Thursday, 28 January 2010
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Dr Dre will see you now … but you won't hear Detox until 2011
What's delaying Dr Dre's new album? And why's he hanging out at the mall with David Guetta, Will.I.Am and some bloke who used to produce Simple Minds? We score a rare appointment with the hip-hop legend to find out
With a reputation that precedes him, it's a daunting experience awaiting Dr Dre. Over six feet tall, with shoulders wider than Joan's during Dynasty's heyday, it's not only his physical presence that's commanding. Boasting a back catalogue of some of the best rap records ever created, the man's a hero, a myth, and a legend.
Today, Dre is found in a carpeted and cavernous Best Buy in New York's Union Square, where he's holding a press conference not to promote his long-awaited album, Detox, but for his electronic consumer brand, Beats By Dre. It's an incongruous location to find a multi-millionaire genius; a bit like going to see Robert De Niro promote Freeview in Argos. Yet, judging by the queues and the trilling sound of the tills, it's been an effective event for a brand which includes headphones, laptops, speakers and DJ software. Surrounded by fans, label reps and assorted Beats staff, it's a relief when he muscles through the melee with a warm grin and a firm shake of the hand.
"Aftanoooon," he smiles, attempting an affable British accent of the Dick Van Dyke variety. "'Ow are ya?"
Andre "Dr Dre" Romelle Young is perhaps the only producer to have changed the course of music over three decades (maybe four, if he ever releases Detox). In the 80s he bought us unbridled rage and provocative refrains via LA rappers NWA. Next, he ushered in the marijuana-marinated "G-Funk Era", both on his own album, The Chronic, and Snoop Dogg's seminal debut Doggystyle. In 1999, he proved worthwhile white rap wasn't just limited to the Beastie Boys and 3rd Bass with his protege, Eminem, before unleashing 50 Cent on to the world in 2003. In the pop sphere, he's worked with everyone from Gwen Stefani to Tupac, Nine Inch Nails to Jay-Z, plus Mary J Blige and Burt Bacharach. His eye for a star and ear for sound is arguably second to none; stabbing, sample-free synths, heart-stopping drums and tense, taut percussion being among the Doc's trademarks.
"Engineering and mixing are absolutely key," he says of the post-production process that helps ensure such perfection. "Once a song is done, for me personally, it's usually two or three days to get the mixdown." Indeed, Dre has produced scores of sonically indelible records. He raps, too; Eminem, Snoop and Jay-Z are all rumoured to have ghostwritten tracks for Dre.
"You know, it's real weird. I've looked at pictures that my mom has of me, from when I was four years old at the turntable," says the former DJ of his transformation. "I'm there, reaching up to play the records. I feel like I was bred to do what I do. I've been into music, and listening to music and critiquing it, my whole life." Of his fastidious approach to production – Detox has been some eight years in the making (so far) – he's at a loss to describe how he does what he does. "Once that sound is right, once that mix is right, it's a feeling that you get, here," he says tapping in the general direction of his heart. "It's unexplainable."
This painstaking process isn't the only reason Dre has kept his fans waiting. For the last three years, he's been waylaid wading through designs and technology for the range of headphones he's been producing alongside Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine, who's with him at Best Buy today.
"If you know about Dr Dre, these headphones weren't coming out until they were perfect, or else we would have had Detox five years ago," cracks Iovine. The Pacino to Dre's De Niro, at first glance they're an unlikely duo; the wiry, wise-cracking, fast-talking New Yorker, and the self-contained, quiet Californian, straight outta Compton. Yet though Iovine may talk a mile a minute while Dre is somewhat more muted in his musings, this polar-opposite pairing are a powerful partnership. Iovine signed Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, and Timbaland, while Dre owns Aftermath, distributed by Iovine's industry goliath; Eminem and 50 are among his signings. Not only partners in money-making, the two have been friends for over 19 years.
"Our kids play together and everything," says Dre (who also points out that Iovine's tea-making abilities are "the shit"). "We're pretty close."
"I didn't know a lot about hip-hop in 1990, I was from the rock world," shouts Iovine, a former producer for Simple Minds and U2. "I'd listen to hip-hop and sonically it sounded terrible. A guy brought in a tape and the first thing that hit me was the sound. I said, 'Whoever's combining these worlds like this, is doing something no one's done before. I gotta meet this guy.' And that's what got me interested in Dr Dre."
Today, Dre is found in a carpeted and cavernous Best Buy in New York's Union Square, where he's holding a press conference not to promote his long-awaited album, Detox, but for his electronic consumer brand, Beats By Dre. It's an incongruous location to find a multi-millionaire genius; a bit like going to see Robert De Niro promote Freeview in Argos. Yet, judging by the queues and the trilling sound of the tills, it's been an effective event for a brand which includes headphones, laptops, speakers and DJ software. Surrounded by fans, label reps and assorted Beats staff, it's a relief when he muscles through the melee with a warm grin and a firm shake of the hand.
"Aftanoooon," he smiles, attempting an affable British accent of the Dick Van Dyke variety. "'Ow are ya?"
Andre "Dr Dre" Romelle Young is perhaps the only producer to have changed the course of music over three decades (maybe four, if he ever releases Detox). In the 80s he bought us unbridled rage and provocative refrains via LA rappers NWA. Next, he ushered in the marijuana-marinated "G-Funk Era", both on his own album, The Chronic, and Snoop Dogg's seminal debut Doggystyle. In 1999, he proved worthwhile white rap wasn't just limited to the Beastie Boys and 3rd Bass with his protege, Eminem, before unleashing 50 Cent on to the world in 2003. In the pop sphere, he's worked with everyone from Gwen Stefani to Tupac, Nine Inch Nails to Jay-Z, plus Mary J Blige and Burt Bacharach. His eye for a star and ear for sound is arguably second to none; stabbing, sample-free synths, heart-stopping drums and tense, taut percussion being among the Doc's trademarks.
"Engineering and mixing are absolutely key," he says of the post-production process that helps ensure such perfection. "Once a song is done, for me personally, it's usually two or three days to get the mixdown." Indeed, Dre has produced scores of sonically indelible records. He raps, too; Eminem, Snoop and Jay-Z are all rumoured to have ghostwritten tracks for Dre.
