So Wassup? Episode 32 | "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)" feat Kanye West, Nas, KRS One & Rakim

In episode 32, DJ Premier takes us through the process of how "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)", from DJ Premier featuring Kanye West, Nas, KRS One & Rakim was created.
Watch the full So Wassup series: bit.ly/SoWassupKZbin
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Connect with Preemo:
▶ Instagram - / djpremier
▶ Twitter - / realdjpremier
▶ Website - shop.premierwuzhere.com
#DJPremier
#SoWassup
#Classic

[@jdnwritingmachine]

Let’s be real. KRS asked Preemo because Rick Rubin’s version was horrible. Preemo saved that joint.

[@superdopeimmaculateshow3491]

Definitely true. Premier would never say it but he saved this from the trash heap and made it the classic the verses deserved.

[@bklyncrook]

99 Problems worked well with Jay-Z, but, I think Rick Rubin got too comfortable going through his Billy Squieress break beats bin. Kind of never got out of his License To Ill production phase.

[@bendastreetballa]

Was looking for this comment, first time hearing the original was on this video and my goodness that was terrible. Premier saved it

[@joebey7682]

Shit was def 🗑

[@dawolf856]

I didn't even know there was an original version with a different beat. Much less Rick Rubin was involved. No disrespect to Rick, but Premo took the song to another level.

[@stefanbogdanovic590]

Today is 12 years of Guru's passing. RIP Guru! Your music will live forever! GangStarr forever GangStarr for life!!

[@dannybx78]

And also the 28th anniversary of Nas's "Illmatic" LP.

[@music4allpeople627]

Rip guru.

[@iskandertime747]

Gangstarr forever!

[@harrymagic45]

Met him before the selfie era. He was cool and spent time with us talking after a show

[@pdee886]

Big facts!!! RIP Keith Elam!!! He will always be a real one and a legend 💯💯💯

[@nathan6899]

Preemo’s story telling has grown adults clinging to his every word like kids 👌🏾👑

[@UndergroundRap4eva]

I be like... "yay it's story time" and I'm 43 😆

[@jeffreyryder273]

@@UndergroundRap4eva I be like “yay it’s story. And I’m 17 😂

[@elcheleloco]

HAHA same here and im 36

[@Ambersdf]

@@UndergroundRap4eva LOL 😂

[@CaldoHits]

Bruh, I'm 28 and couldn't agree more, haha.

[@jackiegreen1692]

Age dont count in the booth . When your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth ! CLASSIC !!!!!!

[@Toywins]

That line SLAYED me when I first heard it!!! 😩

[@trike79]

This needs to be a Netflix series with preemo interviewing the artists involved ✌🏼

[@tonywatkins586]

100%

[@JNSNOTHINGLESS]

Word up, and he should open The actual project on The s950 and go through The beats How he made them 🤩🍿

[@sevengrae]

Faaaaacts

[@Waynestarr]

Let's have Nas' "Nas Is Like" next! Pure fire! 🔥

[@lukrativ0922]

DJ Premier is the greatest producer of all time.

[@Hakeem990]

I second that

[@dannywinget]

This still hits hard in 2022! What a “classic”

[@flykicksdj]

The respect Preemo has when talking about Rakim is amazing ! Clearly one of his idols.

[@joonashannila8751]

He knows what Rakim means, and has done for hiphop. All hiphop heads will speak about that man with same kinda respect.

[@flykicksdj]

@@joonashannila8751 I know. Rakim pushed the emceeing foward to another lirical level when he came out. Dude was way ahed of his time.

[@djygor4794]

rakim the God mc as he said but rakim , f he doesnt he should talk about preemo that way too ..premier is the best dj/producer/musician of our time

[@CallMeMicahT]

Rakim Allah is one of the greatest to ever touch a mic

[@caboblancor6845]

Still waiting for a new release from RAKIM …. Knowing I’m not the only one

[@lsea1545]

Why is this man not teaching a Masterclass at a university? Hip Hop and music lovers, we need Premier in curriculum form. Peace, Primo. Salute to the floppy disk!

[@shirkophobe]

Oh, how I would love that! But as you saw in this video, Preemo is not trying to show anyone how the beats are made. He's old school like that and I appreciate it. But we can dream...

