In the most recent episode of Paul Pod on Sirius XM, Eminem joined his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, during a special edition of Rosenberg’s original podcast series focused on Em’s Curtain Call 2 LP.
During Part 2 of their two-episode sit-down, Eminem and Paul clear the air over his feud with Snoop Dogg and discuss how Dr. Dre’s brain aneurysm played a role in reconciliation. Eminem also talking about how he was blown away listening to Juice WRLD rap to his instrumentals and from another experience working together. Additionally, Eminem claps back at those who slam his music and how he raps.
Paul Pod: Curtain Call 2 features Paul Rosenberg looking back and sitting down with special guests that have helped, guided and inspired Eminem throughout his career. The special takes an in depth look at the hits, art, videos, and albums that make up the legendary musical library of Eminem as told through first-hand experiences by the participants and collaborators on these celebrated projects.
The Paul Rosenberg era at Def Jam Recordings has come to an end. The seasoned industry vet stepped down from his role as Chairman & CEO to launch a new joint venture with Universal Music Group, Goliath Records.
Rosenberg, who is also Eminem’s manager, became CEO just two years ago, but now will operate as a consultant to Def Jam on its legacy artists, Music Business Worldwide reports.
Rosenberg will not be short on work as he will continue to serve as President of Shady Records.
Universal has named Naim McNair, Senior Vice President of A&R at UMG as the Senior Vice President, of A&R at Def Jam, while they are in search of a new CEO for the label.
“Lucian offered me a dream opportunity to serve at the helm of Def Jam. The experience I had running one of the greatest, most storied record companies of the modern era was incredible,” Rosenberg said of his departure. “I will remain forever grateful. I’ve learned a great deal, but one of the most important things I learned is that my ability to multi-task is not without limits.”
Paul Rosenberg, not to be confused with Peter Rosenberg, has stepped down from his position as CEO/Chairman of Def Jam. But he’s not out the game as Eminem’s longtime manager has announced he will be launching a joint venture with Universal Music Group (UMG) called Goliath Records.
The name should sound familiar since Goliath Artists, Inc. is the name of Rosenberg’s management agency, which still included Eminem. Also, he’s still President of Shady Records, which is a joint venture with UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M.
“Lucian offered me a dream opportunity to serve at the helm of Def Jam,” said Rosenberg in a statement, referring to Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of UMG. “The experience I had running one of the greatest, most storied record companies of the modern era was incredible. I will remain forever grateful. I’ve learned a great deal, but one of the most important things I learned is that my ability to multi-task is not without limits.”
So basically, he’ll still be securing multiple bags (Elliott Wilson’s Rap Radar was launched in partnership with Rosenberg).
Rosenberg added, “My new relationship with UMG gives me the ability to continue to sign and develop talent in a more focused and streamlined way, while still dedicating the time necessary to fulfill my management duties and foster the many entrepreneurial endeavors connected with Eminem.”
Rosenberg officially began his Def Jam gig on Jan. 1, 2018. As for who will be running Def Jam now, UMG’s General Counsel and Executive VP of Business & Legal Affairs Jeffrey Harleston will hold down the role in the interim.
Today (March 15), Drink Champs released its episode with Xzibit. Notably, another Southern California-based lyricist also guested on the show. Kxng Crooked (akaCrooked I) joined N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s round-table alongside Mr. X-To-The-Z. In a two-hour discussion, the show played host to some of Crook’s most revealing thoughts surrounding the 2018 disbanding of Slaughterhouse.
Just under one year ago, the Long Beach, California MCmade an announcement that shocked some fans. “I’ve been sober for two years. Let me tell you a secret: sober Crook likes to rap. [Slaughterhouse] ain’t rapping [together] no more and that’s fine. It was fun while it lasted,” Crooked I told fans in a video published last April. He also addressed the group’s third album, which had been in the works for years. “Glass House, I have no clue. All I can tell you [is] it exists. If it comes out, I’ll retweet it. Other than that, it’s all love. Everybody who supported me in Slaughterhouse, thank you.”
Kxng Crooked joins the Xzibit conversation at the 1:03:00 mark. At 1:11:00, Crooked I is asked about Joe Budden’s impact on the group disbanding. The guest begins addressing Budden’s late 2017 remarks that eventually led to a high-profile beef with Eminem. “I just felt like [Joe Budden’s] approach was wrong. If you don’t like something, ‘It’s not for me,’ [or] ‘Yo, I don’t like it,’ [or], [Eminem’s] the homie, [but] this ain’t for me.’ But when you say something is ‘trash,’ you sh*t on Paul Rosenberg’s rollout, you’re taking it a little further.”