"You know, it's real weird. I've looked at pictures that my mom has of me, from when I was four years old at the turntable," says the former DJ of his transformation. "I'm there, reaching up to play the records. I feel like I was bred to do what I do. I've been into music, and listening to music and critiquing it, my whole life." Of his fastidious approach to production – Detox has been some eight years in the making (so far) – he's at a loss to describe how he does what he does. "Once that sound is right, once that mix is right, it's a feeling that you get, here," he says tapping in the general direction of his heart. "It's unexplainable."
This painstaking process isn't the only reason Dre has kept his fans waiting. For the last three years, he's been waylaid wading through designs and technology for the range of headphones he's been producing alongside Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine, who's with him at Best Buy today.
"If you know about Dr Dre, these headphones weren't coming out until they were perfect, or else we would have had Detox five years ago," cracks Iovine. The Pacino to Dre's De Niro, at first glance they're an unlikely duo; the wiry, wise-cracking, fast-talking New Yorker, and the self-contained, quiet Californian, straight outta Compton. Yet though Iovine may talk a mile a minute while Dre is somewhat more muted in his musings, this polar-opposite pairing are a powerful partnership. Iovine signed Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, and Timbaland, while Dre owns Aftermath, distributed by Iovine's industry goliath; Eminem and 50 are among his signings. Not only partners in money-making, the two have been friends for over 19 years.
"Our kids play together and everything," says Dre (who also points out that Iovine's tea-making abilities are "the shit"). "We're pretty close."
"I didn't know a lot about hip-hop in 1990, I was from the rock world," shouts Iovine, a former producer for Simple Minds and U2. "I'd listen to hip-hop and sonically it sounded terrible. A guy brought in a tape and the first thing that hit me was the sound. I said, 'Whoever's combining these worlds like this, is doing something no one's done before. I gotta meet this guy.' And that's what got me interested in Dr Dre."
Distilling Dre's innate sense of sonic precision led the pair to devise a different way of reversing the record industry's loss-making mishaps. "I'm just trying to be a creator in among all this shit that's going on," Dre says about hawking high-end headphones. "I just want to get my music out and make sure that it's heard in the right way. That's all I give a fuck about."
Rather than the tried and tested trainers and tracksuits that most artists flog when they begin to merchandise themselves, they brought Beats By Dre back to the essence of the Good Doctor's brilliance.
"Three years ago we were talking about the deals that acts do," Iovine remembers. "We said, 'We gotta do something about sound.' We went from analogue to digital and the digital revolution all went terribly wrong. So we said, 'Screw the sneakers, lets get into headphones and speakers.'"
Jimmy and Dre's main reason for wanting to diversify is because the way in which we listen to music has deteriorated so dramatically.
"[I did this] because it's sound. And I know a little bit about that," Dre chuckles, before explaining that an MP3 downloaded from the internet, particularly illegally, can be as much as 10 times lower in quality than vinyl or even a CD. Coupled with the fact that many are listening to music on mobile phones or through tinny speakers, it all makes Dre disgruntled. "Once it gets to your computer, everything's compressed. It's like smashing sound," he explains. "So we're trying to fix that."
Beats phones are proving quite a celebrity draw, with Lady Gaga and P Diddy designing their own lines. Iovine and Dre have also pulled in some famous pals today to spin for the crowd after they've finished their press conference; twice during our interview Iovine, mid-sentence shouts "WILL.I.AM" as Will.I.Am walks by the green room we're sequestered in. "DAVID GUETTA!" he yells again a few minutes later, telling the assembled throng of staff that "Elvis just walked in the room!" And to me, "You don't know what you've hit on here. No one will ever have these two guys together again." Indeed. However, putting the dance DJ and Dre together does elicit more insight from Dre. He apparently "had a ball" at Guetta's Fuck Me, I'm Famous night that he runs with his wife in Ibiza.
"I have to go out to clubs now," he says, referring to preparations for Detox's release. "You need to understand what people are listening to."
Which brings us, neatly, back to the album; headphones are all well and good but what everyone wants, including the kids who queued for hours to see Dre in Best Buy, is Detox. When is it dropping? There's a shy grin and a little nod: "I'm working hard on it. I'm stopping to work on other artists in-between, but the minute it's done and I feel it right here," he says patting his heart again, "that's when it will come out. Hopefully the beginning of 2010." (Needless to say, a few weeks after our chat he releases a statement to say it probably won't be before 2011 now. Sigh).
Still, however and whenever it arrives, Dre feels he might have created the perfect song on this album. Almost.
"I don't think I've done that record yet. I'll know what it is when it comes; I know exactly what it is in my head, but I haven't done it yet. It's close."
We will, he assures me once again, hear it soon, though: "I got some shit coming, believe me."
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MC Hayes Interview
Rapper MC Hayes is the latest protege an his album will be a joint project by Dr Dre and Timbaland.
The announcement that you signed to Aftermath and were co-signed by Dr. Dre and Timbaland just happened. What have these last few weeks been like for you?
Everything’s been pretty cool. I’m working hard. I’m about ready to head out on tour with Timbaland.
How did this deal even come about in the first place?
You know what? I’ve known Dre. Dr. Dre is like a good friend of mine and we were thinking of a way to make my album big. Me and him was at Diddy’s club one night and Timbaland came in the club and was asking what me and Dre was doing and we told him we were doing an album and he wanted to do it together.
How did you link up with Dre in the first place?
Shit, I’ve known him from years ago. Dre was the reason I got signed to Interscope in the first place.
What were you thinking when Timbaland said he wanted to get down on your album?
Timbaland is my dawg! It’s all family so it’s a beautiful situation. I was like, ‘Hell yeah!’
How do you see Dre and Timb working together?
It’s crazy. Me and Timbaland are working on the album and it’s been going great.
Do you see any creative problems arising with so many hands in the pot?
Hell no. Everybody’s down to earth. We’re going to ball until the wheels fall off.
A lot of artists have been signed to either Timbaland or Dre, like D.O.E. and Bishop Lamont, respectively, and have never come out. How are you going to make sure that doesn’t happen to you?
