DJ Premier on Gang Starr, Jay-Z, Biggie, and Becoming One of Music’s Biggest Producers

On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, legendary producer DJ Premier takes us on a journey from his early days as part of the duo Gang Starr, to producing for then up-and-coming rapper Jay-Z and helping to shape his sound, to carving his own lane and becoming one of the greatest producers in hip hop history. And it all started with one idea.
0:00 - DJ Premier's Journey in Hip-Hop
1:10 - Parents' Careers and Early Creative Exposure
3:02 - Relationship with Travis Scott's Father
4:37 - DJ Premier's Perspective on Music Evolution
6:27 - From Aretha Franklin to Jackson 5
8:01 - Fresh Fest and the Birth of a Passion
9:48 - LL Cool J, Run DMC, Chuck D, and more
10:55 - From Blending to Scratching
12:01 - Choosing DJ Premiere as a name
13:04 - Pursuing Computer Science and Discovering Passion for Music
13:55 - Support from Parents and Working at a Record Store
16:00 - Making a Demo and Getting Noticed
20:06 - Joining Gang Starr and Developing a Sound
21:11 - Living and Working Together
23:03 - Defying Genre Labels
24:51 - Staying ahead of the trends
25:39 - Meeting Biggie Smalls
26:48 - Discovering Lady of Rage and Dr. Dre
27:12 - His evolution and collaborations with iconic artists
27:50 - Dynamic within Gang Starr
29:06 - The struggles of managing Guru
30:03 - A significant incident that impacted their relationship
31:25 - The story behind a classic song fight with Guru
32:14 - Overcoming creative block
33:02 - Unlocking the signature sound
33:07 - Making of "Mass Appeal"
33:57 - Collaboration with Biggie Smalls
34:27 - Impact of their music
36:12 - Personal Qualities and Humility
37:01 - Influence on Classic Albums
38:25 - Consistency and Evolution in Music
39:28 - Collaboration with Christina Aguilera
39:54 - Trusting His Instincts
40:13 - Coping with Guru's Passing
43:56 - Rebuilding with Royce da 5'9"
46:48 - Conclusion and Future Outlook
47:48 - Change in Beat Sound with Adrian Young Music
49:11 - Becoming Aware of Travis Scott's Musical Ambitions
50:32 - Scoring Movies and Creating a Cartoon
52:05 - Potential Collaborative Albums and Artists
54:40 - Embracing the Streaming Era and Rediscovering Joy and Passion

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

What's your all-time #1 DJ Premier beat? We'll go first... "NY State of Mind" by Nas

[@TheDoknoh]

For me it’s “The Realness” off Group Home.

[@yOGlo]

M.O.P - handle ur bizness (prod. by premier .. also comes out tpb 🤣🔥

[@samaniewelbeck938]

"Mass Appeal" for me--I was 11, my big brother was 18. I used to steal his tapes and copy them 😂 I took Hard to Earn and copied it on my double deck Sony shelf stereo. I was obsessed with that joint!

[@djaitchb]

"DWYCK" (featuring Nice & Smooth)

[@yen4407]

way too many i cant really pick one but i guess mathematics by mos def

[@UwU777UwU]

DJ Premier is the embodiment of 90s BoomBap

[@4saxon7]

*hip hop

[@UwU777UwU]

@@4saxon7 nahh BoomBap.

[@4saxon7]

@@UwU777UwU get that but you don’t call him an embodiment of hip hop? You gotta be joking dunn

[@4saxon7]

@@UwU777UwU he produced on the albums of the best MCS year after year? If that’s not an embodiment of hip hop I don’t know what is lol

[@moonlefsyde]

Large Pro

[@rawkris]

The best producer ever. The crazy thing is this: NOBODY embodies the New York hardcore sound better than Premier, Yet he was born & raised in Texas. He is absolute embodiment of the golden age of hip-hop(1986-1999).