[@Kirk690_0]

9th wonder has taught sampling in universities

[@lsea1545]

@@Kirk690_0 Very true but Premier & Pete Rock are his OGs. So are Q-Tip and Large Professor. The time has come for the teacher's teachers to come forward...

[@Kirk690_0]

@@lsea1545 yeah it would be so dope to see the greatest producers of that time and their creative process step by step, but i guess like he says here, they want that mystique . guess it encourages us to try things rather than emulate or straight up copy.

[@lsea1545]

@@Kirk690_0 Yeah I agree. I’m just glad to see Hip Hop being taught in academia. Sampling is truly an art form. It takes an insane amount of patience, dedication, and focus. You have to be open to all genres and train the ears to hear music in a whole different way. Not everyone can do that.

[@superdopeimmaculateshow3491]

Premier really rescued this song.

[@Beep.Boop.Bop.]

How good this beat is…I knew this was a remix, never heard the original and never even cared to look for it. I knew it wouldn’t compare. I was right

[@Dannysince1985]

Different era, if you know anything about hip hop, then you know how much weight Rubin has in the game.

[@DaManDL]

respect to Rick but the original was wack

[@Beep.Boop.Bop.]

@@Dannysince1985 my man I’m in my 40s and born and raised in NYC so I know hip hop and love some of Rick Rubins work…that doesn’t mean all of it is dope though. That beat doesn’t even begin to compare to Preemos

[@tochiRTA]

@@DaManDL wickity

[@Dannysince1985]

@@Beep.Boop.Bop. yeah I respect that, but a remix is always going to be better, just like I think Pete rocks remix of das efx real hip hop is much better than preemos.

[@darri_rafn]

Sheesh, never knew that the original was this terrible. Preemo turned it into a gem!

[@jlambo9319]

Literally one of the most insane tracks ever. Definitely a favorite

[@rcecil88]

Same!

[@g.a.m.e8126]

This the type of shit that made me wanna rhyme.

[@SWNewYork315]

“Timeless so age don’t count in the booth, when your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth.” ~Rakim

[@gms610]

DJ Premier is one of hip hop's most wholesome characters.. just like the late great GURU.. much love Preemo!

[@UrbanNoizeMusic]

I'll never get tired of Premier's stories because he just has a way of keeping you engaged from start to finish. Details and all. With that being said there's always twist lol. And the Rakim situation was definitely that. Crazy how everything just worked out in the end. Which is another thing I appreciate about Premier's stories.

[@banksofbarcelona3893]

Rakim, KRS-ONE, Nas Preemo are classic, so age don't count in the booth as their flow stayed submerged in the fountain of youth

[@bumbpp1257]

I can honestly say there's nothing more exciting on KZbin than Preemos So Wassup episodes. One Love

[@tonysexton4941]

Totally! Really diggin these

[@williamcapone5457]

i swear

[@Toywins]

I just found out about these literally tonight and I am RIVETED! I can't wait to show this to my sons and hubby when they wake up!!! 💯

[@AidanTemplin]

This gotta be one of the most exciting story telling's of this series. So stoked you did a video explaining this one!!

[@Capsule71420]

2007 Classic shit. Had this track rockin on my MySpace back in the days !

[@Hakeem990]

Only Premier could make this a classic. His remix was legendary- The three greatest Rakim Nas KRS . Wasn't feeling the original

[@AMAruofAssassinz]

Classic, love the series. Would love an episode on “Goldyn Chyld”.

[@MichaelCobbs]

We need a Rakim x DJ Premier album.

[@jonathanruiz8137]

I was in 7th grade 2007! My parents just got me an iPod Video and I asked a high school friend of mine to load it with anything he had that was hip hop I remember waiting for the bus and I’m just hitting shuffle and boom this song came on and blew my mind! One of my favorite hip hop tracks of all time still!!

[@bushworstprez]

When the beat is turned off and Rakim goes acapella has been from the jump my favorite part of that track. Thank you Preemo. ✌🏽❤️

[@halolime117]

OH YES this one is seriously a classic, cant wait!!

[@cornellrandle6241]

Preemo for President! Always dropping the "classics!"

