Just Blaze and Jay Z have made some classic joint over the years including “U Don’t Know” and “P.S.A.” Interestingly, Just Blaze credits former Roc-a-fella artist Amil for at least partly paving for the way for him to becoming one of the label’s, and Hova’s, go-to producers.
The renowned producer told Hip-Hop Wired it was Hip-Hop Since 1978’s G. Roberson that brought him into the fold with hopes of forming a production team. That didn’t pan out, but Just ended up meeting Amil.
“Me and Amil got along really well,” recalls Just Blaze, who was working at the Cutting Room Studio at the time. “I guess my in really was probably engineering [Amil’s] whole album. I recorded that entire album, engineer wise. Then I also co-produced and touched up a lot of the producer’s other beats on that album.”
One of the songs on Amil’s aforementioned All Money Is Legal debut is what made Jay-Z a believer in the then up and coming beatsmith.
Says Just, “Jay wasn’t really messing with me for like the first year. Then I did this record with Amil and Bathgate called ‘That’s Right’ and Jay heard it and was like I’m jumping on that [and was like] who did the beat? Once I did a record that he liked, then he was a little more receptive.”
Just Blaze also talks his relationship with Damon Dash and Hova demo’ing “Streets Is Talking” (from The Dynasty: Roc La Familia) off a cassette, which got him an invite down to Baseline Studios.
Just Blaze and Baauer’s single and video for “Higher,” featuring Jay Z, is officially out now. Peep the interview below.
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Photo: Hip-Hop Wired
