DJ Premier has become something of an elusive figure in his late career. While other luminaries in his field, – admittedly, not quite of his stature – from true OGs like DJ Muggs to latter day mainstays like The Alchemist, have taken to churning out projects at a steady pace, Premo has been far more selective and sparing with his efforts.
While he did form PRhyme alongside Royce da 5’9″, they haven’t put out a project since 2018, and full-length collaborations with old allies such as Blaq Poet and Bumpy Knuckles (Freddie Foxxx, whatever) sadly seem to be a thing of the past.
He does continue to assert his legacy by appearing on high-profile projects from the likes of Drake and Eminem, as well as pepper beats on albums for friends, from MC Eiht to longtime M.O.P. affiliate Teflon, but there’s a sense that he’s often on autopilot in the latter arena.
Naturally, a producer of his pedigree can get your head nodding even while hardly trying, but it’s always exciting when he chooses to show just how much he’s still genuinely one of the best doing it.
When it comes to actually inspiring him, there’s no doubt Westside Gunn is one of the best things to happen to recent Premo. From the dominant “Headlines”, to his appearance on Pray for Paris, to “The Narcissist” alongside Brady Watt, Premier has yet to miss when working with Gunn.
This makes their latest link up, “Runway”, for which they also bring along the indefatigable Rome Streetz, more than exciting. Inspired by Premo’s work soundtracking the AMIRI Autum-Winter 2023 runway show in Paris earlier this year, the track finds the legendary producer firing on all cylinders. For their part, needless to say, Gunn and Streetz represent Griselda by spiraling wildly over the icy, stomping, yet elegant soundscape. It’s Premier’s best beat in a moment, and a reminder of just how great he still is.
Now all we need is a full album on this level. Come on, Premo, it can be with whomever you fancy, just make it happen. Listen to “Runway” below and (we can only hope!) stay tuned for more from DJ Premier soon.
