Contrary to popular belief, he did not found nor even co-found Gang Starr.
He was introduced to DJing while attending school at Prairie View A&M in Houston, Texas. DJ Premier's original stage name was Waxmaster C, the "C" taken from his first name, Chris, although he had already changed it to DJ Premier at the time he joined Gang Starr.
Considered by many fans to be one of the greatest hip hop producers, DJ Premier has produced countless tracks, for many groups and solo artists since the early 1990s. These include notable tracks for artists such as Jay-Z ("D'Evils", "So Ghetto"), Big L ("The Enemy"), The Notorious B.I.G. ("Unbelievable", "Kick In The Door", "Ten Crack Commandments"), Nas ("N.Y. State of Mind", "Nas Is Like"), Pitch Black ("It's All Real"), M.O.P. ("Downtown Swinga"), Jeru the Damaja ("Come Clean", "My Mind Spray"), KRS-One ("MC's Act Like They Don't Know"), Mos Def ("Mathematics"), Non Phixion ("Rockstars"), and Royce da 5'9" ("Boom").(Full list: djpremiertrackology.8kilo.com)
Collaborations
Outside of Gang Starr, some of Premier's most lauded work is his collaborations with Jeru the Damaja and Group Home. With the former, Premier crafted one of the East Coast's landmark albums in the form of The Sun Rises in the East, released in 1994. Their follow up to this, 1996's Wrath of the Math, was regarded as a solid effort but not on par with its predecessor, although it did contain Jeru's biggest hit to date, "Ya Playin' Yaself". Group Home's Livin' Proof (1995), although greatly overlooked at the time of its release, has eventually come to be critically acclaimed.
In 1994, DJ Premier collaborated extensively with jazz musician Branford Marsalis's experimental group, Buckshot Lefonque, for their debut album. During the making of music video director, Hype Williams' 1998 film, Belly, DJ Premier collaborated with neo soul leader D'Angelo for a song called "Devil's Pie", which was originally intended only for the film's accompanying soundtrack. However D'Angelo soon changed his mind and decided to include the song on his sophomore album Voodoo (2000) In 2006 he co-produced Christina Aguilera's Back To Basics album.
Samples
DJ Premier's style of production epitomises the New York sound from his earlier peers. He is known for sampling jazz, funk, and soul artists, as well as sampling an artist's past work, when he is creating a new track for that same artist. In addition, his photographic memory of rap lyrics allows him to distinctively "speak with his hands" by scratching in lyrics from several different songs to construct new phrases [1]. Premier's non-Gang Starr collaborations are well-known for his often-imitated signature of combining short vocal samples, often from multiple artists, to create a chorus. For example, for the chorus of Mos Def's "Mathematics", Premier cuts, in quick succession:
"The Mighty Mos Def..." (from Mos Def's "Body Rock"),
"It's simple mathematics" (from Fat Joe's "John Blaze"),
"I revolve around science..." (from Ghostface Killah's verse on Raekwon's "Criminology"),
"What are we talking about here..." (unknown origin),
"Do your math.." (from Erykah Badu's "On & On"), and
"One, two, three, four" (from James Brown's "Funky Drummer")
On certain artists' work the vocal samples will all be vocal samples of the artist from the artists' past work; "Nas Is Like" and "2nd Childhood" with Nas are two well-known examples of this.
On Jeru the Damaja's "Physical Stamina," however, Premier sampled and chopped up recordings of seminal electro-acoustic music from the 1960s.
Melodies
Premier usually creates a two-bar melody that repeats itself throughout the song. The aim of this is to showcase the MC's skills by bringing focus away from the beat, while creating the song's mood and a solid backdrop. Premier often changes speeds, filters and chops his breaks and adds scope to the melody with chimes and strings.
He has also shown innovation by playing rarely-used elements into a rap song (such as the xylophones on Biggie's "Kick in the Door" or the ambient nature sounds on Nas' "Nas is Like"), and his wide range of instruments (the piano loop on Jay-Z's "D'Evils" versus the strings on Rakim's "New York (Ya Out There?") and production techniques (he played the melody backwards during the second half of Jay-Z's "A Million and One Questions (Rhyme No More)").
