in full & really enjoyed it... Premo is prob my fav' producer along with Dre... I love Gangstarr aswel... R.I.P. Guru ⚰️🪦😇✝️

@djaitchb 11 ай бұрын

Loved this, having seen Gangstarr arrive and thrive, back in the day here in the UK their style has remained consistent throughout all this time. I can hear and see why Preemo is one of Hip Hop's Legendary producers. R.I.E.P Guru

@TAY-570 11 ай бұрын

Legendary. Noah as usual a superb interviewer!!

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

🙏🏻💡🙏🏻

@uygi43 11 ай бұрын

Probably the best hip hop producer who not only influenced music also lifes!!! Thank you for everything Preem!

@DutchWeazel 11 ай бұрын

Always good to listen to Premo talking that real Hip Hop.

@REAP3Rsan 11 ай бұрын

GOD BLESS YOU IDEA GENERATION.. i'm lifted!!!!!!! PREEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

💡💡💡

@REAP3Rsan 11 ай бұрын

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 3 seasons of GREATNESS and Noah killing each episode!!!! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL TO WITNESS

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

@@REAP3Rsan My guy! I appreciate that so much.

@REAP3Rsan 11 ай бұрын

@@TheDoknoh you're welcome and again, thank you for sparking ideas!!!!!

@D1210 2 ай бұрын

I am 47 now and this man has been my idol since I was 20. You can tell a Preemo beat like you can tell what's a Da Vinci painting.

@wsjmusic2732 11 ай бұрын

My first introduction to Preemo was a scratch promo on a Kool Dj Red Alert mixtape. Read the credits and was like who is this guy..... Shortly after that, No more Mr. Nice Guy. Was hooked from that point!

@snagatooth1319 11 ай бұрын

Gang Starr iconic. Never new Premo was from Houston. Dope interview.

@THERAMENBROSBEATS 11 ай бұрын

The greatest of all time

@doderiolarkisso4038 11 ай бұрын

Man, this is one of the best Preem interviews i've ever seen.

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

From your lips to god's ears. Thank you, for real.

@TheArtOfCheTV 11 ай бұрын

Met him a few times, nothing but good things to say about him. Very cool and humble!

@Mike-Rogers 11 ай бұрын

Followed Preemo since the early 90’s! Man is a legend. I hope now some of those Tef joints are seeing the light of day, the NYGz LP will eventually be released sometime soon! Come on Preem! ❤

@merc1917 11 ай бұрын

My favorite producer of all time 🔥 💯

@verseessential 11 ай бұрын

The interviewer was beautifully calm. Thank You.

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

🙏🏻💡🙏🏻

@verseessential 11 ай бұрын

@@TheDoknoh brother….. your questions were beautifully thought of, written and said with perfection. You didn’t overshadow the conversation. When Prem talked about the last time he saw guru in the hospital, that almost brought me to tears. I’m 45 and I’ve been a gangstarr fan since I was 11. They were and still are my most favorite rap band. They raised me along with my parents. I pray you’ll interview me if or when I make it. Thank you again.

@protomillennial 11 ай бұрын

NICE! Very excited for this! Preemo is a LEGEND.

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

🐐🐐🐐

@smanqele 8 ай бұрын

I've heard NO ONE remember silly little details like Preemo has. The dates, the events, the names. He remembers exactly how many punches he received from the M.O.P dudes and how many he dished at them. Fascinating

@progd4v3 11 ай бұрын

This man is the best to ever do it.its not even close.i cant understand how anyone would think otherwise😂

@nastyp16 11 ай бұрын

dj premier was one of the few producers where it could be your granny putting out a record as soon as i seen "produced by dj premier" i bought it!