The guest continues, “And then I know the backstory; I know that there were some issues that [Joe Budden] felt against the label. You’re not giving [Eminem] a fair critique now, ’cause now you’ve got malice behind what you’re saying; it’s personal. My whole thing was like, just keep it a buck.”
Last year began with Eminem making a “Chloraseptic (Remix)” including new lyrics that many—including D12’s Bizarre—believed were in response to Joe Budden’s words. By last August’s sneak-attack album, Kamikaze, Eminem left nothing to suspicion. Less than a week after the release, Em showcased the “Fall” video, containing the bars, “Somebody tell Budden before I snap, he better fasten it or have his body bag get zipped / The closest thing he’s had to hits is smackin’ b*tches.”
In response to the album, Joe Budden released a fiery episode of his podcast. In addition to unpacking a history of tensions between he and Marshall surrounding the marketing, assistance, and creative input of Slaughterhouse, the retired MC alleged that he’d been a better rapper and than Eminem for the last decade. The host yelled his points throughout the episode, stating that he’d be willing to respond to Em’ in a song, if his opponent gave him something worth responding to.
Back on the new Drink Champs, Kxng Crooked points to that September podcast as evidence that these feelings had been seeded for some time. “Eventually, it came out with, ‘I felt like I was better than Em’ for [the last] 10 years,’ [and more].” Crooked asserts that Joe’s anger towards Em’ and label head Paul Rosenberg was not used in context for his scathing Revival criticism.
At 1:14:00, N.O.R.E. says that he possibly questions the merits of Budden’s argument regarding Rap superiority over the last decade. In response, Crooked I says, “Every MC is supposed to feel like they’re the best, so I’ll give [him] that. Now that you’ve said that, I think you’ve got to back it up with more than just a statement. ‘Cause Em’ came at you, where you at, Joe? You said that you was better than him for the past 10 years. He gave you a few bars. You gotta back it up now; you just said this. If you don’t back it up, I don’t think even you believe [it is true].” Xzibit, who has worked extensively with Eminem adds, “You can’t just say [you are not responding because of] retirement. All bets are off.”
Crooked I continues, questioning Joe Budden’s appreciation and loyalty to Eminem and Shady. “I feel like Joe forgot [about the helping hand] when he was saying what he was saying. I don’t forget solid sh*t; that’s just not how I’m cut.” He suggests that earlier, Budden needed help that Eminem and Shady provided. To further illustrate, Crook’ recalls an early 2000s meeting with Suge Knight and N.O.R.E. in a Manhattan recording studio. He says that he forever remembers Noreaga’s help in a time when the Death Row co-founder and star artist wanted to make sure they were safe on the East Coast. “I never forget solid sh*t. So I would think as long as Em’ and Paul didn’t cross him in some type of way, I would think [Joe Budden] would have enough respect to be like, ‘Yo, I ain’t gon’ step on the gas on this one.’”
At 1:18:00, Kxng Crooked reveals how Joe’s 2017 words ultimately botched plans for Glass House. “It definitely affected Slaughterhouse. Because me and Royce [5’9] was working behind the scenes, trying to get the [Glass House] album out to the people. [The ‘Untouchable] critique] was like a grenade; he took the pin out and tossed that b*tch,” says the guest with a chuckle.
Addressing Joe’s podcast points from last September, Kxng Crooked also defends Eminem’s input. Budden was critical of Eminem not giving the group the proper push, compared to 50 Cent, D12, and earlier Shady successes. “I believe we came in at a time on Shady where Em’ didn’t have to do so much sh*t. He was used to having one formula to make things rock. But that formula was changing with the times,” explains Crook. Last year, Joe was also critical of Eminem’s production, beat choices, and creative input on a group that had released one album before signing with Shady. In an interview with Sway Calloway produced by Shady, Eminem responded to those charges.
