Behind The Beat

Behind the Beat: How Heatmakerz & the Diplomats Reenergized “Gangsta Music” on “Dipset Anthem”

With “Dipset Anthem”, the Diplomats created an immortal song, which restored pride in Harlem’s rap scene after years of setbacks.… Read More

March 22, 2023

Behind the Beat: EZ Elpee on How Capone-N-Noreaga’s “Bloody Money” Sent a Chill Through Hip-Hop

The criminally underrated EZ Elpee was the producer behind “Bloody Money”, the dark heart of Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report. For… Read More

December 19, 2022

Behind The Beat: How Mos Def & Diamond D Created “Hip Hop,” the Epicenter of ‘Black On Both Sides’

Released just over 23 years ago, “Hip Hop” sits at the epicenter of Mos Def’s classic debut, Black On Both… Read More

November 1, 2022

Behind the Beat: JoogSZN on Why Drakeo the Ruler is One of the LA Greats

For Behind the Beat, Thomas Hobbs spent time in LA with JoogSZN. The producer talked about his partnership with the… Read More

August 17, 2022

Behind the Beat: Salih Williams on How Mike Jones’ “Still Tippin'” Elevated Houston Rap

Salih Williams — producer of Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall's "Still Tippin'," — is a criminally underrated musician.… Read More

May 26, 2022

Behind the Beat: How Pete Rock & Nas Made Hip-Hop Perfection with “The World is Yours”

In the latest installment of our Behind The Beat series, Thomas Hobbs spoke with the legendary Pete Rock about how… Read More

May 23, 2022

Behind the Beat: Cool & Dre on How “Hate It Or Love It” was the Beginning & End for The Game & 50 Cent

For Behind The Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Cool and Dre about producing The Game and 50 Cent's "Hate It… Read More

May 21, 2022

Behind the Beat: Buckwild on How “Put it On” Became the Defining Big L Anthem

In the next part of our ‘Behind The Beat’ series, Bronx producer Buckwild recalls crafting Big L’s "Put It On"… Read More

April 15, 2022

Behind the Beat: How Rick Ross’ “B.M.F.” Made & Almost Broke Lex Luger

In our latest Behind the Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Lex Luger about how producing Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin Money… Read More

April 1, 2022

Behind the Beat: Drumma Boy on the Legacy of Jeezy and Kanye West’s Recession-Proof Anthem ‘Put On’

For the first Behind the Beat of 2022, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Drumma Boy about producing Jeezy and Kanye West's… Read More

February 2, 2022

Behind the Beat: French Montana & Harry Fraud Birthed a Timeless NYC Classic With “Shot Caller”

For Behind The Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Harry Fraud about the making of "Shot Caller," the song that made… Read More

October 5, 2021

Behind the Beat: How 03 Greedo & Ron-Ron Changed West Coast Rap With “Rude”

For our latest Behind The Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with producer Ron-Ron about the special partnership he shares with 03… Read More

August 24, 2021

Behind the Beat: How Jahlil Beats & Bobby Shmurda Made a Hood Anthem For All Ages With “Hot N*gga”

In the latest installment of Behind The Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Jahlil Beats about how he and Bobby Shmurda… Read More

April 15, 2021

Behind the Beat: Ski Beatz & Camp Lo Created a New Language With “Luchini AKA This Is It”

Behind The Beat is a new series where journalist Thomas Hobbs talks to rap producers about the making of their… Read More

December 1, 2020

Behind the Beat: Dame Grease on How Disco Music Inspired DMX’s “Get At Me Dog”

Behind The Beat is a new series where journalist Thomas Hobbs interviews rap producers about the making of their most… Read More

November 5, 2020