How Did DJ Premier Become a Legendary Producer for Gang Starr, Jay-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G.?

TL;DR

DJ Premier became a legendary producer by combining deep knowledge of classic soul with distinctive drums and bass, a sound rooted in his family, early mentors, and refusal to copy others. Born in 1966, he developed his musical foundation before hip-hop matured, then became one half of Gang Starr and produced iconic tracks for Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z. Read on to trace the people, records, and principles behind his sound.

Transcript

once he showed me the the fundamentals of it I knew what I wanted to make it sound like when I do it I'm from the era where if you copied somebody you could get into a fight for being a biter in 1984 a vinyl obsessed 18 year old in Prairie View Texas had an idea Chris Martin soon to be known to the world as DJ Premier combined an encyclopedic knowl... Read More

Key Insights

• DJ Premier's parents were educators, influencing his disciplined approach to music.
• His mother was an art teacher who introduced him to creativity and vinyl records.
• Premier was mentored by Travis Scott's father, who taught him to play drums and bass.
• He was heavily influenced by the music of the 60s and 70s, including Motown and jazz.
• Premier's initial foray into music was in college, where he learned DJing fundamentals.
• He joined Gang Starr and honed his production skills, creating a unique sound.
• Despite challenges, Premier's work ethic and passion for music remained steadfast.
• He has aspirations to score films and create a cartoon based on his life experiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes DJ Premier a legendary hip-hop producer?

DJ Premier combined an encyclopedic knowledge of classic soul with a strong appetite for learning and a determination to create his own sound. His work as one half of Gang Starr and as a producer for Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z secured his place among rap’s most celebrated producers.

Q: How did DJ Premier become a music producer?

After learning the fundamentals, Premier knew how he wanted his own music to sound. He applied his early experience playing drums and bass, along with his knowledge of vinyl and older music, to production while avoiding imitation of other artists.

Q: How did DJ Premier’s parents influence his career?

Both of Premier’s parents were educators: his mother taught art, while his father taught biology and later became dean of arts and sciences at Prairie View A&M University. His mother encouraged creativity and careful treatment of vinyl, while his father modeled composure and problem-solving.

Q: What did Travis Scott’s family teach DJ Premier about music?

Premier spent time with the Webster family, whose musical performances influenced his approach to beats. Jack Webster Sr. played drums, while Jack’s brother Travis played bass and taught Premier to play it; Premier said his drums and bass remain influenced by them.

Q: How did DJ Premier’s mother develop his interest in art and vinyl?

Premier regularly saw his mother painting at an easel while playing records, and she also taught him in junior high and high school. Her large vinyl collection introduced him to records, including the rule that he must hold them without leaving fingerprints on their surfaces.

Q: Which musicians shaped DJ Premier’s early musical foundation?

Premier grew up hearing artists including Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Minnie Riperton, Barry White, Al Green, James Brown, Parliament, and Motown acts. He also saw the Jackson 5 at least six or seven times as a child and recalled being captivated by their dancing, outfits, and music.

Q: How did growing up before rap influence DJ Premier’s production style?

Born in 1966, Premier belonged to a generation that absorbed its parents’ soul, jazz, funk, and Motown records before rap developed into hip-hop culture. He described those records as building blocks, giving him a broad musical base that he later brought into production.

Q: What role did Prairie View A&M University play in DJ Premier’s identity?

Premier attended Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU where his father eventually became dean of arts and sciences. He said the school emphasized pride in being Black while also loving everybody, a principle he continues to carry with him.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• DJ Premier's journey from Prairie View, Texas, to becoming a hip-hop legend is marked by his unique sound and collaborations with top artists. Influenced by classic soul and jazz, he developed a distinctive style that has shaped the genre. His work with Gang Starr and other iconic figures highlights his enduring impact on music.

• The influence of DJ Premier's parents, both educators, played a significant role in his disciplined and creative approach to music. His mother's love for art and vinyl records, along with mentorship from Travis Scott's father, helped shape his musical foundation and passion for production.

• Throughout his career, DJ Premier has remained committed to his craft, constantly evolving and exploring new opportunities. From producing for Jay-Z and Nas to aspiring to score films, his dedication to music is unwavering. Premier's legacy is characterized by his innovative sound and contributions to hip-hop history.