You know what? There’s a lot of things that go on and a lot of things that don’t go on and I hope that I’m one of the things that do go on. But I feel like with the magnitude of this situation, there’s no way to stop it. There’s too much momentum. I’m going to leave my mark out there. I’m just going to keep the momentum going and never let it stop.
Is not coming out a real concern of yours?
I haven’t questioned either one of them yet. Everything’s been perfect. The momentum and the energy have been great. Everybody’s excited and there’s progress every day.
Dre and TImbaland both have very different styles. What kind of music are you looking for?
What I’ma do, is I realize that I’m in a privileged position. I can take in a lot of wisdom and guidance from people who have done great things in the music industry. I’m going to take their guidance and add my little one-two here and there. But if we’re in a car, I’m going to let them drive.
What beats showcase your talent the most?
You know what? It doesn’t really matter to me, I don’t have one style. You can’t classify me as any kind of rapper. I can do it all and I love music. As far as hip-hop goes, there’s no style that I can’t do. I can’t say i love this kind of beat more than I love this kind of beat because I rock ‘em all. Even on The First 48, there’s a variety of songs and styles. You can’t even bite my style because I don’t have one. I have a million styles.
Was that one of your goals when you put The First 48 together?
No, it just happened naturally.
The First 48 is really your main introduction to the public, and you only get one chance to make a first impression. You don’t want to put out your best songs, because you want that for the album, but you also can’t put out 48 duds. How did you put The First 48 together?
You know what? I just took songs that I liked and put them on there and hopefully everybody else likes it. I just put some of my favorite joints on there. I got a lot more coming soon.
You didn’t take the conventional route of posting a ton of videos and songs online and then getting signed. You’ve really been behind the scenes. Does it add more pressure coming into the game this way because fans see you as more new than someone without a deal in the public’s eye?
I feel I do. Once they get hold of my music and they really sit down and get to know me, they’ll like it. If you just listen once, I got you.
You were signed to Interscope once before signing with them recently. What happened with Interscope the first time?
The first time, I was just signed straight to Jimmy and everybody that knows the Interscope system knows that if you’re not with someone at Interscope, then you don’t really make it out the gate. I didn’t have nobody backing me like a Pharrell or Timbaland or 50. After it was over, Dre brought me back and then Timbaland came on and cosigned it as well and now people are saying I’m the next biggest thing.
I’m guessing this time feels better.
Yeah, because there’s al to more support and it makes a lot more sense and people are a lot more interested being that Dr. Dre and Timbaland are involved.
What’s the plan for Hayes now?
I don’t know. Right now Dr. Dre is supposed to do half and Timbaland is supposed to do half. Right now me and Timbaland are going on tour and we’re working in the studio every day. We got a road bus with a studio on it so we’re going to be working every day on the road to try to get my album done and then we’re going to do the half with Dre when I get back.
Do Timbaland or Dre make you work out with them?
(laughs) Nah, they don’t make me work out with them. But I work out myself a lot.
What are you learning working with Dr. Dre?
The greatest thing about working with Dre is the learning process, because it’s two totally different classes and they’re both great classes. If you could come out of either one of these schools, you’ll be great. I’m with two great teachers and I’m learning a lot and I would say the best part about this process is studying under Dre and Timb because they teach you how to make good music.
What's the biggest difference between Dre and Timbo?
I can’t say there’s a difference because they’re both great. What’s the difference between amazing and amazing? How can there be a difference? I don’t think there is a difference. To me, they’re both great.
Is Dre as meticulous as other people say he is?
Dre is not that meticulous. He’s really a hard worker. Dre works hard. He works. But nah, he’s not crazy. I’ve been working with Dre for years and I ain’t see nothing weird. He’s just a great person. He gets a lot of shit done too.
Are you still looking to work with other producers as well?
If I do something with another producer that’s outta here, of course. but the initial vibe of the album is supposed to be Dr. Dre an Timbaland and it’s supposed to be produced by them but I’m sure there’s some room for some other producers.
You were born in Detroit but have been in California since you were 16. What are influences you the most?
Detroit.
And you were living on your own when you left, right?
Yeah. I had my own crib since I was, like, 14. My mom kicked me out when I was 12 so I basically raised myself.
Has that independence helped you survive in the music industry?
I think it has. It helps how I’m built and how I write my songs and how I’m built as a person. I was able to go through the harsh realities of life at an early age and have responsibilities.
It sounds like you take it as a blessing in disguise.
Yeah. I look at everything as a blessing. It’s all about how you see things.
Ron Artest has been a big supporter of yours. What kind of a relationship do you have with Ron?
That’s one of my best friends. He just wants to see me make it. We’re running a parallel campaign. He’s one of my close friends and he said whatever he can do to help me he’ll do. he’s one of the dopest people I ever met.
Have you ever played him one-on-one?
No. I’m not stupid. I’m not going to play him one-on-one. That’s like getting in the ring with Mike.
Have you guys collaborated on any songs yet?
Hell yeah.
What do you need to do to really be a success in the game?
Right now, I plan to get The First 48 out there as big as possible. That’s what I’m focused on right now during the daytime and at night I’m in the studio with Timbaland working on half of the album and then I’ll be working with Dre on the other half of the album and I’ll see you at the finish line.
Do you have an album title yet?
Not yet. I like the name Walking with Giants. I don’t know.
Do you feel any pressure working with such legendary producers?
No. These niggas is so cool. Really, it’s very natural. Everything is feeling very natural. Nothing is feeling forced. The vibe, it’s like mad easy. It’s natural.
Have other rappers in southern Cal embraced you or have I you felt jealousy because of your situation?
Oh, nah. I’m only getting positive things from everybody I’ve come in contact with on the West Coast. I get a lot of love and support from people out here. I don’t have no enemies. I’ve only felt support.
Do you think the Lakers can win another title this year?
Of course.
The announcement that you signed to Aftermath and were co-signed by Dr. Dre and Timbaland just happened. What have these last few weeks been like for you?
Everything’s been pretty cool. I’m working hard. I’m about ready to head out on tour with Timbaland.
How did this deal even come about in the first place?
You know what? I’ve known Dre. Dr. Dre is like a good friend of mine and we were thinking of a way to make my album big. Me and him was at Diddy’s club one night and Timbaland came in the club and was asking what me and Dre was doing and we told him we were doing an album and he wanted to do it together.
