Categories
Trending

DJ Premier Reminisces On The Time He Played “Raw Hip Hop” At The Playboy Mansion Party

DJ Premier took a trip down the memory lane today on his Youtube Series, “So Wassup?” He talked about his experience DJing at the Playboy Mansion. He told a story about Fred Durst. In 1998 Limp Bizkit frontman secured DJ Premiere a gig at the famous Playboy Mansion.

Now, if hearing that such a prominent HipHop DJ got a gig at the Playboy Mansion didn’t shock you, then you won’t believe what happened next. He got to play “raw hip-hop.” Many would have expected a safer choice: pop or upbeat and fast-paced songs. However, DJ Premier was given full authority over the playlist. He even featured songs from the HipHop legend, Ghostface Killah!

DJ Premier’s Breaks Down The Making Of “N 2 Gether Now”

Premier described how they’d use the now-obsolete floppy discs to record and store music during his time. “Now, this one’s very special for several reasons. At the time, this is 1999. My former manager, Patrick Moxie, who had Payday Records and managed Gang Starr for our entire career. All the way up to our last album that we recorded together, ‘The Owners, ‘ which came out in 2002.” He narrates in the video:

Despite his initial hesitation to do the track, he changed his mind once he heard that Method Man would be part of the project. The record producer also described the events leading up to the deejaying job at the playboy mansion. “Me and Fred Durst built up a relationship,” Premiere explained. “He said, ‘Yo man, I’m doing a pajama party at the playboy mansion for Hugh Hefner, and I want you to DJ.”

Mr. Durst’s instructions were, “Keep it raw hip-hop.” “I remember when everybody started walking in all the playboy Bunnies. I was playing Ghost Face’s record one, and they just started walking in popping into the beat, and I just remember they’re just going one, and everybody’s piling in all in their bikinis and whatnot.” DJ Premier went on as he described the energy at the party.

Written by; Sheila Maina

Twitter: @nazlin_sheila

Categories
Updates

Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ Sold by US Government

If there’s one word to describe Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,’ it’s “controversial.”  From creation to purchase, it has seemingly been nothing but trouble.

Wu-Tang leader RZA, and affiliate producer, Cilvaringz were unhappy with how streaming services devalue music. The pair embarked on making a single copy album that can’t be publicly released for 88 years to maintain its true value. Throughout six years, they brought in Wu-Tang members to record songs and verses, without revealing the true purpose.

Supposed album cover of ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ appeals to classic Wu fans

The music is only part of the value. The only copy of this album is in a high-security silver and jeweled case, complete with liner notes. By the time RZA and Cilvaringz decided to sell it for $2 million, their Wu-Tang brothers were unhappy.

Method Man, in particular, was upset about the waiting time, among other things. Despite RZA’s explanation that the album legally can’t be touched by any marketing to devalue the art, the rest of the Clan still feels betrayed. However, the biggest controversy of all is who’s hands the album ended up in.

Martin Shkreli. PC: Joshua Roberts

And then came Shkreli…

After an exclusive listening party, the $2 million auction for ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ was won by none other than the villainous Martin Shkreli. Though sold before his large pharma controversy, fans and Clan members alike reviled at the notion that Shkreli is the one person with access to such a valuable piece. Unsurprisingly, Shkreli attempted to sell the album for over $7 million, as well as threatening to destroy it.

With RZA and Cilvaringz learning of Shkreli’s wrongdoings after the fact, they reacted as well as possible. The Clan agreed to give a significant portion of the money to charity. Wu-Tang is for the children, after all!

Cilvaringz on the left, RZA in the middle

Following Shkreli’s arrest, the album was seized by the US government. As of today, it now belongs to an anonymous buyer for an undisclosed price. This seemingly puts a pause on one of the most interesting music release stories ever. 6 years down, 82 more until we get to hear it!

Categories
New Music

#FMSpotlight: Female Rapper, Kitty Kitty – “All You Need” feat. Method Man (Music Video)

Watch: Kitty Kitty – “All You Need” feat. Method Man

New York-based rapstress, Kitty Kittyuses her powerful wordplay to push self-love and female empowerment. In a nutshell, you’ll hear her speak to fans about loving the skin they’re in or her personal experiences. Case in point, Kitty Kitty, is a musician that every woman should get an earful of. 

Born Kayla, Kitty Kitty worked at the Federal Express office before starting her career as an entertainer. She first gained traction after doing comedy and short-skits online under the pseudonym, Purel3eauty. Additionally, Kitty Kitty had assistance from Daniel Jean

Her admiration for music drove her to pursue it. In return, she earned a smash-hit called “Made It,” which went on to play on Hot 97. 

#FMSpotlight: Kitty Kitty - "All You Need" feat. Method Man (Music Video)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now she’s set to release an E.P sometime year, but before the debut, Kitty Kitty has released a single called “All You Need (ft. Method Man).” 

Kitty Kitty’s “All You Need (feat Method Man)” is a rendition of his and Mary J. Blige‘s “All I Need.” The only difference is that “All You Need” carries more beating percussions. This track is especially appealing to the jaded and new school heads. 

On “All You Need,” Kitty Kitty flows effortlessly over the lush production and lets it be known that she refuses to settle for less. In summary, she’d like a man who’ll protect her at all costs and give her the finest things in life. Afterward, Kitty Kitty details that if he treats her right, then she’ll do the same. “Ride together, die together, everywhere we fly together,” she raps. “Us verse them, they can die whenever.” Deeper into her verse, Kitty Kitty even admits, “He know ima make sure he good even if he not straight.” Ultimately, Kitty Kitty is looking for a ride-or-die. One might even add that her cadence is akin to the rap megastar, Lil Kim. 

#FMSpotlight: Kitty Kitty - "All You Need" feat. Method Man (Music Video)

Next, Method Man speaks from the male’s perspective, saying that he’s looking for the same type of relationship. “I let her hold my jewelry; she holds me down with the jury,” he raps. “Just you and me, I hold you down with impunity.” As the song goes on, Method Man becomes transparent about his previous relationships before saying that being each other equals only prospers if they’re unified. His tonality still stays to it’s laid-back and articulate form. 

The visual that accompanies this song sees Kitty Kitty and Method Man cruising through the night. That is until the police begin to grill them. Shortly after, the clips give viewers snapshots of Kitty Kitty going back-and-forth with the cops in the interrogation room and spitting bars as she dons a sheer, white one-piece.

Following this, Method Man rocks a crisp white tee and raps in front of a colorful graffiti wall. The visual then crossovers between Method Man and Kitty Kitty’s encounter to them, both reciting his lyrics as orange smoke illuminates the midnight sky. 

Categories
Updates

#FMTrends: The Wu is Back With A New Video Featuring Affiliate Redman [Link]

Photo Credit: Youtube

The Wu is Back With A New Video Featuring Affiliate Redman

The RZA, the GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Rest in Paradise), Inspectah Deck, U-GodRaekwon the Chef, Masta Killa Priest, Ghostface Killah, and….M.E.T.H.O.D….Man! Reminds you of something?  Diversify your bonds everybody because this is about the return of the “Seeeeeewwwww!”  The Wu is back, better known as Wu Tang Clan.  The W teamed up with long time Wu affiliate Redman, along with the reminiscent sound of  the RZA, with the assist from long time producer Mathematics, release a video for their new street banger “People Say“.  The video was directed by Navegante of DOF Films.  With the executive production of the Wu General RZA.