In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli”, Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down producer, DJ, and rapper:
HI-TEK
Hi-Tek’s productions defined the Rawkus Records sound. Here’s what was discussed among two legends who literally came into the game together:
- The difficulties of artists breaking through in his hometown of Cincinnati.
- Receiving the demo tape of Talib after his group Mood came back from NY.
- How rappers Vicious Lee and Big Del inspired Hi-Tek to keep at his craft.
- Moving to New York and avoiding all the distractions the city had to offer.
- Cincinnati’s unique mix of influences from all over the map.
- Getting put onto Rawkus and producing 6 songs for the Black Star album.
- Why producers are naturals when they choose to pick up a mic.
- Going on to produce Jonell’s radio hit ‘Round And Round’.
- Meeting singer Dion Jenkins and bringing him to Dr. Dre at Aftermath.
- The legacy of Snoop Dogg and working with him as well as Dr. Dre.
- Crazy stories of Talib and Hi-Tek in a jail’s drunk tank and almost beating up a cab driver.
- Talk about the possibility of a 3rd Reflection Eternal album.
- A breakdown of his production for Anderson .Paak’s ‘Come Down’.
- 9th Wonder contacting Hi-Tek to get on his Soul Council collective.
- Hi-Tek’s and J Dilla’s friendship resembling that of George Clinton and Bootsy Collins.
“People’s Party With Talib Kweli” is also available to give a listen via Spotify | SoundCloud | Google Play | Apple