How did you link up with Dre in the first place?
Shit, I’ve known him from years ago. Dre was the reason I got signed to Interscope in the first place.
What were you thinking when Timbaland said he wanted to get down on your album?
Timbaland is my dawg! It’s all family so it’s a beautiful situation. I was like, ‘Hell yeah!’
How do you see Dre and Timb working together?
It’s crazy. Me and Timbaland are working on the album and it’s been going great.
Do you see any creative problems arising with so many hands in the pot?
Hell no. Everybody’s down to earth. We’re going to ball until the wheels fall off.
A lot of artists have been signed to either Timbaland or Dre, like D.O.E. and Bishop Lamont, respectively, and have never come out. How are you going to make sure that doesn’t happen to you?
You know what? There’s a lot of things that go on and a lot of things that don’t go on and I hope that I’m one of the things that do go on. But I feel like with the magnitude of this situation, there’s no way to stop it. There’s too much momentum. I’m going to leave my mark out there. I’m just going to keep the momentum going and never let it stop.
Is not coming out a real concern of yours?
I haven’t questioned either one of them yet. Everything’s been perfect. The momentum and the energy have been great. Everybody’s excited and there’s progress every day.
Dre and TImbaland both have very different styles. What kind of music are you looking for?
What I’ma do, is I realize that I’m in a privileged position. I can take in a lot of wisdom and guidance from people who have done great things in the music industry. I’m going to take their guidance and add my little one-two here and there. But if we’re in a car, I’m going to let them drive.
What beats showcase your talent the most?
You know what? It doesn’t really matter to me, I don’t have one style. You can’t classify me as any kind of rapper. I can do it all and I love music. As far as hip-hop goes, there’s no style that I can’t do. I can’t say i love this kind of beat more than I love this kind of beat because I rock ‘em all. Even on The First 48, there’s a variety of songs and styles. You can’t even bite my style because I don’t have one. I have a million styles.
Was that one of your goals when you put The First 48 together?
No, it just happened naturally.
The First 48 is really your main introduction to the public, and you only get one chance to make a first impression. You don’t want to put out your best songs, because you want that for the album, but you also can’t put out 48 duds. How did you put The First 48 together?
You know what? I just took songs that I liked and put them on there and hopefully everybody else likes it. I just put some of my favorite joints on there. I got a lot more coming soon.
You didn’t take the conventional route of posting a ton of videos and songs online and then getting signed. You’ve really been behind the scenes. Does it add more pressure coming into the game this way because fans see you as more new than someone without a deal in the public’s eye?
I feel I do. Once they get hold of my music and they really sit down and get to know me, they’ll like it. If you just listen once, I got you.
You were signed to Interscope once before signing with them recently. What happened with Interscope the first time?
The first time, I was just signed straight to Jimmy and everybody that knows the Interscope system knows that if you’re not with someone at Interscope, then you don’t really make it out the gate. I didn’t have nobody backing me like a Pharrell or Timbaland or 50. After it was over, Dre brought me back and then Timbaland came on and cosigned it as well and now people are saying I’m the next biggest thing.
I’m guessing this time feels better.
Yeah, because there’s al to more support and it makes a lot more sense and people are a lot more interested being that Dr. Dre and Timbaland are involved.
What’s the plan for Hayes now?
I don’t know. Right now Dr. Dre is supposed to do half and Timbaland is supposed to do half. Right now me and Timbaland are going on tour and we’re working in the studio every day. We got a road bus with a studio on it so we’re going to be working every day on the road to try to get my album done and then we’re going to do the half with Dre when I get back.
Do Timbaland or Dre make you work out with them?
(laughs) Nah, they don’t make me work out with them. But I work out myself a lot.
What are you learning working with Dr. Dre?
The greatest thing about working with Dre is the learning process, because it’s two totally different classes and they’re both great classes. If you could come out of either one of these schools, you’ll be great. I’m with two great teachers and I’m learning a lot and I would say the best part about this process is studying under Dre and Timb because they teach you how to make good music.
What's the biggest difference between Dre and Timbo?
I can’t say there’s a difference because they’re both great. What’s the difference between amazing and amazing? How can there be a difference? I don’t think there is a difference. To me, they’re both great.
Is Dre as meticulous as other people say he is?
Dre is not that meticulous. He’s really a hard worker. Dre works hard. He works. But nah, he’s not crazy. I’ve been working with Dre for years and I ain’t see nothing weird. He’s just a great person. He gets a lot of shit done too.
Are you still looking to work with other producers as well?
If I do something with another producer that’s outta here, of course. but the initial vibe of the album is supposed to be Dr. Dre an Timbaland and it’s supposed to be produced by them but I’m sure there’s some room for some other producers.
You were born in Detroit but have been in California since you were 16. What are influences you the most?
Detroit.
And you were living on your own when you left, right?
Yeah. I had my own crib since I was, like, 14. My mom kicked me out when I was 12 so I basically raised myself.
Has that independence helped you survive in the music industry?
I think it has. It helps how I’m built and how I write my songs and how I’m built as a person. I was able to go through the harsh realities of life at an early age and have responsibilities.
It sounds like you take it as a blessing in disguise.
Yeah. I look at everything as a blessing. It’s all about how you see things.
Ron Artest has been a big supporter of yours. What kind of a relationship do you have with Ron?
That’s one of my best friends. He just wants to see me make it. We’re running a parallel campaign. He’s one of my close friends and he said whatever he can do to help me he’ll do. he’s one of the dopest people I ever met.
Have you ever played him one-on-one?
No. I’m not stupid. I’m not going to play him one-on-one. That’s like getting in the ring with Mike.
Have you guys collaborated on any songs yet?
Hell yeah.
What do you need to do to really be a success in the game?
Right now, I plan to get The First 48 out there as big as possible. That’s what I’m focused on right now during the daytime and at night I’m in the studio with Timbaland working on half of the album and then I’ll be working with Dre on the other half of the album and I’ll see you at the finish line.
Do you have an album title yet?
Not yet. I like the name Walking with Giants. I don’t know.
Do you feel any pressure working with such legendary producers?
No. These niggas is so cool. Really, it’s very natural. Everything is feeling very natural. Nothing is feeling forced. The vibe, it’s like mad easy. It’s natural.
