for those of you familiar with dj screw you may have noticed his fondness for two of rap’s greatest legends: tupac and biggie. screw repeatedly “chopped and screwed” their tracks and even dedicated a whole mixtape to these giants called “biggie vs pac.” the track i'm about to share with you is off that tape and i know many of you've heard it. it’s called “big poppa,” the hit song by biggie smalls. (although well known to any rap fan, it re-entered the public spotlight because of the movie hardball)
despite the songs popularity a lesser-known remix was used on this tape instead of the original and it is that which i will share with you. this remix, the so so def remix, sounds WAY better “chopped and screwed” than the original, so it is no surprise that screw chose it over the more well known version.
in terms of similarities and differences the verse and chorus are essentially the same in both versions, but the instrumentals are dramatically different. the remix instrumental is more akin to an r&b instrumental, and the ‘90s sound is very apparent. biggies vocals are accompanied by smooth, lush chords and string hits, while the chorus – my favorite part – is a stereotypical “gangsta’ whine” lead. combined, these elements make a very good song for screw to mess with. enjoy.
p.s. this was ripped right off the tape, so its even got the beautiful tape hiss! (shit's dope)
and for those of you unfamiliar with the original remix, check it out here:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
screw you
welcome to the screw head. a blog dedicated to the music of dj screw; a prominent figure in the rap scene up until his death in late 2000. although born in l.a., screw moved to houston at an early age and it is there he helped develop southern rap music. he has influenced everyone from lil' wayne to z-ro, and has created a movement based on his unique mix tapes and recorded freestyle sessions. this blog will focus on analyzing his music.
why do i want to analyze screw's music? isn't it just rap, like the stuff on the radio? hardly so. to me screw is the epitome of an artist. what he managed to do was capture an era and that is what a real artist does. he is known for creating a style known as "chopped and screwed" music. through this unique style he brought to the attention of the public several things. for one, he re-recorded rap standards modified and interpreted to his liking. and second, he illuminated the voices of lost and outspoken minorities. the raw emotion heard on many of these tracks is obvious.
when i listen to dj screw i can't help but be reminded of old blues records. there are many parallels between old-school blues and rap (more on that in a future post), but today the blues is thought of as an art form: appreciated and valued. the same can't be said about rap music currently, but i feel things will change many decades from now. i bring this up because many will dismiss my thoughts as useless ramblings. but obviously i feel otherwise and hope to educate those who wish to learn of his music, and to bring enjoyment to those in search of his recordings.
on a final note, i want to say that i've never been to houston nor do i claim to be “hard” or “ghetto”. i don't claim to be an expert on him neither. what i do have is a pair of ears, an opinion, and an analytical mind. with these tools i hope to interpret the music as i hear it. i hope you find something here you enjoy -- maybe a song you can relate too -- and that you read and listen with an open mind.
with that i'd like to leave you with an introductory piece of music. this track is the first track off of one of my most favorite screw tapes -- and one of his most well-known – and i think it sums up my feelings about his music. it’s a laid back instrumental with a monologue by e.s.g., a rapper closely affiliated to dj screw. e.s.g. warns the listener, “watch yo screw.” i've written enough for one post, so i'll let you figure it out why we must be warned. enjoy.
why do i want to analyze screw's music? isn't it just rap, like the stuff on the radio? hardly so. to me screw is the epitome of an artist. what he managed to do was capture an era and that is what a real artist does. he is known for creating a style known as "chopped and screwed" music. through this unique style he brought to the attention of the public several things. for one, he re-recorded rap standards modified and interpreted to his liking. and second, he illuminated the voices of lost and outspoken minorities. the raw emotion heard on many of these tracks is obvious.
when i listen to dj screw i can't help but be reminded of old blues records. there are many parallels between old-school blues and rap (more on that in a future post), but today the blues is thought of as an art form: appreciated and valued. the same can't be said about rap music currently, but i feel things will change many decades from now. i bring this up because many will dismiss my thoughts as useless ramblings. but obviously i feel otherwise and hope to educate those who wish to learn of his music, and to bring enjoyment to those in search of his recordings.
on a final note, i want to say that i've never been to houston nor do i claim to be “hard” or “ghetto”. i don't claim to be an expert on him neither. what i do have is a pair of ears, an opinion, and an analytical mind. with these tools i hope to interpret the music as i hear it. i hope you find something here you enjoy -- maybe a song you can relate too -- and that you read and listen with an open mind.
with that i'd like to leave you with an introductory piece of music. this track is the first track off of one of my most favorite screw tapes -- and one of his most well-known – and i think it sums up my feelings about his music. it’s a laid back instrumental with a monologue by e.s.g., a rapper closely affiliated to dj screw. e.s.g. warns the listener, “watch yo screw.” i've written enough for one post, so i'll let you figure it out why we must be warned. enjoy.
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