Drums
Premier's drums have been known for complimenting his melodies. For example, during Nas' "NY State of Mind", two bars have a simple round of kicks and snares; in the following two, a complementing second set of drums plays out. This is repeated throughout.
Label ownership and future projects
DJ Premier currently owns two record labels. "Year Round Records" was founded in 2002 and has so far released several DJ Premier mixtapes as well as two 12" vinyl singles for NYG'z and Blaq Poet. "Works Of Mart", which is also the name of his publishing company, was founded in mid 2006 and released 12" vinyl singles for artists Tef (aka Teflon) and F.A.B.I.D. (H. Stax and Mike Rone).
Since 2001, DJ Premier mentioned several times the plan to release a solo album entitled "A Man Of Few Words", which has yet to be released. Other confirmed upcoming projects are a full-length colaboration with Nas, Blaq Poet's long delayed album "The Best That Never Did It", Tef's (aka Teflon) long announced album "Contraband" and last but not least protegés NYG'z long delayed debut album "Pros and Cons".
HIP HOP
DJ Premier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
DJ Khaled!
And if I cry two tears for her
That will be the most that I would give to her
She left me stranded in my nightmares
Taking pictures of my memories she right there
Twisting on the blade in my heart, deep
She used to tell me she was all mine
Now the only way I see the broad is online
I'm doing drugs trying to feel you
I'm killing me trying to heal you
I built my whole life around ya
I thought I found it all when I found her
Shopping sprees on whatever coast
How'd you really feel, I may never know
And as I ride through these streets
With my hand on my heat, eyes red from the sweets, I
Realize some things never change
Once in love and it's gone you don't look at it the same, nigga
Fuck love cause she don't live here
I'm soaked in blood but I'm still here
Hip Hop heartbreaks
Straight-laced, deep bass, 808s plus the mixtapes
Got a nigga feeling like I up and let ya
Get away now you all in the lectures
Being studied by the college's professors
Now I regret the day I met ya
(Bitch) I'll be the first one to say it
She ain't the one you want to play with
I fucked Hip Hop
And if I cry two tears for her
That would be the most that I can give to her
I am Joseph, Darryl, Jason, Dr. Dre, O'Shea
And a host of those who passed away
Today I'm Drake, I'm Wayne, 2 Chainz
You say you want to rap, to this bitch you must commit
Then you're a slave to your grave, you won't get out, you cannot quit
She menstruates weekly, her vibe covers keep you warm
But the source to her heart is love, word up, right on
You know how girls are, she love when you licking on her world star
Kissing on her belly, trick on her at Onyx
Confused fans think that she illuminates demonic
But she's the object of my affections, God's essence, God bless her
She bought me Bentleys, Breitlings, made some friends resent me
For writing about my life, they thought I should have stayed quiet
She took me to places I would have never saw without her
And she took me from my girl powder
I doubt I'll ever be the same, hallowed be thy name
Give me strength so I don't do this dame like Orenthal James
Brad warned me while driving this auburn Ferrari
Never follow in her games, I fuck around and I'll be sorry
But I tried her used to ride her, for dollars not the fame
She slowed me down and had me guzzling on cups of lean
She's a middle-aged cougar, showing young'uns the dream
Noticed she wasn't breathing for a second then I screamed
"She's dead!" and everybody took it out on Nasty
I was just looking out for my music family
Wasn't trying to claim her to myself, she's yours
You can have her she's a motherfucking whore
I fuck Hip Hop
In DJ Premier's song Hip Hop, the lyrics portray a visceral and raw perspective of the relationship between the artist and hip hop music. The lyrics speak to a relationship that was once cherished and loved, but eventually turned sour and led to heartbreak. The repetition of the line “And if I cry two tears for her, that would be the most that I could give to her,” shows how the artist has lost faith in their relationship, and has given all that they could towards it. The lyrics also depict the impact that hip hop music has had on the artist's life, shaping and molding it in the process.