Have other rappers in southern Cal embraced you or have I you felt jealousy because of your situation?
Oh, nah. I’m only getting positive things from everybody I’ve come in contact with on the West Coast. I get a lot of love and support from people out here. I don’t have no enemies. I’ve only felt support.
Do you think the Lakers can win another title this year?
Of course.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
From Web to to Print - From blog to book
Blog2Print lets you publish some or all of your posts and photos as a professionally-printed, full-color book.
Click the link below to see a preview this blog as an archived book.
Detox Book
Obviously you need to pay to get this as a book.
Click the link below to see a preview this blog as an archived book.
Detox Book
Obviously you need to pay to get this as a book.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Producers Chocolate and DJ Silk talk about Detox - Looong good read
Chocolate and DJ Silk are two legendary producers collectively known as The Ginuwin Draftz. They talk about Dre's new protege Slim Tha Mobster and Detox.
Raptalk.Net: Hell yeah. This is the big question right here. Do you think “Detox” will set up Slim Da Mobster just as “The Chronic” set up Snoop Dogg and “2001” set up Eminem?
DJ Silk: I think so. I think that’s the best thing that could happen to him. He’s had other things going on before that. He’s a go hard in the paint type of person. It’s good because he’s running with the music to be able to express what he’s feeling. He’s writing hell of songs. He is what the game is missing and I’m glad that he’s with us.
Chocolate: Yes. I think that Slim is groomed. Snoop [Dogg] was ready but you know if you’re cooking something and it’s almost perfect but it might need a little more seasoning? That’s how Snoop was. Snoop just needed a little seasoning and it wasn’t a lot. I’m looking at the difference in-between how that was with Dre then and its how it is with Slim now. Slim is just ready. He’s groomed and polished. He doesn’t need any training. He doesn’t have to do songs with Dre standing over his shoulder. He’s gonna’ do 2-3 songs in one night. If he works for 12 hours here with us, he’s gonna’ have 3-4 songs done. His work ethic is beyond incredible; beyond (laughs). And I don’t say it because he’s my nephew. What’s funny about it is, when he was locked up in prison, I was telling him then that when he comes home, I’m gonna’ get him in the studio and we’re gonna’ work because he was already dope. If he just put his mind to this, it’s gonna’ happen for him and he put his mind to it. All the people I was telling that thought I was just saying it because he’s my blood, my family. But no, I‘m telling you because he’s good at what he does.
Actually, it’s not just him, I have another nephew who is XV; I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of XV out of Wichita, Kansas?
Raptalk.Net: I haven’t
Chocolate: He’s blowing up right now. He’s doing the Hip-Hop Honor awards and he’s doing the Warren G segment. He’s on the show doing the Hip-Hop Honor awards and he’s doing “Regulate” and a couple of other joints that Warren G had. You know there doing Hip-Hop Honor awards for Def Jam. My nephew XV, when you see him that is my other brother’s son. He’s going through a transition right now. The last I knew, his deal was looking pretty good. It’s just ironic that he’s super close to where Slim is it from my understanding. And I don’t mean that by being with Aftermath or anything like that, but he’s dealing with…the last I knew, Jimmy Iovine was super heavily looking into him. I’m not gonna’ quote that he’s signed there already but he’s doing Hip-Hop Honor awards so he must have done something right (laughs). That’s XV and then I have another nephew Mike Phenom, he’s about to take off and another nephew named Ses Batta. All four of them are dope but Slim is the reigning king. All of them are dope but it’s just they haven’t been around and groomed like Slim (laughs). That’s all it is. They are all talented but they haven’t been groomed like Slim.
Raptalk.Net: And what’s your involvement in “Detox” right now and what do you believe is the status of that record?
DJ Silk: Of course I’m Slim’s DJ as well as one of his producers, Chocolate’s partner. Our involvement is to do what we can actually. So far, we have one solid track on “Detox” which is ridiculous. I’m blessed and proud to actually have the talent to make it on “Detox.” There are a lot of guys that did a lot of work and didn’t make it on “Detox.” It was good work but Dre is a perfectionist. If it’s not ultimately dope shit, it’s not gonna’ go there. Whoever is doing records right now, when “Detox” drops, get in research mode because this dude is doing musical movies. It’s beyond a song now. He’s the Steven Spielberg of music. I truly and honestly believe, and I know that now. Dre plays all kinds of instruments. He doesn’t even need our help; put it that way. I’m blessed to at least have a few joints on there.
Chocolate: It’ll be hard for me to say how many joints Dre got done. Me and DJ Silk, we’re working right now trying to come up with more joints for the “Detox” album. We have, we know we made the record. We have a joint on “Detox” that is a hot joint and Dre did his thing on it. I think that the status of it, I couldn’t tell you. The man is a perfectionist. I do know that it is coming out though (laughs).
Raptalk.Net: Where are you sonically taking the production on the one track that you know made it for sure?
DJ Silk: On that particular joint, I would tell you the title but there are a lot of funny things with leaks and hackers going on right now. It’s a good record, we know we have at least one solid joint on the “Detox” album. If I hear anything new from Dre confirming we have more records, will link up and do another interview or update. You guys will hear it soon. For me, Dre lets us do what we do best. I don’t know for sure, but Dre doesn’t like people trying to be like him. You have those producers who try to produce tracks of something he may possibly conjure up. They don’t even know what level he is on right now. Anything they can come up with is something they heard way back in the day. Dre loves us for what we do now; for what we’re groomed to do. He likes us to be ourselves. The whole record is live. It’s actually played. You won’t hear too many real samples on the record. That’s why I said he’s making musical movies. It’s like an orchestra playing. It’s like having Mozart in there with ?uestlove.
Raptalk.Net: Silk & Chocolate have a record on “Detox.” Chocolate, you read my D.O.C. interview “Detox & Surgery” and even left us a nice comment on the page. D.O.C. said in that interview that he thinks the album would have been done in November.
