Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta

Courtesy of Stretch Nav the god:


The reason why Preemo is one of the best producers ever is the fact that he has been able to keep his style fresh. As long as hiphop exists, his music is relevant. He embodies what hip-hop stands for, even if it is very difficult to describe how this is possible. His music makes you nod your head as you sing along to his scratch-laden choruses. Like all the big names (Dre, Timbaland, Neptunes) you can spot a Preemo song because he has his own, signature sound. In the new millenium, he stepped up a gear, more of the same in quality terms while not being afraid to experiment, whether it be with the artists he collaborates with or the sounds he creates. Check these five out:


Gangstarr: The Natural




Big 12" only release (B-side to Skillz) from late 2002. This really should have been on the duo's "The Ownerz" album, but was mysteriously left off. The Source used the word "Hitchcock" to describe this one. Elevating the style of beats.


Snoop Dogg F/ Lady Of Rage: Batman & Robin


It was either this or "The One And Only". Both are lifted off Snoop's 2002 "Paid Tha Cost..." album, but I chose this because of Premo chopping up the old Batman TV theme tune to great effect (check the horns)...and because Snoop namedrops Marvel comics and the fact that Snoop and Rage assume the roles of a pimped-out Batman & Robin respectively (w/ a cameo by RBX as Commissioner Gordon). East meets West with the "Batmobile on threes"


The NYGz: Giantz Ta This


Release from 2002/2003 on Premier's Year Round label. Basically starts with a disgruntled Preemo complaining how "A lot of y'all muthafuckas lost your ear to the street", then proclaiming "so as usual, I'm back" and how he's "gutter as ever"... and then he gives us another example of how to chop up an over-used sample ("7 minutes of Funk" used previously by Jay-Z & EPMD) and make it sound fresh again for some hard NY rhymes from Panchi & Shabeeno. We wouldn't have it any other way Preemo.



Freddie Foxxx: Lazy




I heard this off a Premier mix CD from 2003. Great tune, I can't really say much more than that. Oh and that Foxxx is as hard as nails.



Agallah: NY Ryder Music


Next time I'm in NY, I'm riding to this. From 2006, the artist formerly known as "8-Off" gets an understated banger from Premo. "Its that NY Ryder Music!"