ISSUE 16 March/April 2007

Features

JUST TO GET A REp
Surprise! Will.i.am has become hip-hop’s producer-for-hire of choice—just ask his supreme clientele, Nas and The Game.

hell’s kitchen
Young Jeezy’s trapper tales wouldn’t
be as menacing without Shawty Redd’s horrifying soundtrack.

Can’t forget about you
As Pharrell skates around the globe, Chad Hugo remains in the VA mastering the Neptunes sound and defending their partnership.

back for the first time
Atlanta’s Polow Da Don is on the verge of becoming one of the next great beatmakers.
Tell Jigga to holla.

the shining
James Brown’s music reinvented hip-hop.
Rest in peace, Godfather.

dope boy magic
From choirboy to underground king,
Pimp C’s sound has been endlessly imitated.

 

Departments

WARning!
Hip-hop on high alert.

daily operation Papoose
high five Three 6 Mafia
main source Kingdom Come
planet rock Dallas, TX

Front lines
New producers draw first blood.

Kane Beatz
B-Money
Frequency
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Marvelous J

Record pool
Full-service reviews.
jackin’ for beats
please listen to my demo
steady bootleggin’ Saigon

In control
Knowledge reigns supreme.

i need a beat! M.O.P.’s Lil’ Fame
i cram to understand u M-Audio NRV10
trail time Statik Selektah
the furious five Keys Open Doors
ya dig? A-1 Records
check tha résumé Ivan “Doc” Rodriguez
in full gear Slept-on NY producers in spring styles

Scratch selector
Hot sex on a platter.