Crooked I seemingly agrees with Marshall. “So what Em’ did, he said, ‘Okay, that first round [with welcome to: OUR HOUSE], that’s on me. Y’all go back in and make another album, and I’ma just let y’all rock. Whatever y’all wanna do, handle it the way y’all want to handle it. Roll it out how you want to roll it out, just do you.’ We all agreed and went back into the lab.” It is here that the C.O.B. founder says he is most frustrated. “That’s my problem [with what happened]: if you agree to go back and record another album and give it another shot, why is we still talking about [welcome to: OUR HOUSE]?” Kxng Crooked seemingly suggests that Budden remained displeased with the group album, instead of seizing the opportunity surrounding a follow-up album. Moreover, the California veteran says he relocated to New York City for six weeks to work on that unreleased LP. “Then the team broke up.”
N.O.R.E. asks if the guest considered the group of four solo MCs “a brotherhood.” Kxng Crooked responds, “I thought it was. Then, at times, I say, ‘I don’t think it was.’” Moments later he says, “I’m just cut different; I got three Slaughterhouse tattoos. When it was goin’ down, if anybody was in trouble, I was there with ’em. It was just a different scenario.” N.O.R.E. and Crooked I bring up Joe Budden’s late 2000s beef with Wu-Tang Clan. Kxng Crooked admits that fallout from that short-lived beef involving a physical 2009 altercation with Raekwon, cost him relationships with his circle.
At 85:30, N.O.R.E. says that after witnessing the 2018 breakup of Slaughterhouse he has faith for a reunion. Royce, Crooked, and Joell worked together on the remix to “Timberlan’d Up” late last year. “I don’t think it’s over,” says the Capone-N-Noreaga co-founder. Quickly, Crook’ puts those notions to bed. “It’s a wrap on that one.”
At 1:03:00 Rory enters and joins. N.O.R.E. asks the new guest if there will be a Slaughterhouse again. “This is an ambush; I want to get this on record,” responds The Joe Budden Podcast co-host who previously worked at Def Jam and Sony Records. “I saw Crook’ outside; Crook’ is love all day. This is a total ambush; I just want to make that clear…Slaughterhouse is none of my business. Why would y’all ask me about Slaughterhouse?” He charges that Crooked I and Joe Budden’s relationship is an isolated situation. “I can’t objectively talk about Slaughterhouse. One of their members is family to me. That’s their business.”
Ten minutes later, at 1:13:00, Kxng Crooked brings up that the loyal fans will always ask about the group that nearly lasted a decade. “People want to know, that’s how strong the Slaughterhouse brand was.” “Not was, is,” corrects Rory. Moments later, the MC born Dominick Wickliffe reflects on his group. “I don’t know why it’s gone; I know the Em’ sh*t played a big part in it…” In the next breath, Crook’ affirms his loyalty to Eminem, who he worked with nearly a decade before Slaughterhouse.
At 1:55:00 N.O.R.E. asks Rory if he thinks Joe went too far with his Eminem criticism. “I think a lot of the things that Joe [was quoted as saying] were made up, if you go back and look at what he [actually] said on Everyday Struggle. I think it got blown out of proportion. I think a lot of sh*t went to [headlines].” He adds, “Just knowing Joe personally, and how much he loves Em’, and respects him, sh*t got blown outta proportion, dog.”
As Rory speaks, Xzibit shoots Crooked I a look. The LBC native interrupts, “He used the word ‘trash,’ and I think that was—” Rory interrupts, asking about the context of the word. Kxng Crooked states that it was in reference to “Untouchable.” “[Joe Budden] said, ‘It’s trash, throw it in the rice,’ or some sh*t. You know what Joe be sayin’. But yeah, I mean, that’s going too far.”
In response Rory aligns with his podcast co-host’s opinion. “I don’t think he was buggin’” Kxng Crooked interjects, “Well, I think he was. I know you don’t want to have that conversation, yeah, but my whole thing is, like I was sayin’, dog, if you got a lil’ issue with somebody, pass on the critique of their album and their singles. Because, how can you be fair? How can you come from a place where you’re just listening to it [while] setting your personal feelings to the side? I don’t think so.”
Crooked I continues, “See, me and Royce, we were very hands-on with Slaughterhouse. From the beginning to end…we really went in the trenches for Slaughterhouse. You get me? So when you go in the trenches like that, if you got a communication line with your brothers, then you talk to your brothers. ‘Yo, this is what I’m about to do. Is this gonna harm anything that you guys are doing to try and get Glass House out right now? ‘Cause I don’t like my time to be wasted. If I’m flying from Cali’ to New York, sittin’ in them offices, fighting for this Glass House sh*t, on my own time, let me know if you’re gonna throw a grenade at [somebody]. Just let me know, and I won’t get on that plane. You feel me?”