[@TheDoknoh]

SEASON THREE FINALÉ! I’ve worked as a music journalist for more than 25 years, and still-despite having met and talked with a few times, and even broken bread once or twice over the years-sitting down with DJ Premier is a unique distinction that rates at the top of the pyramid of career achievements. He created the soundtrack to my adolescence, and for that I’ll forever be indebted. But as I get older, my admiration for Preem is not so much about his work product, though his ear is unmatched, but more so about his integrity. I don’t care what your discipline is, we should all aspire to stand on our creative vision with the same steadfast, unwavering commitment Premier does. He has never questioned or compromised his brand, and never broken the trust of his fans. To do that over any period is commendable; to do it for over 35 years is a feat. I could go on and on about Premier’s many qualities and accomplishments, but I’d rather focus on the part of this conversation that I found the most fascinating. Premier grew up outside Houston, and fell in love with hip-hop in the early ‘80s when it was almost entirely an export of NYC. So that he figured out how to make rap beats-then an art with maybe a dozen practitioners in the world, 98% of whom lived in the five boroughs-by listening to 12”s, and reverse engineering the sounds by ear, is truly remarkable. That he managed to get the attention of execs 1600 miles away off those demos is almost unbelievable. But it happened. And it’s a testament to Premier’s talent, and the power of tenacity and ambition. Against all odds, DJ Premier willed himself to the place he wanted to be: the center of hip-hop. Tune in for this story, and a lot more about creating his career, navigating his partnership with Guru, and building a life after Gang Starr. And, since this, our 36th episode, marks the end of season three, I want to thank the IDEA GENERATION team who made it all happen: Helena Ochs, Tricia Clarke-Stone, Kyle Gaughan, Jack Erwin and John Walaszek.

[@billynguyen710]

Bravo!!!

[@REAP3Rsan]

25 years is not kids games, kudos to you too for this brilliant coverage

[@PeaceAchance-os6lj]

Amazing interview.

[@ericspivak]

goat

[@treeverett1288]

L lol loo

[@sergiikushchenko5790]

Shout out to the incredible talents of his parents being real parents!!!

[@GrandMaster.Smile.]

Word to the Mother! I had the same thoughts in my mind.

[@billynguyen710]

Premier is the example of our hip hop hero aging gracefully. Excellent interview!!

[@D.E.M.A.]

love and admire this guy so much. 57 years old and still grindin' like a teen who just discovered his life passion

[@ohdagee]

Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about how Preemo's signature sound has permeated Hip Hop for the longest. His beats, from NY State Of Mind, to Above The Clouds, all the way up to his most recent productions with Griselda is and always will be part of this culture's DNA. Peace to the Gods!

[@djceejaay]

An absolute excellent interview with the one whom I consider Hip-Hop's best producer. Mahalo for giving him his flowers right now, in 2023! 👏🏾🙏🏾

[@TheDoknoh]

Really appreciate the kind words.

[@vkjfv]

not the best i put uncle Al first

[@robertm.vaughn4545]

LET IT BE KNOWN THAT DJ PREMIER IS THE MOST ICONIC TOP INDUSTRY PRODUCER OF OUR GENERATION.... BAR NONE! NO ONE WILL EVER DO WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR HIP HOP OVER THE YEARS AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME...."MAD" SALUTE TO DJ PREMIER!!

[@ShaamJones]

Preemo’s contribution to the culture has been instrumental in pushing us forward 👏🏾 he deserves all the flowers he gets and then some.

[@SCATTLE]

Premier is the best. Timeless beats, experimental approach, consistency is unmatched to this day

[@chomptonstoodios5140]

KING!! 👑 He should have worn a crown for this whole interview!!

[@EpisodiacSelections]

Living legend, hard to earn one of the best top 5 albums of all time. When one even thinks of the phrase, feeling or culture of hip hop, premiere is right there and isn't going anywhere. Superb interview and one for the history books of hip hop!

[@TheDoknoh]

Thanks, kindly. Glad you enjoyed.

[@guieming3018]

I have to say as much as i love hard to earn, it’s only a top 3 Gang Starr album for me (MOT being my fav hh album ever, Daily operation being one of my fav 90s rap albums)

[@guieming3018]

Plus, The Jeru album from 94’ is the better 94’ album produced by him imo

[@drayhudson3776]

​@@guieming3018daily operation is highly slept on, some of Guru best lyrics and some gems by Premo too

[@moteebmalik80]

As someone who grew-up as a young kid in the 90's, this was beautiful to watch. Nothing like Preemo production and beats, he is at the top of my producer list!

[@travelinman]

The greatest hip hop producer ever

[@jaimerodriguez1550]

If you want to talk about one of the father's in the family tree of music production, DJ Premier is definitely at the top.