Chocolate: I mean, Dre has been working hard on this record. His mind is so genius. I’ve watched him work and I’m like wow, this dude will play anything you put in front of him. He doesn’t…how could I put it? Dre is like a real maestro. He leads you to the right notes and to the right placements and shit. When you hear certain shit and don’t know where to place it, Dre knows where to place it at. He’s just a perfectionist so you can’t really say where he’s at on his record and I couldn’t tell you. I know that we’re still working. He’s done us good. Since we’ve been working on this record, we’ve been out of town to get a change of environment and worked in other states and cities. He’s done us right just to get a different feel and vibe in order to make that music that you wouldn’t have thought about just by sitting in that same place all the time. You need a different view sometimes. Dre is probably, I couldn’t tell you how many songs he has done.
Raptalk.Net: We probably can’t even count that high.
Chocolate: He has so much hot shit. That’s why I say it’s crazy. You can’t place anything with what the man does. It has to be perfect. When they hear this mans record, the world is going to see why they waited so long for this record (laughs). That’s what I can truly tell you. When the world hears this record, they’re gonna’ be like ok, it was worth the fucking wait.
Raptalk.Net: When people talk about the “2001” team, people come up with the names Hittman, Scott Storch, Xzibit, Eminem, Knoc-turn’al, Mel-Man and people like that. If you had to name a few names in your mind that make up the “Detox” team, which names would you drop?
Chocolate: From me being around, I’ve seen a lot of them come in and do hot shit. But I don’t know what’s actually been cited to make the record. I don’t want to speak on names and they don’t make the record. I don’t know. A lot of records have leaked and Dre has put a real hold, he’s tightened down on everything. What he plays is what we hear. I’ve heard a lot of hot joints and seen a lot of different artists come in and do songs with him but I don’t know if they made the record. That is why I don’t want to say this joint with such and such. I’ve seen some big names come in.
Raptalk.Net: I respect that you can’t drop names so without dropping names, how do you think the “Detox” team or the people you’ve seen come in…
Chocolate: Heavy. They came in and did their thing very heavy. Dre is never gonna’ look away from his people. You know he’ll always keep Snoop [Dogg] somewhere in there. I know he has a joint with Snoop. He still keeps some of those around. Really with that, it’s hard to say. I don’t even know if that made the record. That is why I don’t want to be saying stuff. From what I’m looking at, the best way I could put it is everybody is still getting their chance to come and do what they’ve done before for him. He hasn’t turned his back on anyone. That’s the best way I could put it.
Raptalk.Net: What about “Relapse 2?” Have you done any work on that?
DJ Silk: We’re working right now to try and get a record on there. First things first is to actually making the record, and then will take care of everything else. Paperwork and all that isn’t hard to get done. We just want to create some music for Eminem that he loves and raps over it for the album. We know he would wreck one of our beats.
Raptalk.Net:Wow, there y’all have it – Chocolate & DJ Silk is on “Detox” & is working to get on “Relapse 2.” There are some rumors going around that Xzibit has been back in the camp really heavy and that Dre is doing his entire album. Have you gotten any word on that?
Chocolate: No. I know Xzibit came in and did a hook for Slim Tha Mobster. I don’t know the status of that though. I haven’t seen Xzibit in the studio. Actually, when we’re working with Slim, Dre is in another studio not far from us but we’re not in his sessions. We’re in a whole different studio doing our thing and Dre is doing his thing. We’ve always basically worked like that unless we’re in the same building with Dre. Most of the time we’re at a different building that is close. So I’m not in on all the sessions to see who has come in and out all the time. I come in on certain days and see certain people come in. it’s always short and brief and I’m back to doing what I’m doing at another studio working.
Raptalk.Net: Is it safe to say that Slim won’t drop until after “Detox?”
Chocolate: Slim has tons of songs (laughs). That’s kind of hard to say but I think it would be safe to say that it’ll be after “Detox.”
Raptalk.Net: It would make sense from a strategic standpoint.
Chocolate: He’s definitely the front man for the tour, the opening act. That’s the first act. I would say it’ll be safe to say he’ll be out after “Detox” and not before.
Source - http://raptalk.net/website/content/view/2176/54/
Raptalk.Net: Hell yeah. This is the big question right here. Do you think “Detox” will set up Slim Da Mobster just as “The Chronic” set up Snoop Dogg and “2001” set up Eminem?
DJ Silk: I think so. I think that’s the best thing that could happen to him. He’s had other things going on before that. He’s a go hard in the paint type of person. It’s good because he’s running with the music to be able to express what he’s feeling. He’s writing hell of songs. He is what the game is missing and I’m glad that he’s with us.
Chocolate: Yes. I think that Slim is groomed. Snoop [Dogg] was ready but you know if you’re cooking something and it’s almost perfect but it might need a little more seasoning? That’s how Snoop was. Snoop just needed a little seasoning and it wasn’t a lot. I’m looking at the difference in-between how that was with Dre then and its how it is with Slim now. Slim is just ready. He’s groomed and polished. He doesn’t need any training. He doesn’t have to do songs with Dre standing over his shoulder. He’s gonna’ do 2-3 songs in one night. If he works for 12 hours here with us, he’s gonna’ have 3-4 songs done. His work ethic is beyond incredible; beyond (laughs). And I don’t say it because he’s my nephew. What’s funny about it is, when he was locked up in prison, I was telling him then that when he comes home, I’m gonna’ get him in the studio and we’re gonna’ work because he was already dope. If he just put his mind to this, it’s gonna’ happen for him and he put his mind to it. All the people I was telling that thought I was just saying it because he’s my blood, my family. But no, I‘m telling you because he’s good at what he does.
Actually, it’s not just him, I have another nephew who is XV; I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of XV out of Wichita, Kansas?
Raptalk.Net: I haven’t
Chocolate: He’s blowing up right now. He’s doing the Hip-Hop Honor awards and he’s doing the Warren G segment. He’s on the show doing the Hip-Hop Honor awards and he’s doing “Regulate” and a couple of other joints that Warren G had. You know there doing Hip-Hop Honor awards for Def Jam. My nephew XV, when you see him that is my other brother’s son. He’s going through a transition right now. The last I knew, his deal was looking pretty good. It’s just ironic that he’s super close to where Slim is it from my understanding. And I don’t mean that by being with Aftermath or anything like that, but he’s dealing with…the last I knew, Jimmy Iovine was super heavily looking into him. I’m not gonna’ quote that he’s signed there already but he’s doing Hip-Hop Honor awards so he must have done something right (laughs). That’s XV and then I have another nephew Mike Phenom, he’s about to take off and another nephew named Ses Batta. All four of them are dope but Slim is the reigning king. All of them are dope but it’s just they haven’t been around and groomed like Slim (laughs). That’s all it is. They are all talented but they haven’t been groomed like Slim.