As Kxng Crooked finishes his sentence, Rory gets up and exits the room without a goodbye. With a belly-laugh, Kxng Crooked claims, “It got awkward.” Seconds later, the episode ends.
Earlier in the Drink Champs episode, Crooked I makes a powerful point about his former boss, Suge Knight. The once feared record exec, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for the killing of Terry Carter, made the MC his flagship artist between late 1999 and the mid-2000s. Despite that tenure, Crooked I never released his Say Hi To The Bad Guy debut solo album while signed to the legendary label. Like Kurupt and Michel’le, he was also offered an executive position by the Compton, California native.
At 1:53:00, Kxng Crooked says, “He wanted to give me an exec job, at one point. I know Kurupt had a job.” N.O.R.E. suggests that Dame Dash bit from Knight when he appointed Cam’ron to be Roc-A-Fella Records’ president. “Suge is like this: ‘I’m gonna go meet with Lyor [Cohen], and I want you to learn the game and get your business IQ up, so I’m gonna take you with me. So you can just soak up game.’ That’s how Suge was. He wanted to do retirement funds for artists, he wanted to do [healthcare for artists]. But every time he tried to do something on that level, he got resistance from the powers that be. And sometimes that resistance comes in the form of the Feds knocking at your door.”
In 1996, the FBI reportedly investigated the label founded by Knight and Dr. Dre. The L.A. Times reported the probe the same month that label star Tupac Shakur was fatally wounded in Las Vegas, Nevada. Knight, who was with Pac during that incident and also hit with gunfire, was eventually sentenced to prison for violating probation that night. After Knight was released, in the early 2000s, the FBI raided Death Row’s Beverly Hills offices, and various properties, including Crooked I’s home.
Today (March 15), Drink Champs released its episode with Xzibit. Notably, another Southern California-based lyricist also guested on the show. Kxng Crooked (akaCrooked I) joined N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s round-table alongside Mr. X-To-The-Z. In a two-hour discussion, the show played host to some of Crook’s most revealing thoughts surrounding the 2018 disbanding of Slaughterhouse.
Just under one year ago, the Long Beach, California MCmade an announcement that shocked some fans. “I’ve been sober for two years. Let me tell you a secret: sober Crook likes to rap. [Slaughterhouse] ain’t rapping [together] no more and that’s fine. It was fun while it lasted,” Crooked I told fans in a video published last April. He also addressed the group’s third album, which had been in the works for years. “Glass House, I have no clue. All I can tell you [is] it exists. If it comes out, I’ll retweet it. Other than that, it’s all love. Everybody who supported me in Slaughterhouse, thank you.”
Kxng Crooked joins the Xzibit conversation at the 1:03:00 mark. At 1:11:00, Crooked I is asked about Joe Budden’s impact on the group disbanding. The guest begins addressing Budden’s late 2017 remarks that eventually led to a high-profile beef with Eminem. “I just felt like [Joe Budden’s] approach was wrong. If you don’t like something, ‘It’s not for me,’ [or] ‘Yo, I don’t like it,’ [or], [Eminem’s] the homie, [but] this ain’t for me.’ But when you say something is ‘trash,’ you sh*t on Paul Rosenberg’s rollout, you’re taking it a little further.”
The guest continues, “And then I know the backstory; I know that there were some issues that [Joe Budden] felt against the label. You’re not giving [Eminem] a fair critique now, ’cause now you’ve got malice behind what you’re saying; it’s personal. My whole thing was like, just keep it a buck.”
Last year began with Eminem making a “Chloraseptic (Remix)” including new lyrics that many—including D12’s Bizarre—believed were in response to Joe Budden’s words. By last August’s sneak-attack album, Kamikaze, Eminem left nothing to suspicion. Less than a week after the release, Em showcased the “Fall” video, containing the bars, “Somebody tell Budden before I snap, he better fasten it or have his body bag get zipped / The closest thing he’s had to hits is smackin’ b*tches.”