The lyrics also delve into the notion of hip hop music being a double-edged sword. While it has brought about fame, riches, and success, it has also brought about destructive vices and toxic relationships. The lyrics show how the artist has lost themselves in the industry, trying to fill the void of a relationship with drugs and superficial satisfaction. The raw honesty of the lyrics and the vulnerability portrayed by the artist, brings a relatable and human aspect to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
And if I cry two tears for her
The most that I can give to Hip Hop if I had to mourn it.
That will be the most that I would give to her
Even if I cried two tears for Hip Hop, it would not be enough to express the love and the passion that I have for it.
She left me stranded in my nightmares
Hip Hop left a permanent mark on my mind and soul which I cannot ignore or deny.
Taking pictures of my memories she right there
Hip Hop is always present in my memories, be it the good times or the bad times.
Twisting on the blade in my heart, deep
Hip Hop has a profound effect on my emotions which sometimes becomes unbearable to handle.
Always on my mind so I can't sleep
Hip Hop is always on my mind, even when I am sleeping which is a testament to how deeply it has affected me.
She used to tell me she was all mine
There was a time when I felt like Hip Hop belonged to me, and it was mine to keep.
Now the only way I see the broad is online
The only way I can connect with Hip Hop is through the internet.
I'm doing drugs trying to feel you
The only way I can feel close to Hip Hop is when I am under the influence of drugs.
I'm killing me trying to heal you
I am sacrificing and risking my life trying to improve and heal Hip Hop.
I built my whole life around ya
My entire life revolves around Hip Hop and its culture.
I thought I found it all when I found her
I thought I had everything I needed in life when I discovered Hip Hop.
Shopping sprees on whatever coast
I used to go on shopping sprees all around the country in the name of Hip Hop.
How'd you really feel, I may never know
I may never know what Hip Hop truly means to me and how deep my love for it runs.
And as I ride through these streets
While riding through the streets in my car,
With my hand on my heat, eyes red from the sweets, I
With a gun in my hand, and my eyes red from smoking marijuana,
Realize some things never change
I realize that some things in life remain constant and steadfast.
Once in love and it's gone you don't look at it the same, nigga
Once the love is gone, you cannot look at it the same and feel the same emotions about it.
Fuck love cause she don't live here
I have lost all hope in love and the idea of it because I cannot find it in Hip Hop anymore.
I'm soaked in blood but I'm still here
I am damaged and hurt but I am still alive and moving forward with my life.
Hip Hop heartbreaks
Hip Hop has broken my heart and caused me pain.
Straight-laced, deep bass, 808s plus the mixtapes
Hip Hop has a certain style and sound which is unique, and it ranges from soft and melodic to deep bass and powerful.
Got a nigga feeling like I up and let ya
Hip Hop has the power to make me feel like I have abandoned it and left it behind.
Get away now you all in the lectures
Now everyone is trying to teach me about Hip Hop and its culture, which I already know everything about.
Being studied by the college's professors
Hip Hop is now being studied and analyzed by college professors and scholars.
Now I regret the day I met ya
Now I regret the day I discovered Hip Hop because it has caused me so much heartache and pain.
(Bitch) I'll be the first one to say it
I am not afraid to be the first person to say this.
She ain't the one you want to play with
Hip Hop is not something to be taken lightly or played with, it demands respect.
I fucked Hip Hop
I have had an intimate relationship with Hip Hop, and it has affected me deeply.
I am Joseph, Darryl, Jason, Dr. Dre, O'Shea
I represent all the legends and pioneers of Hip Hop who have contributed to its growth and popularity.
And a host of those who passed away
I am also representing the deceased legends of Hip Hop who have left their mark on the culture.
Today I'm Drake, I'm Wayne, 2 Chainz
I am being influenced by current Hip Hop artists like Drake, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz.
You say you want to rap, to this bitch you must commit
To make it in Hip Hop, you must be committed and dedicated to the art form.
Then you're a slave to your grave, you won't get out, you cannot quit
Once you enter the world of Hip Hop, you are there for life and cannot quit or escape from it.
