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".
Hold The City Down
DJ Premier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
That only happens to them, I got to capture my win
I practice 31 days a month and I practice again
Was born equipped with sportsmanship so I just laugh and I grin
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
Hit the bottom of the net, or the back of the rim
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
You're slacking and goal tending, my actions are bone-chilling
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
I got to hold the city down, anyhow, they gon' have to really bounce
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
My time is now, who said it was later?
It comes natural, I got a competitive nature
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
In DJ Premier's song "Hold U Down", the lyrics express the artist's determination to hold down his city and represent where he comes from. He begins with a metaphorical description of his dedication to his craft, stating that he practices constantly and always strives to win. He asserts that victory is his objective and that he is self-assured in his abilities.
The lyrics then transition to the artist's prowess on the basketball court. He confidently boasts about his performance and his ability to conquer any style of play. He taunts his opponents, claiming that they hide from him and that he embarrasses them on the court. He states that he is the captain of his own success and that he will continue to sail his champion-ship.
Overall, the song's lyrics reflect the artist's steadfast commitment to excellence and his desire to represent his city with pride and authority.
Line by Line Meaning
I got to hold down the city
I need to be the best and represent my city well.
Got to let you know where I come from
I want to make it clear that my city is my home and where my success comes from.
Let you know
I want everyone to understand how I became successful.
I did all my laps in the gym, the sweat ran off my skin
I worked hard and practiced intensely to prepare for my victories.
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
I may appear exhausted, but I am not defeated, I am just taking a moment to regroup.
That only happens to them, I got to capture my win
I am confident that I can win and I am on a mission to do so.
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
My ultimate goal is always to win and I don't have to fake it.
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
I am embracing my potential and expressing my skills to show off my true abilities.
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
Success comes from taking risks, enduring pain, and working hard, these are the qualities of a successful person.
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
I have a loyal team that supports me and helps me to succeed.
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My offensive strategies are divinely inspired and difficult for opponents to defend against.
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
I have a powerful move that allows me to switch directions quickly, with more charisma and confidence than my opponent.
Hit the bottom of the net, or the back of the rim
I consistently make successful shots, whether they hit the bottom of the net or the back of the rim.
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
Your style of play is against the rules and I will take control and win the game.
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
Your negative comments did not affect me and were a waste of time, so say them to me now.
You're slacking and goal tending, my actions are bone-chilling
You are not putting in enough effort and defending poorly, my moves and skills are frighteningly good.
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning
I have the benefit of playing on my home court, so I am confident in my ability to win away games.
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I am able to take control of the game regardless of the atmosphere or the audience.
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I am authentic and honest about my abilities, while you are not.
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
I can adapt to any play style and I am already victorious in my mindset.
My time is now, who said it was later?
I am capable of winning now, not later, and I am seizing the opportunity.
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
My opponents become intimidated when they see me coming, but I am ready and eager to win.
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
Opponents have been avoiding playing against me, as they know I am a tough competitor and they would likely lose.
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
My opponents are easy to beat and are not memorable, as I am so successful.
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I have a fierce spirit, like a mythical dragon so powerful it was locked away.
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I am able to overcome negativity and false statements, while my opponent cannot.
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
I am destined to win and am confident, while my opponent is nervous and uncertain.
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
My opponents should not try to intimidate me or scare me, as it will not work.
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
I have a variety of skills and am able to adapt to different situations, making me an unpredictable and formidable opponent.
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
My trainer motivated me to work hard, but also instilled in me the mindset to never give up.
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
I am the leader and main player on my team, and I am going to win this championship.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Shamele Machie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@notguyiel
Lyrics:
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
I did all my laps in the gym, the sweat ran off my skin
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
That only happens to them, I got to capture my win
I practice 31 days a month and I practice again
Was born equipped with sportsmanship so I just laugh and I grin
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
Hit the bottom of the net, or the back of the rim
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
You're slacking and goal tending, my actions are bone-chilling
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
I got to hold the city down, anyhow, they gon' have to really bounce
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
My time is now, who said it was later?
It comes natural, I got a competitive nature
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
@rubenkilosho1382
They ain’t doing 2k’s like this anymore. Coming back from school and getting into 2k16 while this banger is playing ? that’s the old days. This song definitely made 2k history
@billcosby5674
Fax fr
@shaikhanas6091
@@billcosby5674 bill cosby 😳
@DaddySatoruGojo
I agree bro. My first Park and online experience was nba2k16 bro. The newer 2ks aren’t nothing compared to this, I still and will always believe this is the best 2k ever and then 2k17. I loved loading into the park and this song came on, got me hyped up.
@dr.danburritoman1293
Couldn't have said it better myself.
@Tunneb0y
classic shit
@joeburreaux7953
This song definitely made 2k history.
@ZYZZZ1
4-11
@joeburreaux7953
@@ZYZZZ1 Don't care
@ZYZZZ1
@@joeburreaux7953 4-11