In response to the album, Joe Budden released a fiery episode of his podcast. In addition to unpacking a history of tensions between he and Marshall surrounding the marketing, assistance, and creative input of Slaughterhouse, the retired MC alleged that he’d been a better rapper and than Eminem for the last decade. The host yelled his points throughout the episode, stating that he’d be willing to respond to Em’ in a song, if his opponent gave him something worth responding to.
Back on the new Drink Champs, Kxng Crooked points to that September podcast as evidence that these feelings had been seeded for some time. “Eventually, it came out with, ‘I felt like I was better than Em’ for [the last] 10 years,’ [and more].” Crooked asserts that Joe’s anger towards Em’ and label head Paul Rosenberg was not used in context for his scathing Revival criticism.
At 1:14:00, N.O.R.E. says that he possibly questions the merits of Budden’s argument regarding Rap superiority over the last decade. In response, Crooked I says, “Every MC is supposed to feel like they’re the best, so I’ll give [him] that. Now that you’ve said that, I think you’ve got to back it up with more than just a statement. ‘Cause Em’ came at you, where you at, Joe? You said that you was better than him for the past 10 years. He gave you a few bars. You gotta back it up now; you just said this. If you don’t back it up, I don’t think even you believe [it is true].” Xzibit, who has worked extensively with Eminem adds, “You can’t just say [you are not responding because of] retirement. All bets are off.”
Crooked I continues, questioning Joe Budden’s appreciation and loyalty to Eminem and Shady. “I feel like Joe forgot [about the helping hand] when he was saying what he was saying. I don’t forget solid sh*t; that’s just not how I’m cut.” He suggests that earlier, Budden needed help that Eminem and Shady provided. To further illustrate, Crook’ recalls an early 2000s meeting with Suge Knight and N.O.R.E. in a Manhattan recording studio. He says that he forever remembers Noreaga’s help in a time when the Death Row co-founder and star artist wanted to make sure they were safe on the East Coast. “I never forget solid sh*t. So I would think as long as Em’ and Paul didn’t cross him in some type of way, I would think [Joe Budden] would have enough respect to be like, ‘Yo, I ain’t gon’ step on the gas on this one.’”
At 1:18:00, Kxng Crooked reveals how Joe’s 2017 words ultimately botched plans for Glass House. “It definitely affected Slaughterhouse. Because me and Royce [5’9] was working behind the scenes, trying to get the [Glass House] album out to the people. [The ‘Untouchable] critique] was like a grenade; he took the pin out and tossed that b*tch,” says the guest with a chuckle.
Addressing Joe’s podcast points from last September, Kxng Crooked also defends Eminem’s input. Budden was critical of Eminem not giving the group the proper push, compared to 50 Cent, D12, and earlier Shady successes. “I believe we came in at a time on Shady where Em’ didn’t have to do so much sh*t. He was used to having one formula to make things rock. But that formula was changing with the times,” explains Crook. Last year, Joe was also critical of Eminem’s production, beat choices, and creative input on a group that had released one album before signing with Shady. In an interview with Sway Calloway produced by Shady, Eminem responded to those charges.
Crooked I seemingly agrees with Marshall. “So what Em’ did, he said, ‘Okay, that first round [with welcome to: OUR HOUSE], that’s on me. Y’all go back in and make another album, and I’ma just let y’all rock. Whatever y’all wanna do, handle it the way y’all want to handle it. Roll it out how you want to roll it out, just do you.’ We all agreed and went back into the lab.” It is here that the C.O.B. founder says he is most frustrated. “That’s my problem [with what happened]: if you agree to go back and record another album and give it another shot, why is we still talking about [welcome to: OUR HOUSE]?” Kxng Crooked seemingly suggests that Budden remained displeased with the group album, instead of seizing the opportunity surrounding a follow-up album. Moreover, the California veteran says he relocated to New York City for six weeks to work on that unreleased LP. “Then the team broke up.”
N.O.R.E. asks if the guest considered the group of four solo MCs “a brotherhood.” Kxng Crooked responds, “I thought it was. Then, at times, I say, ‘I don’t think it was.’” Moments later he says, “I’m just cut different; I got three Slaughterhouse tattoos. When it was goin’ down, if anybody was in trouble, I was there with ’em. It was just a different scenario.” N.O.R.E. and Crooked I bring up Joe Budden’s late 2000s beef with Wu-Tang Clan. Kxng Crooked admits that fallout from that short-lived beef involving a physical 2009 altercation with Raekwon, cost him relationships with his circle.
