DJ Premier revealed that he encouraged a young Biggie Smalls to sign with Sean “Puff” Combs — and later struck a $5,000 handshake deal that paid off when Ready to Die went platinum.
Pete Rock shared how he unexpectedly discovered Jay-Z had recorded over one of his beats during sessions in Hawaii with Kanye West — forcing him to pull his car over mid-drive.
During a candid appearance on Drink Champs, Dame Dash revealed that Harlem lyricist Big L taped the early Jay-Z vs. DMX battle in the Bronx — and suggested that at least part of the footage once existed.
Appearing on Hot 97 Mornings with Mero, Roc Marciano discussed fully producing his new album 656, confronting hip-hop’s ageism and doubling down on the independent ecosystem he says grew from his blueprint.