[@DaveLifeTV]

This song is an automatic classic! And I must admit Mr. West held his own on this one.

[@fredyace]

Of course we needed this. Salute Salute yes Salute to Preeemo, Nas, the blast master Krs-one, Kanye West and God father Mc Rakim. We are here. Thank you for this one. 🙏🏽🙏🏽Legendary 4Life.

[@jeannettemiller9275]

This song is totally totally awesome and that beat is all that

[@CheekyRobot]

Met Guru in lisbon then I met Preemo.....I was heavily beaten up at Preemo gig, ended up in the hospital......today im a sound engineer prodiucer.....and still a hiphop head.....this guy is a f legend!

[@chosenonebeats]

One of the best songs in Hip-Hop history.

[@Hakeem990]

Facts

[@eloymontoya9200]

Yea... i remember this dropping. I was 17. I'm 31 now.❤️❤️❤️

[@leafgreensniper13]

This is awesome, we got dj premier, one of the best producers, telling us the stories of his career in 2023. I’m glad hip hop is a new art form so we got the early legends like premier recording and telling us the history in great detail.

[@BrokenNoseBoxing]

Always loved KRS’s verse on this 🔥

[@peterpiper0815]

'me, I got no jewels on my neck. why? I don't need em I got your respect'. Boom. 💥

[@evanclephane7685]

Man, these episodes don’t get enough recognition, Preemo you da goat!🐐🔥

[@UGtheTopG]

I feel like a kid at candy store ahaha, more Rakim stories please Preemo :)

[@fatass3736]

Timeless, so age don't count in the booth, When your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth,

[@petermllernduru5456]

Dj premier is the essence of hiphop. This man has blessed the world with his gift. Thank you🙏🙏🙏 These series are dope as F!

[@swilliams7011]

Let's be serious. By the time you realize Preem has programmed the track, you are in complete shock and awe to what you've witnessed and how QUICKLY it was done. Let us be fans, man!!!

[@hartblake6373]

When you hit us with that Batman "knock-out spray" analogy you know I had to hit Subscribe!

[@TheeDuhscientist]

Wow. That Rick Rubin version was horrible.

[@troyevans9981]

Word they had to remix it . Idk what Rick was thinking.

[@mylesayres6060]

Yeah he's not really a hip-hop guy. Preemo on the otha hand, straight up and down don't even bother

[@anthemmakersmusic]

No just different, change the best up a bit not horrible at all!

[@CarlosHernandez-rl2wg]

Yeah it is bad.

[@muemamuema8020]

I would think it would be kanye's bad for choosing

[@DJ279V]

Nite and day versions for sure. Premier did this remix pure justice!!

[@dereosroads]

Best part is the plaque for Rakim. Classic!

[@troyevans9981]

Preemo got joints man. Every Tuesday l look forward for a episode.

[@MikeSpexTV]

I love how Krs stopped everything like , “we need a Premier beat.” Lol. Good call. Thnx fr sharing Preemo this is an unbelievable story🌹👑🌹 for such an incredible song

[@wutangsword]

This still rocks. Man, that Carl Douglas sample...those cuts...Classic! All the way around, Preem. Salute!

[@chrisv966]

i was able to find a promo copy of this on 12" vinyl, and it was a staple in my 'Premier' set when I spun sets. The stories keep getting better and better!

[@jordan3649]

Man I used to keep this track on repeat and just let it play for hours...Never thought I would hear Premier explain this one...

[@Etcher]

There's a reason Preem has been my Spotify end of year top artist the past four years.

[@frederickjuneau7874]

I remember when this single came out, the song was on repeat all day long.

[@WrestlingGuy19]

I love that Rakim has that line about age when he’s not even 40 doing this video. Rappers are definitely not having to think about is as much now

[@Parialated]

This beat is a staple for boombap hiphop

[@AA-fu1sz]

Such an amazing track. We REALLY need it on Spotify.

[@atwarwithsatan27]

Hip Hop history class, and im always front row.

[@dfont31]

Rakim the UFO. Best episode yet!

[@louisbyron1985]

Let's go!! This is the one I've been waiting on!!

[@m3rcuryslaboratory322]

yes lawd

[@dinomajetic5461]

This has to be the best episode so far. It's so amazing to learn how these hip hop legends got together and made a fantastic track. Thank you Preemo for this amazing series, keep it going!