[@taureanwashingtonstudios]

My favorite producer of all time... period

[@BeatLjooZ]

I was about 16 yo, when I thought a lot about how it would be having DJ Premier as a mentor (only listening to music, never seen an interview!). I can still say he probably one of those guys you would want as a mentor. Great personality! This interview shows that.

[@louisbarak3283]

Great Parents are the building blocks to Greatness… I wish I had parents like Premier….. such a blessing….. happy to be a positive force in my children’s lives…

[@TheDoknoh]

That's why I always lead these interviews asking about how people's parents frame their professional ambitions. Whether they know it or not, our folks really level set our ambitions, and teach us our work ethic. You see it as a recurrent theme in nearly every episode.

[@Celliam7]

DJ Premier is the epitome of the golden age of hip hop... Definitely in my top 5 hip hop producers of all time!

[@HappyWolverine]

top 5 yes! I'm saying Dilla, Premier, P Rock, Dre, Muggs

[@Gretev1]

He is the greatest to me

[@onewardog1169]

Preemo Dre Rza Dilla Ye

[@CVinyl]

Master Teacher Premo 🎛🎚🎧

[@exelbeats]

As a producer, Premo was one of my biggest influences growing up. Solid interview. I was glued to the screen the entire time.

[@wolverineweaponx6304]

Dj Premier is the Greatest Hip Hop Producer of all times!!! 1. Dj Premier 2. Pete Rock 3. Erick Sermon 4. Dr. Dre 5. J. Dilla 6. The Rza 7. Nottz 8. Alchemist 9. 9th Wonder 10. Marley Marl .....is my top ten!!!💯

[@seandacosta2421]

This is an ill top 10 ✊🏾

[@oraclejmt]

1. DJ Premier 2. Paul C 3. Pete Rock 4. Marley Marl 5. RZA 6. Large Professor 7. QTip 8. Dr. Dre 9. J Dilla 10. Alchemist

[@Streetsmart1984]

Without timberland on this list It’s invalid ; boy

[@KD_SWAGGER]

DJ Premier is not only one of the great producers in hip hop, but a down to earth humble individual. Great interview!

[@nuggz22]

You can tell Preemo had a really good upbringing. HIs parents were pivotal to his rise to superiority, a living legend in the game.

[@ARE_YOU_SICK_OF_YT_CENSORSHIP]

i've been waiting (probably in vain) for Preem x Bub B album, Bun's flow sounds good on boom bap beats

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

We’re gonna be in Houston with Bun for a live taping next Wednesday. Will put a bug in his ear for you…

[@ARE_YOU_SICK_OF_YT_CENSORSHIP]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL Ha, exciting

[@damegrand2954]

Nicely said Noah, DJ Prem is a true DJ, and his music will always be etched in my brain and a huge part of my life. Thanks DJ Premier.

[@angel77lopez]

Great Interview. Thank you. Premier is my favorite musician. Yes I said musician. This man takes parts and pieces of old songs and puts together dope samples. The sample machine and turn table is an instrument for this man. He makes timeless music. Thanks for your contribution to Hip Hop. Flowers to you and Primo and Gifted. Unlimited. Rhymes. Universal. GURU!!!!!!

[@alexanderclaylavin]

Like Kubrick, his presence is felt outside of his own art form

[@BogodileMotlhabane]

PREEMO!!!! Love him to bits! Thanks for the interview. I still get chills even today when i see "produced by DJ PREMIER" ahahaha He's a true Legend and true to his art! Respect to GANGSTARR and REST WELL GURU!!!

[@dabrownsound]

No way! Stoked for this one. Great guest choice, NCB

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

had to end the season with a bang!

[@TAY-570]

Legendary. Noah as usual a superb interviewer!!

[@TheDoknoh]

🙏🏻💡🙏🏻

[@anthonygrady3733]

I watched half stopped & made a beat then watched other half.. Thank you for making so much Beautiful music 🙏🏾

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

👏👏👏

[@TheDoknoh]

You just made my day with that comment.