She menstruates weekly, her vibe covers keep you warm
Hip Hop is constantly changing and evolving, but its core essence remains the same and provides comfort and warmth to its fans.
But the source to her heart is love, word up, right on
Hip Hop's true source of inspiration and creativity is love, which is reflected in its music and culture.
You know how girls are, she love when you licking on her world star
Hip Hop, like women, loves attention and adoration, even if it comes from controversial sources like World Star Hip Hop.
Kissing on her belly, trick on her at Onyx
Hip Hop and its culture are all about having a good time and enjoying life, whether it's kissing girls, partying at clubs like Onyx, or getting high.
Confused fans think that she illuminates demonic
Some fans misunderstand Hip Hop's true message and believe that it promotes evil and demonic values.
But she's the object of my affections, God's essence, God bless her
To me, Hip Hop is like a divine entity that has the power to inspire and uplift people, and I am grateful for its role in my life.
She bought me Bentleys, Breitlings, made some friends resent me
Hip Hop has the power to provide wealth and success, but it can also create jealousy and resentment among friends.
For writing about my life, they thought I should have stayed quiet
Some of my friends and peers did not appreciate me exposing my personal life and struggles in my music.
She took me to places I would have never saw without her
Hip Hop has opened up opportunities and experiences for me that I would have never had otherwise.
And she took me from my girl powder
Hip Hop has been a source of comfort and escape for me, especially during times of romantic strife or heartbreak.
I doubt I'll ever be the same, hallowed be thy name
Hip Hop has permanently changed me, and I will always be grateful for its influence and impact on my life.
Give me strength so I don't do this dame like Orenthal James
I ask for strength and guidance so that I do not end up like O.J. Simpson, who was notorious for his violent and destructive behavior.
Brad warned me while driving this auburn Ferrari
My friend Brad warned me about the dangers of the Hip Hop lifestyle, while we were driving in his fancy sports car.
Never follow in her games, I fuck around and I'll be sorry
I should not try to imitate Hip Hop's lifestyle or persona, or else I risk facing negative consequences.
But I tried her used to ride her, for dollars not the fame
I used to ride the Hip Hop wave and make money off of it, not necessarily for the fame or recognition.
She slowed me down and had me guzzling on cups of lean
Hip Hop's lifestyle and culture can also have negative effects on one's health and well-being, such as addiction to drugs like lean.
She's a middle-aged cougar, showing young'uns the dream
Hip Hop is like a mature and experienced woman, who shows young and aspiring artists the path to success and the fulfillment of their dreams.
Noticed she wasn't breathing for a second then I screamed
I noticed that Hip Hop was in trouble or danger, and it caused me to panic and react.
"She's dead!" and everybody took it out on Nasty
When Hip Hop is in trouble or danger, people tend to blame and attack those who they think are responsible or involved, such as Nasty.
I was just looking out for my music family
I was only trying to do the right thing and look out for my fellow Hip Hop artists and culture.
Wasn't trying to claim her to myself, she's yours
I was not trying to take Hip Hop for myself or make it my own, it belongs to everyone in the Hip Hop community.
You can have her she's a motherfucking whore
Hip Hop, like a promiscuous woman, can be seen as morally corrupt or promiscuous, but it is still beloved and adored by its fans.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDT JONES, COGNITO, MICHAEL REES, AARON YATES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Popu _GTB
Samples:
Jerry Goldsmith - The Sand Pebbles Overture (LP Album Version)
QB Finest - Da Bridge 2001 (Vocals)1:10
B.D.K. - Any Type of Way (Vocals)1:15
Common - The Light (Vocals) 2:07
Inspectah Deck - The Movement 3:05
The Wire - Drug Kingpin Avon Barksdale (Vocals) 3:10
@2:12 there’s a KRS-One vocal sample where he saying “no talent rappers” but I’m not sure wut song it came from but ik it’s him saying it
Un Real
[Chorus]
I know my streets, I know my sound
Y'all know my beats, how I get down
I take my steps, and leaps and bounds
Nigga it's hip hop
[Verse 1]
Yeah, yeah, we started from nothing a couple MCs
Beat-boxin', the crowd in the lunch room
Me and Preem, both names go together
Like they ain't supposed to be separate like D&D
I said it before, I rep in records beats
At the HeadQCourterz, rest in peace
Nigga I'mma hold the shotty, and knock you out
And I ain't gotta know karate like Afu-Ra
It's hip hop, strong or not
This is rap basketball, stats all you got
Long as you hot, and your flow can hold up
To knowing that all of your short goals is long shots!
