Christopher E. Martin (born March 21, 1966), better known as DJ Premier (or… Read Full Bio ↴Christopher E. Martin (born March 21, 1966), better known as DJ Premier (or Primo by his fans, fellow musicians, and critics), is a prominent American hip hop producer and DJ, and the instrumental half of the duos Gang Starr and PRhyme.
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 protegรฉs NYG'z long delayed debut album "Pros and Cons".
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 protegรฉs NYG'z long delayed debut album "Pros and Cons".
WUT U SAID
DJ Premier Lyrics
Yo what's good two time?
What up g'z how were you?
Ain't nothing man you know me
Same shit different toilet I can't call it I'ma cake-a-holic
Ayo! What's up with your man that you caught that little thing with over there?
Nothing man
It hurts and if I be movin' real I be man
Nah man! Not my man he won't do that
You got the call to my city
Matter fact ain't that son classic building right there?
Where you at?
I'm on his body!
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
You came home gave you chips gave you kicks (you was my man!)
We caught a lick I gave you the whole brick
Paid your lawyer so you charge in 1 stick (get outta jail!)
Now you flipped heard you was talking shit (can't believe this shit!)
When I put you on your feet
Now I gotta put you 6 feet (pitaroll!)
Oh you think this shit is sweet?
Well I'm the Candyman keep hammers like a handyman (you know I got it!)
I'mma spin your block around 8 (where you at?)
With a 9 hit a nigga 10 times (in his back!)
Or 11 you know how I move
Put a pussy on the channel 12 news
I get the ooze like the exterminator
Or the pump terminate him like I'm terminator
Squanchin' nigga's squanchin' nigga's I'll offer nigga
Have your homie lighting candle and pouring liquor (R.I.P.)
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
I'm the type to watch your house if you don't watch your mouth
I ring your bell while the other homie watchin' out (same thing!)
Bring! Y'all be clear to see (uh huh!)
Last thing you seen was that infrared beam
Oh! You a gangsta nigga proove it! (Show me!)
I move with that shit they shoot up the schools with (got it!)
Columbine, Afghanistan I'm droppin' bombs
I'm sendin' hits my alibi recordings on (get that nigga!)
Poppin' shit right into this for talkin' wrong
Fuck sendin' threats I'm dMX get at me dog
You nigga's bloggin' on computers
I'm in the field still mobbin' with the shooters (gang shit)
Roll the clips on the Reuger
Catch you nigga's sneak dissin' I'ma boom ya
Stay with the Tommy like I'm ghost in power (I got'cha homie!)
I ain't hear you say it a little louder! (Talk up nigga!)
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
Don't step outside your area
What up g'z how were you?
Ain't nothing man you know me
Same shit different toilet I can't call it I'ma cake-a-holic
Ayo! What's up with your man that you caught that little thing with over there?
Nothing man
It hurts and if I be movin' real I be man
Nah man! Not my man he won't do that
You got the call to my city
Matter fact ain't that son classic building right there?
I'm on his body!
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
You came home gave you chips gave you kicks (you was my man!)
We caught a lick I gave you the whole brick
Paid your lawyer so you charge in 1 stick (get outta jail!)
Now you flipped heard you was talking shit (can't believe this shit!)
When I put you on your feet
Now I gotta put you 6 feet (pitaroll!)
Oh you think this shit is sweet?
Well I'm the Candyman keep hammers like a handyman (you know I got it!)
I'mma spin your block around 8 (where you at?)
With a 9 hit a nigga 10 times (in his back!)
Or 11 you know how I move
Put a pussy on the channel 12 news
I get the ooze like the exterminator
Or the pump terminate him like I'm terminator
Squanchin' nigga's squanchin' nigga's I'll offer nigga
Have your homie lighting candle and pouring liquor (R.I.P.)
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
I'm the type to watch your house if you don't watch your mouth
I ring your bell while the other homie watchin' out (same thing!)