[@twocents6951]

To me is the best to ever do it when it comes to hip hop production. He took Group Home and made a classic album. He even made a classic with Limp Bizkit. His resume is ridiculous: Big, Jay, Nas, Jeru, Rakim, Fat Joe, Snoop, M.O.P., Krs, Das Efx, Slick Rick, All City, Devin The Dude, Big L, Big Shug, Bahamadia, Capone & Noreaga etc etc etc all bangers!!!!

[@AntonVSEDELA]

Настоящая легенда! Gang Starr НАВСЕГДА!!!!

[@kingallah7911]

🔥🔥🔥🔥1of the best producers of all time big up to the Gang Starr. RIP GURU

[@uygi43]

Probably the best hip hop producer who not only influenced music also lifes!!! Thank you for everything Preem!

[@MrLovell1971]

This was an awesome interview I am a big Gang starr fan who never could afford to go to a show back in the day but was bless to see Guru on tour with House of pain in ‘96 Guru gave the coolest freestyle of the mass Appeal beat . DJ Primo is tops to me on the beats and production I really enjoyed this thank you 👊👊🥂.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

Glad you enjoyed. We really try to make these equally entertaining for both heads and the unfamiliar.

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

My favorite producer of all time: creative, genuine, articulate and always open to the new sounds and new generations. Great interview, they genuinely enjoy talking to each other.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

🤝🤝🤝

[@djaitchb]

Loved this, having seen Gangstarr arrive and thrive, back in the day here in the UK their style has remained consistent throughout all this time. I can hear and see why Preemo is one of Hip Hop's Legendary producers. R.I.E.P Guru

[@snagatooth1319]

Gang Starr iconic. Never new Premo was from Houston. Dope interview.

[@Sincere4Eva]

Salute to the greatest producer to ever grace Hip Hop with his amazing abilities.. DJ Premier is in a class all by himself.. no one, & I mean no one can touch his production.. 🫡💯 Respect from the Boogie Down..

[@protomillennial]

NICE! Very excited for this! Preemo is a LEGEND.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

🐐🐐🐐

[@merc1917]

My favorite producer of all time 🔥 💯

[@KidAlmighty30]

This is the best DJ Premier interview. I've been looking for a complete Gangstarr story because I'm a big fan. Thank you.

[@THERAMENBROSBEATS]

The greatest of all time

[@Mike-Rogers]

Followed Preemo since the early 90’s! Man is a legend. I hope now some of those Tef joints are seeing the light of day, the NYGz LP will eventually be released sometime soon! Come on Preem! ❤

[@DutchWeazel]

Always good to listen to Premo talking that real Hip Hop.

[@progd4v3]

This man is the best to ever do it.its not even close.i cant understand how anyone would think otherwise😂

[@TheArtOfCheTV]

Met him a few times, nothing but good things to say about him. Very cool and humble!

[@jerseydan95]

This made my night. Thank you so much

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

Man, this is one of the best Preem interviews i've ever seen.

[@TheDoknoh]

From your lips to god's ears. Thank you, for real.

[@pr5pr]

pure. historical. amazing. thank you!

[@jamiegroenestein]

Already a classic interview!!

[@bigtizzo]

Great interview. Preemo is everything essential that strengthens the foundation of HipHop. Respect!!!

[@keemreid9092]

This definitely my favorite episode now 💯💯 love this one.

[@REAP3Rsan]

GOD BLESS YOU IDEA GENERATION.. i'm lifted!!!!!!! PREEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

💡💡💡

[@REAP3Rsan]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL 3 seasons of GREATNESS and Noah killing each episode!!!! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL TO WITNESS

[@TheDoknoh]

@@REAP3Rsan My guy! I appreciate that so much.

[@REAP3Rsan]

@@TheDoknoh you're welcome and again, thank you for sparking ideas!!!!!

[@jamadsmalls5282]

Noah I love your interviews! You always ask the right questions. Premo is one my favorite producers of all time. His mark on the culture is amazing and undeniable.

[@wsjmusic2732]

My first introduction to Preemo was a scratch promo on a Kool Dj Red Alert mixtape. Read the credits and was like who is this guy..... Shortly after that, No more Mr. Nice Guy. Was hooked from that point!

