Hip-hop in the early ’90′s was just beginning to come into its own. Several artists helped pave the way for what is now a multi-billion dollar business, however the pioneers of the movement – producers like Premier and Pete Rock – not only had to learn, but they also had to make it, the hard way. Nothing came easy for them and they certainly never enveloped themselves in shallow praise or adulation, especially if they hadn’t done anything to deserve it, much like some of the hip-hop artists of today’s generation do. In this video, Pete Rock and Premier get personal prior to a show at the Liquidroom in Shibuya, Tokyo where they delve into all sorts of personal traumas, discuss the competition that previously existed amongst each other and the hardships of embarking on a career path which, for both, had its fair share of ups and downs, burdens and blessings.
If you have 2 hours and a quarter of time to spare today, do make sure to check this out. This is the entire video for the Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier set in Japan where these clips originated from. This clip is also a bonus from the DVD this was ripped from. Below is a link to the 2 disc CD. ENJOY.
For over two decades DJ Premier has been the virtuoso behind some of hip-hop’s greatest records. Just off the Gang Starr output you have Moment of Truth, Mass Appeal, Manifest, Royalty, Discipline and you can’t forget about his work with Biggie, Nas, Big L and many other highly respected artists. The secret has been within his craft – how it’s conceptualized, the textures, the atmospheres and how the innovative samples are implemented into each song. This feature takes us inside the legendary HeadQCourterz studio in New York City where the renowned producer shared some of his most cherished moments in the music game and beyond.