Bring! Y'all be clear to see (uh huh!)
Last thing you seen was that infrared beam
Oh! You a gangsta nigga proove it! (Show me!)
I move with that shit they shoot up the schools with (got it!)
Columbine, Afghanistan I'm droppin' bombs
I'm sendin' hits my alibi recordings on (get that nigga!)
Poppin' shit right into this for talkin' wrong
Fuck sendin' threats I'm dMX get at me dog
You nigga's bloggin' on computers
I'm in the field still mobbin' with the shooters (gang shit)
Roll the clips on the Reuger
Catch you nigga's sneak dissin' I'ma boom ya
Stay with the Tommy like I'm ghost in power (I got'cha homie!)
I ain't hear you say it a little louder! (Talk up nigga!)
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
What you said nigga?
With this gun to your head nigga?
Oh you a dead nigga
Hope that don't go over your head nigga
Don't step outside your area
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Aaron Ocosice Phillip, Adrian Francis Utley, Beth Gibbons, Caswell Senior, Christopher E. Martin, Geoff Barrow, Keith Elam, Lerone Oboi Idlett, Steven Loron Johnson, Aaron Phillip, Adrian Utley, Christopher Martin, Lerone Idlett, Steven Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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JayDub
Cognitive dissonance is a bitch. Every penny adds up. You THINK the music our subconscious and unconscious minds absorb doesn't effect us, the black community, in our day to day lives as a whole, but that's just not true. When you see somebody yawn, you will probably yawn too; JUST because the thought is in your head now. You don't know how your subconscious/unconscious mind receives things because that's a part of you that you will never see upfront. That part of you will always be behind the scenes, but it can and will effect you in subtle ways.
Think about music for instance: I'm sure there's some songs you all listen to that puts you in the shoes of the artist. You aren't necessarily trying to feel how the artists felt, but the song brings out those emotions and thoughts that you don't consciously control.
Now, I'm sure you've heard the phrase "lie to yourself so much that you believe it". It's great advice, but it's terrible when you are being LIED TO.
Be wary of what you lend your ears and eyes to, and help your brothers and sisters to do the same as you because they will NOT do it on their own.
I could go on and on, but I'm sure you understand what I'm trying to say. This is WAY deeper than what meets the eye and I didn't even scratch the surface. Why is modern music tuned to 440 Hz? Why are the main things promoted in music violence, vicodins, and vices? And why will I get persecuted by people who disagree with my opinion when I send this message?
OPEN UP YOUR FUCKING EYES
Ryuu
damn preemo, what a beat. Nice to see hip hop coming back
franck t
ryuu you need to pay more attention ...rap not dead .they always have some dope shit ....real rap but we need to stop saying hip hop ..the 4 element are dead...thats rap with a dj scratching on it ...thank lords...but were the graffers and the breakers...we always say hip hop but not me anymore..its rap
Neo X
franck t He means mainstream obviously
Neo X
franck t The day these garbage gimmick pop trap mumble rap promoting stations, put this kind of boom bap original hip hop on air; then yes it's coming back. Mainstream unfortunately controls the general mass Sheeps perception and support of wack music today. It's arbitrary and not by coincidence in this effeminate, non thinking, low realm this society is currently in.
franck t
neo x you right ..but i listen to it since 87 so i can tell you really good rap song in everyyear to 87 to 2018 they always have real rap....so i say peace to you cause im a real hip hop junkie...like nice and smooth..and take a look around like masta ace...rap is the best music for me by far...
Ron Cazzato
Preemoยดs Beats and arrangements mean CREDIBILITY, QUALITY and LONGEVITY for every Singer/rapper/MC he features.... he made even XTina Aguillera dope for a second. RIP Keith "GURU" Elam.
B Sykes Beats
This is crazy. Premo never disappoints
Atharva G.
Beat goes hard ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Johnathan
๐ฅ
Marcus Kirlew
Pure Fire. Reminds me of an old classic MOP record