At 85:30, N.O.R.E. says that after witnessing the 2018 breakup of Slaughterhouse he has faith for a reunion. Royce, Crooked, and Joell worked together on the remix to “Timberlan’d Up” late last year. “I don’t think it’s over,” says the Capone-N-Noreaga co-founder. Quickly, Crook’ puts those notions to bed. “It’s a wrap on that one.”
At 1:03:00 Rory enters and joins. N.O.R.E. asks the new guest if there will be a Slaughterhouse again. “This is an ambush; I want to get this on record,” responds The Joe Budden Podcast co-host who previously worked at Def Jam and Sony Records. “I saw Crook’ outside; Crook’ is love all day. This is a total ambush; I just want to make that clear…Slaughterhouse is none of my business. Why would y’all ask me about Slaughterhouse?” He charges that Crooked I and Joe Budden’s relationship is an isolated situation. “I can’t objectively talk about Slaughterhouse. One of their members is family to me. That’s their business.”
Ten minutes later, at 1:13:00, Kxng Crooked brings up that the loyal fans will always ask about the group that nearly lasted a decade. “People want to know, that’s how strong the Slaughterhouse brand was.” “Not was, is,” corrects Rory. Moments later, the MC born Dominick Wickliffe reflects on his group. “I don’t know why it’s gone; I know the Em’ sh*t played a big part in it…” In the next breath, Crook’ affirms his loyalty to Eminem, who he worked with nearly a decade before Slaughterhouse.
At 1:55:00 N.O.R.E. asks Rory if he thinks Joe went too far with his Eminem criticism. “I think a lot of the things that Joe [was quoted as saying] were made up, if you go back and look at what he [actually] said on Everyday Struggle. I think it got blown out of proportion. I think a lot of sh*t went to [headlines].” He adds, “Just knowing Joe personally, and how much he loves Em’, and respects him, sh*t got blown outta proportion, dog.”
As Rory speaks, Xzibit shoots Crooked I a look. The LBC native interrupts, “He used the word ‘trash,’ and I think that was—” Rory interrupts, asking about the context of the word. Kxng Crooked states that it was in reference to “Untouchable.” “[Joe Budden] said, ‘It’s trash, throw it in the rice,’ or some sh*t. You know what Joe be sayin’. But yeah, I mean, that’s going too far.”
In response Rory aligns with his podcast co-host’s opinion. “I don’t think he was buggin’” Kxng Crooked interjects, “Well, I think he was. I know you don’t want to have that conversation, yeah, but my whole thing is, like I was sayin’, dog, if you got a lil’ issue with somebody, pass on the critique of their album and their singles. Because, how can you be fair? How can you come from a place where you’re just listening to it [while] setting your personal feelings to the side? I don’t think so.”
Crooked I continues, “See, me and Royce, we were very hands-on with Slaughterhouse. From the beginning to end…we really went in the trenches for Slaughterhouse. You get me? So when you go in the trenches like that, if you got a communication line with your brothers, then you talk to your brothers. ‘Yo, this is what I’m about to do. Is this gonna harm anything that you guys are doing to try and get Glass House out right now? ‘Cause I don’t like my time to be wasted. If I’m flying from Cali’ to New York, sittin’ in them offices, fighting for this Glass House sh*t, on my own time, let me know if you’re gonna throw a grenade at [somebody]. Just let me know, and I won’t get on that plane. You feel me?”
As Kxng Crooked finishes his sentence, Rory gets up and exits the room without a goodbye. With a belly-laugh, Kxng Crooked claims, “It got awkward.” Seconds later, the episode ends.
Earlier in the Drink Champs episode, Crooked I makes a powerful point about his former boss, Suge Knight. The once feared record exec, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for the killing of Terry Carter, made the MC his flagship artist between late 1999 and the mid-2000s. Despite that tenure, Crooked I never released his Say Hi To The Bad Guy debut solo album while signed to the legendary label. Like Kurupt and Michel’le, he was also offered an executive position by the Compton, California native.
At 1:53:00, Kxng Crooked says, “He wanted to give me an exec job, at one point. I know Kurupt had a job.” N.O.R.E. suggests that Dame Dash bit from Knight when he appointed Cam’ron to be Roc-A-Fella Records’ president. “Suge is like this: ‘I’m gonna go meet with Lyor [Cohen], and I want you to learn the game and get your business IQ up, so I’m gonna take you with me. So you can just soak up game.’ That’s how Suge was. He wanted to do retirement funds for artists, he wanted to do [healthcare for artists]. But every time he tried to do something on that level, he got resistance from the powers that be. And sometimes that resistance comes in the form of the Feds knocking at your door.”
