Blogwatch - January 2012

Damn, what a great start to the New Year.  It seems as though bloggers and web masters are going crazy with their content.  Here's the usual monthly round up of the internet's best offerings. 


Fab 5 Freddy discusses Gang Starr's Just to get a rep video
The DJ Premier blog has come correct twice this month!  First off is an interview with Fab 5 Freddy about the iconic Gang Starr video for their single Just to get a rep.  Fab 5 discusses the production processes of casting the right characters, picking the right locations, avoiding MTV's strict cencorship whilst still delivering one of the best hip hop videos of all time.
http://www.djpremierblog.com/2012/01/24/director-fab-5-freddy-talks-music-video-just-to-get-a-rep/


W - The story of the Wu Tang
The Pie and Ears blog has shared this great documentary on the Wu Tang Clan.  With a running time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, this is the full on story of the Wu legacy.

Blogwatch - August 2011

Well, August has been a quiet month across many blogs and there's not been a great deal that I'd shout about (or take the time to share with you), but hopefully these two little gems will prove that quality is better then quantity.  I doubt many can argue that these two pieces of news are music to most people's ears.


Masta Ace Documentary
Yep, you did just read the title correctly.  What makes this good news even better, is that DJ Premier is producing the soundtrack for it.  Check out more details over at the DJ Premier blog.
http://www.djpremierblog.com/2011/08/11/dj-premier-producing-the-soundtrack-for-upcoming-masta-ace-documentary/

Premo Produced Rakim LP!
The second great piece of news coming from the DJ Premier blog this month is that Rakim is working on a new album and Premo is producing it.  Now, this collaboration is probably around 15 years over due and most people probably can't understand why this project hasn't already happened as it's a no brainer for both artists.  Check the video for more details:

DJ Premier: The XXL Icon Interview

DJ Premier talks to XXL magazine about his 20+ years in hip hop and many of his most poignant moments during that time.  Premo is a fairly well documented character, but this interview brings new stories (like him berating Chuck D in front of his kids for suing him) and expands on some of the old ones, in particular the strained relationship between him and Guru. 

Premo reveals some of the industry's secrets whilst at the same time providing his own honest viewpoint, like admitting Group Home had very little lyrical ability (just goes to show how important a dope beat is)!

This interview gives a fresh insight into the life of the super producer, but instead of me telling you anymore, go and enojoy it for yourself.

http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2010/12/dj-premier-the-xxl-icon-interview/

Pete Rock & DJ Premier Interview

Pete Rock and DJ Premier were undoubtedly the most influential producers during the whole of the 1990's.  They raised the bar and set the standard for other producers to aspire to. 
In recent times their presence, and prominence, has slightly diminished but 2011 looks like it could be the year for both of these super producers to return to the top of their game.  With a new Pete Rock and CL Smooth album and a Pete Rock vs DJ Premier album due for a 2011 release, we hopefully have a something to look forward to.

In the meantime they have released a DJ Premier vs Pete Rock DVD, but this is only available in Japan (although it can be obtained on import).  The interview below is 1 hour of bonus footage from the DVD.  Both take a retrospective look at many of the tracks they have produced over the years, going right back to their early material, and telling stories about each one.  Some of the history to how these tracks came to be is fascinating and this is certainly worth a watch.  I just need to track down the rest of the DVD....