DJ Premier a.k.a. Primo

Primo is best known as the backbone for “The Gangstarr Foundation” which features himself & Guru (as Gangstarr), Jeru, The Group Home and a handful more artists and groups. I grew up on Premier, and chances are if he was involved with a project, there was a high probability that it was on my rack. Label owner, mix tapes, remixes, beats always crisp and clean that still somehow come off grimy and dirty. The list of artists/groups that Primo has collaborated with is incredible. Nas, Jay-Z, M.O.P. KRS1, Rakim, Fat Joe, Big L, Mos Def, hell even Snoop Dog.

In 1994 Nas dropped “Illmatic” and Biggie released “Ready to Die”, both featuring tracks produced Premier. I remember spending a lot of 94’ listening to both trying to figure out which album I dug more… still haven’t figured it out. Regardless, this is one of my favorites that is often over looked.

Pink: Biggie Smalls – UNBELIVABLE (1994) (download)

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Showbiz is a good and well-accomplished producer in his own right, but the first single off his & AG’s 2nd album “Goodfellas” featured this Primo hotness.

Pink: Showbiz & AG – NEXT LEVEL (Nyte Time Remix)(1995)(Download)

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Jeru the Damaja burst onto the scene, first with a guest appearance with Gangstarr, then with 2 Premier produced albums. “The Sun Rises In The East” in 1994 and “Wrath Of The Math” in 1996 are both classics in my book. After a dispute over what else…money (there’s a shocker), the 2 parted ways. Jeru released 2 albums after the split, I couldn’t tell you the name and/or years of them. I heard a couple tracks from one of them, then barfed in my mouth a little. All I could think is WHY!?!? Bite the hand that feeds ya and watch the gravy train derail off the tracks (pun intended), the same thing happened to “The Group Home”.

Stink: Jeru the Damaja – MY MIND SPRAY (1994) (download)

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Premier is still busy. He took over the famous D&D Studios in 2004. He is still producing for underground unknowns, moderately knowns, and big time artists. Eminem’s rumored 1st single, “Keys to the City” off his upcoming album is produced by DJ Premier.
Just a few classics Primo jams for you. If ya didn’t know, now ya do.

Love, Peace & Bacon Grease.
Zito-