Raptalk.Net: And what’s your involvement in “Detox” right now and what do you believe is the status of that record?
DJ Silk: Of course I’m Slim’s DJ as well as one of his producers, Chocolate’s partner. Our involvement is to do what we can actually. So far, we have one solid track on “Detox” which is ridiculous. I’m blessed and proud to actually have the talent to make it on “Detox.” There are a lot of guys that did a lot of work and didn’t make it on “Detox.” It was good work but Dre is a perfectionist. If it’s not ultimately dope shit, it’s not gonna’ go there. Whoever is doing records right now, when “Detox” drops, get in research mode because this dude is doing musical movies. It’s beyond a song now. He’s the Steven Spielberg of music. I truly and honestly believe, and I know that now. Dre plays all kinds of instruments. He doesn’t even need our help; put it that way. I’m blessed to at least have a few joints on there.
Chocolate: It’ll be hard for me to say how many joints Dre got done. Me and DJ Silk, we’re working right now trying to come up with more joints for the “Detox” album. We have, we know we made the record. We have a joint on “Detox” that is a hot joint and Dre did his thing on it. I think that the status of it, I couldn’t tell you. The man is a perfectionist. I do know that it is coming out though (laughs).
Raptalk.Net: Where are you sonically taking the production on the one track that you know made it for sure?
DJ Silk: On that particular joint, I would tell you the title but there are a lot of funny things with leaks and hackers going on right now. It’s a good record, we know we have at least one solid joint on the “Detox” album. If I hear anything new from Dre confirming we have more records, will link up and do another interview or update. You guys will hear it soon. For me, Dre lets us do what we do best. I don’t know for sure, but Dre doesn’t like people trying to be like him. You have those producers who try to produce tracks of something he may possibly conjure up. They don’t even know what level he is on right now. Anything they can come up with is something they heard way back in the day. Dre loves us for what we do now; for what we’re groomed to do. He likes us to be ourselves. The whole record is live. It’s actually played. You won’t hear too many real samples on the record. That’s why I said he’s making musical movies. It’s like an orchestra playing. It’s like having Mozart in there with ?uestlove.
Raptalk.Net: Silk & Chocolate have a record on “Detox.” Chocolate, you read my D.O.C. interview “Detox & Surgery” and even left us a nice comment on the page. D.O.C. said in that interview that he thinks the album would have been done in November.
Chocolate: I mean, Dre has been working hard on this record. His mind is so genius. I’ve watched him work and I’m like wow, this dude will play anything you put in front of him. He doesn’t…how could I put it? Dre is like a real maestro. He leads you to the right notes and to the right placements and shit. When you hear certain shit and don’t know where to place it, Dre knows where to place it at. He’s just a perfectionist so you can’t really say where he’s at on his record and I couldn’t tell you. I know that we’re still working. He’s done us good. Since we’ve been working on this record, we’ve been out of town to get a change of environment and worked in other states and cities. He’s done us right just to get a different feel and vibe in order to make that music that you wouldn’t have thought about just by sitting in that same place all the time. You need a different view sometimes. Dre is probably, I couldn’t tell you how many songs he has done.
Raptalk.Net: We probably can’t even count that high.
Chocolate: He has so much hot shit. That’s why I say it’s crazy. You can’t place anything with what the man does. It has to be perfect. When they hear this mans record, the world is going to see why they waited so long for this record (laughs). That’s what I can truly tell you. When the world hears this record, they’re gonna’ be like ok, it was worth the fucking wait.
Raptalk.Net: When people talk about the “2001” team, people come up with the names Hittman, Scott Storch, Xzibit, Eminem, Knoc-turn’al, Mel-Man and people like that. If you had to name a few names in your mind that make up the “Detox” team, which names would you drop?
Chocolate: From me being around, I’ve seen a lot of them come in and do hot shit. But I don’t know what’s actually been cited to make the record. I don’t want to speak on names and they don’t make the record. I don’t know. A lot of records have leaked and Dre has put a real hold, he’s tightened down on everything. What he plays is what we hear. I’ve heard a lot of hot joints and seen a lot of different artists come in and do songs with him but I don’t know if they made the record. That is why I don’t want to say this joint with such and such. I’ve seen some big names come in.
Raptalk.Net: I respect that you can’t drop names so without dropping names, how do you think the “Detox” team or the people you’ve seen come in…
Chocolate: Heavy. They came in and did their thing very heavy. Dre is never gonna’ look away from his people. You know he’ll always keep Snoop [Dogg] somewhere in there. I know he has a joint with Snoop. He still keeps some of those around. Really with that, it’s hard to say. I don’t even know if that made the record. That is why I don’t want to be saying stuff. From what I’m looking at, the best way I could put it is everybody is still getting their chance to come and do what they’ve done before for him. He hasn’t turned his back on anyone. That’s the best way I could put it.
Raptalk.Net: What about “Relapse 2?” Have you done any work on that?
DJ Silk: We’re working right now to try and get a record on there. First things first is to actually making the record, and then will take care of everything else. Paperwork and all that isn’t hard to get done. We just want to create some music for Eminem that he loves and raps over it for the album. We know he would wreck one of our beats.
Raptalk.Net:Wow, there y’all have it – Chocolate & DJ Silk is on “Detox” & is working to get on “Relapse 2.” There are some rumors going around that Xzibit has been back in the camp really heavy and that Dre is doing his entire album. Have you gotten any word on that?
Chocolate: No. I know Xzibit came in and did a hook for Slim Tha Mobster. I don’t know the status of that though. I haven’t seen Xzibit in the studio. Actually, when we’re working with Slim, Dre is in another studio not far from us but we’re not in his sessions. We’re in a whole different studio doing our thing and Dre is doing his thing. We’ve always basically worked like that unless we’re in the same building with Dre. Most of the time we’re at a different building that is close. So I’m not in on all the sessions to see who has come in and out all the time. I come in on certain days and see certain people come in. it’s always short and brief and I’m back to doing what I’m doing at another studio working.