[@vincentpaternoster7842]

That’s why Rakims line “timeless, so age don’t count in the booth when your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth” is acapella. Not just because it was a fire line, but because his bpm was too slow since he originally rapped acapella Preemo just basically said I can’t speed this up I’m just leaving it exactly the way it is . I love these videos it just shows how the magic is truly made in a song. Salute to all the artists that made this “classic” happen! Truly is timeless

[@KSoloLoso]

Premier: Classic. KRs 1 Nas Rakim Kanye: Timeless

[@athens_1psvr31]

Classic!! Timeless!! When the minds and rhymes are timeless And mastered The only way to define it Is “Classic”

[@mildmayheadless5217]

Another CLASSIC episode. The pic with Rakim holding the plaque with you was perfect man. Just dope

[@muzikdepotart]

Marvelous Classic for sure, RIP GURU...and Props To All The Emcees on this phat track...PREEMO what's da drilly yo!!! Blessings

[@adlaidunn]

Yeah we never missed that intro..that scene inspired sessions 💯

[@SDSOverfiend]

Thank you for this Preemo… that original version was’nt it and I appreciate Rubin..Glad you laced it!🔥🔥🔥

[@djsirchop5548]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@b1thearchitect401]

Love this series man, always learn something interesting. As an engineer and producer I can appreciate the idea of having to time stretch cause someone's verse is 1 bpm off lol.

[@crawnyxx]

Thank you for doing this and launching the channel because you are responsible for our lives soundtrack! 🍻.. Your memory is impeccable, like pristine!!!!

[@Xblaze92]

This is one of the best shows on KZbin! I always look forward to new episodes!

[@sismaibyakutaga9124]

What a story. DJ Premier will never go wrong

[@diesel101raw]

Underrated Song

[@brandonjohnson7729]

"Classic" song man I still got this joint in my playlist

[@goreallaone4492]

This is proof that this culture called Hip-Hop is a gift from our ancestors and the most High!

[@keemreid9092]

Been waiting on this episode 💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Ambersdf]

So Dope.... Keep em coming Preem!

[@sjb3240]

KRS is wise & knew the original beat was terrible

[@tochiRTA]

LOL fax

[@bartsimpson5849]

Krs is terrible and is annoying!!!

[@moondustmix1682]

Thanks for this! Been waiting for this one!

[@410veno]

Love to hear the stories behind these classic n timeless records. Peace to you legends 🙏🏽

[@TheSdotFiles]

Another DOPE episode Premo 🔥

[@rcecil88]

The episode I’ve been waiting for 🙌🙌

[@yanaysova5782]

Man what a legendary track..been waiting for this breakdown!

[@MMALineMover]

One of my fav tracks ever

[@antdujar]

man, i still need this to be released on streaming or something, because this track is too good not to have man! one of my faves

[@m_smart]

Best episode so far!!

[@georgekinyera6719]

C L A S S I C! Always love how Premier gives the science and breakdown to some of these iconic tracks. TIMELESS!

[@mythoughts67900]

So Wassup Preemo.....thanks for this ...😊

[@leighsavage3073]

Amazing I love this track Thank you!!

[@metatrongroove2824]

these breakdowns are dope my man

[@NONcorrupt]

Classic is 1 of my jointz Frfr : I never get tired of hearing it.

[@smashboogietheilladelic5740]

Yessir! Great segment

[@ap6160]

What a great episode!

[@iLLKiD189]

Was waiting for this one in particular. Amazing piece of art! True classic

[@des7638]

Such a dope story. Thank you for this

[@deejaymiz0315]

Great story! Great video! One of the greatest hiphop songs ever! I had been waiting on this one!

[@bloodshot6]

Salute to DJ Premier, what an honorable man in music and in Hip-Hop culture. Definitely continues to give flowers to the greats.

[@djoriginalcee]

Mannnn this song is my JAM!!! Thanks for this

[@kurstone04]

Salute the Tatts Cru. Salute big Premo, dope story!

[@user-Aftermath]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mikrobi1981]

Only Legends...it's so cool that you doing this here. Thanks a lot Premier. Love 💚