@blackmist1981 11 ай бұрын

My GOAT. PREEMOOOOOOOOOOO

@bobbymorino5329 11 ай бұрын

Wow from 29:00 to 32:30 DJ premier said Guru a Real tough Guy, Hard Head At Times. Guru nocked Premier out with 1 punch 👊, Premier hit Him Back With A Iron & That's how Guru Got A Scar On His Left Eyebrow. They faught like Brothers, cuz Guru Was The 1 That Put Premier on for All of us

@seandacosta2421 11 ай бұрын

Greatest music producer ever ever ever 💯

@Blessed2bFresh 10 ай бұрын

I love it when I put people on to Preem and not only have they heard it before but always loved it, just never checked the resume

@naldonedishani3534 11 ай бұрын

OMG. You brought the Goat on your channel. Congratulations ❤

@bigtizzo 11 ай бұрын

Great interview. Preemo is everything essential that strengthens the foundation of HipHop. Respect!!!

@pr5pr 11 ай бұрын

pure. historical. amazing. thank you!

@djkingshameek 11 ай бұрын

Man I only had 5 mins to spare and this interview kept me locked in from beginning to end. Preemo is that dude! 👊🏽

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

🙌💡💡💡🙌

@TheLemon333 11 ай бұрын

That bit about the Hospital visit was touching.

@jonwelniet 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this, listening to insight from Preemo himself is just incredible🔥

@mikedasoupa5562 7 ай бұрын

DJ primier for me is the best producer in Hip Hop ever! Nobody sounds like him, he is Majestic.

@peterbotond7759 11 ай бұрын

Great storyteller and the goat of hip hop music production. I can’t remember when was the last time a sat through a whole interview and never got snapped out of it. Thank you for this gem!

@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 11 ай бұрын

thank you for watching!

@user-hx8zm4fe4q 11 ай бұрын

The South is one of the Foundations of Hip Hop. Prem👑💯

@ruqone 11 ай бұрын

I'll never listen to Now Your Mine the same way again 🤣

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

How crazy was that story?

@ruqone 11 ай бұрын

@@TheDoknoh absolutely insane 😂

@thenowschool 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant interview, probably most in depth I've seen. 'One of the Best Yet!'

@TheDoknoh 11 ай бұрын

🙏🏻💡🙏🏻

@jamiegroenestein 11 ай бұрын

Already a classic interview!!

@jerseydan95 11 ай бұрын

This made my night. Thank you so much

@og1463 2 ай бұрын

Dj premier so down to earth I enjoy his content

@brianshickey 3 ай бұрын

New school hip hop heads please pay attention!! This is a veritable clinic, a workshop with one of the genre’s greatest producers, ever.

@tracksphantom540 9 ай бұрын

This Goat is the Backbone of Hip Hop❤

@terrylusk13 11 ай бұрын

DJ Premier is one of the best in hip hop. Top 5 producer of all time.

@cornelljackson2033 2 ай бұрын

Great story,took hard work, most times things don't come over night, much respect to reaching the results he thrived for

@PizzaSluts 8 ай бұрын

Learning from him and hearing him say that it took him years till he felt comfortable being in the spot light and wanting to share his time and stories, it makes me feel better as a person knowing even my hero’s struggle like me

@terryali8984 11 ай бұрын

THis was an awesome interview. I met Professor Martin as a Student at PVU in 1992. Daily Operation had dropped and I set up an appointment to meet with Professor Martin. I told him it was an honor to meet him and that I was a big fan of his son.

@alicedoughty883 10 ай бұрын

The Paula Perry one is slept on

5 ай бұрын

Thank you DJ Premier and Thank you Guru🙏🏼

@artiphats Ай бұрын

Great interview with the Best to ever do it. Looks like that Preem / Nas has been confirmed with the new Nas single. Nas/Preemo coming, PRhyme 3, and with that Pete Rock/Common coming it's a great time to be alive in Hip Hop!

@slyfoxnyc2761 11 ай бұрын

The 🐐 🙌🏾🙌🏾⭐️🙌🏾🙌🏾

@jamadsmalls5282 11 ай бұрын

Noah I love your interviews! You always ask the right questions. Premo is one my favorite producers of all time. His mark on the culture is amazing and undeniable.