In 1996, the FBI reportedly investigated the label founded by Knight and Dr. Dre. The L.A. Times reported the probe the same month that label star Tupac Shakur was fatally wounded in Las Vegas, Nevada. Knight, who was with Pac during that incident and also hit with gunfire, was eventually sentenced to prison for violating probation that night. After Knight was released, in the early 2000s, the FBI raided Death Row’s Beverly Hills offices, and various properties, including Crooked I’s home.
“This world will take your dream from you quick if you don’t stay locked in,” Boogie says on a cold day in Lower Manhattan. He is referring to a lesson intended for his young son, but it comes from personal experience. For five years, the Compton representative has been persistently pushing the line with his art. The MC and singer who used a student loan to purchase recording equipment has transcended from reaching out to blogs for posts to signing with Shady Records and going bar-for-bar with Eminem. In 2019, his dream seems to be manifesting in real-time. Boogie has already released one of 2019’s best albums so far in the form of Everything’s For Sale. It marks the Compton, California representative’s first drop with Eminem’s label and his first time on the charts. Twenty-nine-year-old Anthony Dixson is a different kind of act on the Shady roster. Although a cutting lyricist, Boogie’s music also offers melodic deliveries in many places. His sound and style pull from the church and Southern California’s gangland, in a cohesive way. On the microphone, Boogie shuns the cheap maneuvers so many rappers seem to rely on. He speaks his mind, confronts aspects of his personal life, and makes no bones about wishing to be remembered as a great. Although the presentation is quite different, the approach is not unlike that of Marshall Mathers some 20 years ago. Boogie Disrespects Eminem In The Most Respectful Way In His New Video
In speaking with AFH TV, Boogie unpacks the messages found on Everything’s For Sale. Along the way, he discusses his career, and his views about parenthood as well as love. He also details an emphasis on writing the kinds of songs that not only make him so easy to listen to, but someone that is relatable to so many. Before joining Shady in 2017, Boogie existed without the kind of cosigns that many emerging artists seem to seek and rely on. While he admits that he no longer cares, the MC notes, “It was irritating at a point for me, ’cause I felt like I was working so hard but was getting ignored. But I’m realizing that confirmation from another rapper or another man, period, that don’t define success. That’s just some stuff that was all just in my head. So now I don’t need they cosign, ’cause they’re competition at the end of the day.” By 2016, veterans and peers took notice. Boogie appeared on songs and projects by hometown heroes such as The Game, DJ Quik & Problem, as well as fellow sensation Buddy.< Boogie & J.I.D. Reject Industry Gimmicks In Favor Of Real Rap Now, Boogie’s latest single, “Rainy Days,” features Eminem’s first music of 2019. Asked how Shady’s founder discovered his music, Boogie says, “I have no idea.” Like Yelawolf, he was an Interscope Records act before inking with Shady. The label distributed some of Boogie’s prior releases including 2016’s Thirst 48 Part II. “I think [Eminem’s] manager, Paul [Rosenberg] got wind of me, maybe from the ‘Ni**a Needs’ video, ’cause Rihanna posted [it on Instagram]. I’m just guessin’; I have no idea. I just got a call one day that Em was interested. Then I was in Detroit like a day or two later.” Ahead of the 2017 Shady display for the BET Hip Hop Awards, Boogie showcased his skills alongside Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher, following Eminem’s blockbuster political freestyle. Royce 5’9, who later put Boogie on 2018’s “Dumb,” watched in the background.
On “Rainy Days,” Boogie begins his verse: “So word to my idols and word to the GOATs / I ain’t sayin’ I like ’em, I’d kill all them ni**as, and wear ’em as coats.” He reflects on those bars. “At the end of the day, I’m not tryin’ to be nobody’s little homie. That’s just me tellin’ y’all I’m on your head; you can get the same sh*t that everybody else gettin’.” AFH TV asks Boogie about the lyrics’ context, given the collaboration. “Yeah, he changed my life; he put me in front of 80,000 people. I’m signed to him; that’s the big dog. He’s one of the greatest rappers of all time, if not the greatest. But my purpose in life isn’t to be second to nobody at the end of the day; my purpose is to be bigger than Eminem, bigger than anybody else who wants to step in my way.” Moments later, Boogie acknowledges that JAY-Z is his favorite MC. In addition to the “Renegade” MCs, he says he considers J. Cole, Tupac, and Kendrick Lamar to also be in that elite class.