Raptalk.Net: Is it safe to say that Slim won’t drop until after “Detox?”
Chocolate: Slim has tons of songs (laughs). That’s kind of hard to say but I think it would be safe to say that it’ll be after “Detox.”
Raptalk.Net: It would make sense from a strategic standpoint.
Chocolate: He’s definitely the front man for the tour, the opening act. That’s the first act. I would say it’ll be safe to say he’ll be out after “Detox” and not before.
Source - http://raptalk.net/website/content/view/2176/54/
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Protege Of Timbaland And Dr Dre Releases New Street Album
Rapper and actor, Hayes has released a new street album that has taken the industry by storm, entitled "The First 48". The Detroit emcee has the backing of both Timbaland and Dr. Dre, after being co-signed to both Aftermath Entertainment and Mosley Music Group, as well as Interscope.
The First 48 features over twenty five tracks consisting of mostly original production, from producers such as Timbaland, The Breakfast Club, and more. Hayes new street album follows two other successful street albums/mixtapes 24 Songs Of Power and Who Da Fuck Is Hayes.
Timbaland revealed to MTV that he is excited about the prospect of working with Hayes, saying: "I think people are gonna wanna know about [him]. Me and Dre just signed him, this guy named Hayes from Detroit.. Incredible storyteller. Incredible. Reminds me of how Notorious B.I.G. tells his stories."
Hayes is currently touring with Timbaland on his Shock Value II tour, and has been writing for the anticipated "Detox" album by Dr. Dre.
The First 48 features over twenty five tracks consisting of mostly original production, from producers such as Timbaland, The Breakfast Club, and more. Hayes new street album follows two other successful street albums/mixtapes 24 Songs Of Power and Who Da Fuck Is Hayes.
Timbaland revealed to MTV that he is excited about the prospect of working with Hayes, saying: "I think people are gonna wanna know about [him]. Me and Dre just signed him, this guy named Hayes from Detroit.. Incredible storyteller. Incredible. Reminds me of how Notorious B.I.G. tells his stories."
Hayes is currently touring with Timbaland on his Shock Value II tour, and has been writing for the anticipated "Detox" album by Dr. Dre.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Dre hinting Detox release in future March issue of Slam Mag
In the March 2010 edition of Slam Magazine, producer/artist Dr. Dre is featured in the DimeDrop section. Although the interview is based around basketball, you know he couldn't get out of it without a Detox question.
"Slam: OK, so you know I have to hit you with this question, which is like a progress report for your fans. When can we hear something from Detox?
DD: Well, I've been working on it, but also I've been working on other people's projects; you'll probably hear something in a year or so."
Source - http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/toc/2010/01/slam-135-on-sale-now/
Uzee - OK Yes this will be in the issue for March, but it's highly likely that the interview may have happened in 2009. In other words 'in a year or so' would mean 2010.
"Slam: OK, so you know I have to hit you with this question, which is like a progress report for your fans. When can we hear something from Detox?
DD: Well, I've been working on it, but also I've been working on other people's projects; you'll probably hear something in a year or so."
Uzee - OK Yes this will be in the issue for March, but it's highly likely that the interview may have happened in 2009. In other words 'in a year or so' would mean 2010.
Dre's protege leaves Aftermath Entertainment
California rapper Bishop Lamont recently discussed his split from Aftermath/Interscope on Shade 45's The All Out Show. Explaining that he was very happy to finally be a free agent, Lamont, born Phillip Martin, maintained that his departure was an amicable one.
"Dre is still my big bro, but after five years of just sitting there, it is kind of unfair to the fans and my family and myself that the release date has changed when all these people are waiting," Lamont explained talking about his debut album The Reformation which was slated for release sometime this year, after Dr. Dre had released his long awaited Detox album.
Lamont, who signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint in 2005 spoke candidly in the interview about the lack of support he got from the label when it came to his music. He explained that the powerhouse label failed to get behind singles such as "Grow Up," the fist single form his debut which was released in 2008.
Leaving the label with allegedly all the music he recorded during his time there, which amounts to over 700 songs, Lamont stressed that he was always a team player and recognized the position that his mentor, Dr. Dre was in. "Andre has bigger obligations than breaking new artists." He continued, "If you don't understand the business side, it can put a strain on your personal side, which you can think is intentional and that is not the case."
Bishop Lamont also indicated that he was seeking a new label now he had officially left the Interscope subsidiary.
Previously, Joell Ortiz, Rakim, Hittman and Last Emperor have all left the label for similar reasons.
"Dre is still my big bro, but after five years of just sitting there, it is kind of unfair to the fans and my family and myself that the release date has changed when all these people are waiting," Lamont explained talking about his debut album The Reformation which was slated for release sometime this year, after Dr. Dre had released his long awaited Detox album.
Lamont, who signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint in 2005 spoke candidly in the interview about the lack of support he got from the label when it came to his music. He explained that the powerhouse label failed to get behind singles such as "Grow Up," the fist single form his debut which was released in 2008.
Leaving the label with allegedly all the music he recorded during his time there, which amounts to over 700 songs, Lamont stressed that he was always a team player and recognized the position that his mentor, Dr. Dre was in. "Andre has bigger obligations than breaking new artists." He continued, "If you don't understand the business side, it can put a strain on your personal side, which you can think is intentional and that is not the case."
Bishop Lamont also indicated that he was seeking a new label now he had officially left the Interscope subsidiary.
Previously, Joell Ortiz, Rakim, Hittman and Last Emperor have all left the label for similar reasons.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Little rumour of Detox release date
Oh and from what I am hearing, Interscope is pushing Dr. Dre to bring Detox out in June. Whether that happens or not, who knows. But Interscope feels the album would be perfect for a summer release. They feel Detox fits with summer time like a glove. June gives Interscope time to release multiple singles for Detox between May and August to keep the momentum going strong for the album. It also gives The Game’s R.E.D. album and Eminem’s Relapse 2 some time to build hype toward Detox’s release.
So yeah, based on what I know, Eminem’s Relapse 2 is slated for a March release. Dr. Dre’s Detox is slated for a June release.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)