[@jonwelniet]

Thank you for this, listening to insight from Preemo himself is just incredible🔥

[@naldonedishani3534]

OMG. You brought the Goat on your channel. Congratulations ❤

[@blackmist1981]

My GOAT. PREEMOOOOOOOOOOO

[@soultribej]

Guru on "The meaning of the name." Is what Makes guru a top 5

[@peterbotond7759]

Great storyteller and the goat of hip hop music production. I can’t remember when was the last time a sat through a whole interview and never got snapped out of it. Thank you for this gem!

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thank you for watching!

[@djhsn15]

Ultra dope watch, great interview. 🐐

[@Well_Its_Me]

Seen so many interviews of Premier over the years, and in every one of them you learn something new.

[@smanqele]

I've heard NO ONE remember silly little details like Preemo has. The dates, the events, the names. He remembers exactly how many punches he received from the M.O.P dudes and how many he dished at them. Fascinating

[@seandacosta2421]

Greatest music producer ever ever ever 💯

[@mkkrt]

This is gold.

[@thenowschool]

Brilliant interview, probably most in depth I've seen. 'One of the Best Yet!'

[@TheDoknoh]

🙏🏻💡🙏🏻

[@vanman757]

Just watched it in full & really enjoyed it... Premo is prob my fav' producer along with Dre... I love Gangstarr aswel... R.I.P. Guru ⚰️🪦😇✝️

[@muppet1184]

DJ Premier has consistently been the best hip hop producer for me. He is still making great boom bap beats to this day that prove hip hop is alive and kicking

[@djkingshameek]

Man I only had 5 mins to spare and this interview kept me locked in from beginning to end. Preemo is that dude! 👊🏽

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

🙌💡💡💡🙌

[@emekaosuagwu6416]

I love this program so much... IDEA GENERATION forreal,I feel motivated when I watch it, alchemist and preemo is the best segment so far.... Thank you for this 👏👏🔥🔥

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

🙌🙌🙌

[@roblepper8418]

Got to love Premo. One of my favorite producers/dj's of all time. Great doc learned some stuff about Premier I didn't know.

[@Sir.Rome.805]

GREAT INTERVIEW! HIP HOP HISTORY!

Thank you DJ Premier and Thank you Guru🙏🏼

[@paulsmith5720]

Great interview. Good work.

[@djq6484]

This is a really good DJ premier interview. Thanks a lot !

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jsolethedj]

Excellent interview!!!! Great quality overall!

[@og1463]

Dj premier so down to earth I enjoy his content

[@BlackSunComics]

So inspiring. Premiere is a living legend!

[@DW-xt7vz]

Great stuff - thanks for posting. Love Gang Starr - hard to believe it’s been 30+ years since I first picked up Daily Operation. The epitome of real hip hop.

[@jonakaedkakatheiceman9186]

Great video and real talk 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@terryali8984]

THis was an awesome interview. I met Professor Martin as a Student at PVU in 1992. Daily Operation had dropped and I set up an appointment to meet with Professor Martin. I told him it was an honor to meet him and that I was a big fan of his son.

[@mikeychainsaw9760]

Dope interview I want more

[@PizzaSluts]

Learning from him and hearing him say that it took him years till he felt comfortable being in the spot light and wanting to share his time and stories, it makes me feel better as a person knowing even my hero’s struggle like me

[@slyfoxnyc2761]

The 🐐 🙌🏾🙌🏾⭐️🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@asimnicholsmusic]

Great interview!

[@southjerseysfinest]

Preemo tells the greatest stories bare none. His memory is incredible. Great interview.

[@SirPierreSe]

A very good interview in many ways

[@TheBronxVagrant]

LETS GOOOO!!!

[@user-hx8zm4fe4q]

The South is one of the Foundations of Hip Hop. Prem👑💯

[@dominiquekelley9388]

DJ Premier true pioneer in the game 1 of my all time favorite DJ/producers thanks for being a creative trendsetter!

[@D1210]

I am 47 now and this man has been my idol since I was 20. You can tell a Preemo beat like you can tell what's a Da Vinci painting.

[@deephouseuncensored5542]

Dope Interview, Preemo is a Real one ❤

[@TheLemon333]

That bit about the Hospital visit was touching.

[@Blessed2bFresh]

I love it when I put people on to Preem and not only have they heard it before but always loved it, just never checked the resume

[@user-uf7be3yd4o]

Salute too u brother.. Been a fan since step in the arena...Peace to legendary Guru..👊🏽💯