In the the first part of our three part interview with DJ Premier on The Combat Jack Show, Premo explains the origins of The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ten Crack Commandments.” He reveals the beat was originally rapper Jeru the Damaja’s, and it was used for radio host Angie Martinez’s ‘Top 5 at 9’ show. On one fateful night, Puff Daddy and B.I.G. were present for the ‘Top 5 at 9,’ and after hearing the track, requested it for Biggie’s new album. Coincidentally, Premier was tuning into the show while driving his car. “Right when I’m ready to turn the volume down, I hear them go, ‘Yo Premier, if you out there, call me!’” While Damaja and Biggie were at odds during that time period, Damaja eventually surrendered the beat, stating, “It’s hip-hop.” Later in the conversation, Premier discusses his relationship with Jay-Z, who he shares a musical repertoire with since Jay’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt. Citing his own work ethic as the reason behind their bare slate in recent years (“I take a while to get you a track, and Jay ain’t waiting for nobody”), Premier also touches on how they would handle disagreements in the studio. via Complex
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