Boogie Shows Why Eminem Signed Him With An Off The Top Freestyle (Video) In terms of Hip-Hop, Boogie also provides his definition for “Real Rap,” a term that can mean different things to different people. “[It means] honesty, emotions, and just not trying to avoid the fact that you’re human and you’ve got real feelings. That’s what it means to me.” In looking at his evolution as an MC, Boogie notes, “I think sometimes I just need to learn how to come off more subtle. I think if I want people to be open to what I’m saying I need to not be so aggressive when I’m doin’ it.” For an artist who regularly bemoans personas “on social,” he later admits he had to learn to put himself on display. “If you want to have change in the world and more impact, when you show people that you’re just like them, it’s easier for them to accept it so people know that I go through sh*t too.” While Boogie reps Compton, he was born in Los Angeles and raised in Long Beach. During adolescence, his mother got him involved with a church in the Hub City. While the move was intended to clean up his act, it became a pivot to the streets. “The church is the reason I started gang-banging. I wouldn’t have been in Compton in the first place if it wasn’t for this church, ’cause I wasn’t born in Compton,” he says. On his 2019 album’s artwork, Boogie is dressed in a red suit, carrying a casket outside of the church with red doors. “Everybody from that church just happened to be from this neighborhood. So after church, I was always in Compton streets. Just transitioning to that it was a super easy transition. The crazy thing about Compton, church and gang-banging, they go hand-in-hand. I don’t know why. It’s a dark thing though.” Like past collaborators Quik and Game, that affiliation also sticks with artists for life. Kendrick Lamar Details What Saved Him From The Streets Of Compton After becoming integrated with the CPT streets, Boogie’s musical direction changed from Gospel Rap to songs covering all aspects of his life. “I had to tell what I was really goin’ through in life. [I was not] just goin’ through Christian wars. I was really goin’ through street battles, and you can’t really talk about that in church. I had to talk about what I was goin’ through, like the gang-bangin’ stuff. It just happening like that.” While it may have introduced him to gang affiliation, Sunday services also contributed to his musicality. “That’s 100% from the church choir and me listening to R&B all day.” He notes that Lauryn Hill, Brandy, and Usher also reinforced those interests. Westside Gunn & Conway Explain What To Expect From Their Partnership With Eminem “I’m from Piru,” he confirms. Notably, neighboring Long Beach is known for its Crip sets. Boogie is asked if that presented any problems near his home. “It just worked out; I’m respected in Long Beach. Long Beach don’t get into it with Compton; Long Beach has their own issues [internally]. There’s not really a Compton vs. Long Beach war.” Carson, California’s Reason is another artist who has worked across gang boundaries and neighborhoods. Boogie, Reason, and J.I.D. have developed a friendship as three artists with similar principles. “People always put us in a box together, me, J.I.D., and Reason,” notes Boogie. Besides Em, Dreamville’s J.I.D. is a standout guest on Everything’s For Sale video single “Soho.”. He appears on “We [all are] rappin’, and not like on some corny back-packer stuff, but we got substance, concepts, and stuff like that—not sayin’ other people don’t. [People hear] similar vibes I feel like, even though we all rap so different. J.I.D. rap way faster than me. ‘Cause I got a lisp, I can’t rap that fast. Reason’s super punchline-head-ass, like I tell him all the time. I got more melodies than both of them. They’re my boys though.” Eminem Returns To His Battle Rap Roots With 2018’s Best Freestyle (Video) Elsewhere in the discussion, Boogie explains why he is intent on winning a Grammy. He also discusses the value in finding a partner who embraces flaws, and the importance of his son. The full conversation is available at AFH TV. We are currently offering free 30-day trials.
Grammy-winning rapper Eminem‘s The Slim Shady LP did more than just sell a few million copies. Marshall Mathers’ longtime manager Paul Rosenberg has credited Slim’s debut LP for changing his life.
Last night, Rosenberg hit up Instagram to geek out over the 1999 album’s impact on his career.