Ninety percent of you niggas ain't hard
Here just to get a rep, you not Gang Starrs
The finest flow will amaze
Rap without me is The Source minus the quotable page
[Chorus]
Hip hop is everything around you
No competition
Back to the voice of today
It's real in the field
What's realer than hip hop?
I know my streets, I know my sound
Y'all know my beats, how I get down
I take my steps, and leaps and bounds, nigga it's hip hop
[Verse 2]
Rhythmically come on with it, I'm long-winded
I will diss you from long distances
You will not get the chance like Choppa
Ness and Dylan to disrespect, who you don't listen to
Egg in the skillet brain, nigga, this is you
Smarten up, every person in the Earth
Be hardened up but the only target is us
It's hip hop, cars and trucks
I be dreaming about shit like having a hard time swinging
On a nigga or squeezing a trigger or falling
If I land I won't wake up
My six shot model, ya crew
I'm leavin' ya momma faces blue like a Hpnotiq bottle
They feel you the realer you spit, this killer shit is hearin' us
Healin' you if you ill or you sick mentally, it's
[Chorus]
Hip hop is everything around you
Gotta be something for me to write this
Back to the voice of today
No talent rappers
What's realer than hip hop?
I know my streets, I know my sound
Y'all know my beats, how I get down
I take my steps, and leaps and bounds
Nigga it's hip hop!
[Verse 3]
More venom, 5’9” is like a G5
Illest lyrics is stored in him
Chorus is killing, any warrior feeling
That I ain't God - Lord willing
Trust me after I crush ya building
You will just hush, you won't restore the village
We look toward with killing, real
Though this album is mor-bidly feeling it's still
Hip hop! Fuck your feelings
More rappers dying, much more killing
It's no feeling realer than gambling ya life
Everyday, and waking up to more dealings
Fourteen killings compared to offshore millions
Equals I got a lot more villains
You know that you easily lose, you be on MTV News
For the first time, because you died over
[Chorus]
Hip hop is everything around you
Come alive y'all
Back to the voice of today
It's all in the game
What's realer than hip hop?
I know my streets, I know my sound
Y'all know my beats, how I get down
I take my steps, and leaps and bounds
Nigga it's hip hop!
PsyintZ
Easily one of the dopest tracks in hip-hop history. This shit should be on everybody's top 10/20 for sure. Royce is such a fukkin' beast. When this dude goes hard, he's almost untouchable.
vinceleguesse
Re-wrote Histoy with every verse cuz
Jenny Sava
Unbelievable song. Makes me proud of REAL HIP HOP.
LoyalLFC
This beat is disgusting, Premo just never disappoints.
Stephen Manjai
Lol...yeah man....impossible to disappoint...perfect beats al the time....he's a legend!
Shaun Arzu
Facts especially the cuts!
Franklyn McGrady Calderón
LoyalLFC and he will never gon disappoint nobody never hear a premo good beat cause all of them are the best beats ever made premo is the shit son
Brian McIntyre
Never ever does he
Daniel Nyundo
Another beat from premo I've heard that is as nasty is Defeat by Afurah "sick".
Popu _GTB
Samples:
Jerry Goldsmith - The Sand Pebbles Overture (LP Album Version)
QB Finest - Da Bridge 2001 (Vocals)1:10
B.D.K. - Any Type of Way (Vocals)1:15
Common - The Light (Vocals) 2:07
Inspectah Deck - The Movement 3:05
The Wire - Drug Kingpin Avon Barksdale (Vocals) 3:10
@2:12 there’s a KRS-One vocal sample where he saying “no talent rappers” but I’m not sure wut song it came from but ik it’s him saying it