#DXHitList: The Menace Session

MANCHESTER, GB – British producer Menace managed to become a Grammy Award-nominated producer off a $200 “Meek Mill-Ace Hood type beat” at just 21 years old. It was a serendipitous transaction that turned into “Panda,” the breakout hit single for G.O.O.D. Music artist Desiigner, which later evolved into Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” off The Life Of Pablo. This uncommon feat happened within a time span of just two years.

The now 24-year-old producer was previously toiling over broken iPhones as a mobile technician (while also studying law) before making his big break. Menace had been making money online selling beats, but once “Panda” took over, he had a lot to learn in a short amount of time … And he had to learn it quickly.

At the height of “Panda” and The Life of Pablo’s popularity in 2016, Menace had to sit back as U.S. Immigration delved into every aspect of his life because of his government name, Adnan Khan, while opportunities to attend the BET Awards and Grammys slipped away. He also dealt with the fallout of some industry drama, specifically drawing the ire of Mike Dean.

That’s all over now though, and Menace is looking toward the great things he has coming in 2018. Among them, records with Drake, Kevin Gates, Travis Scott and Blac Youngsta appear to be on the horizon.

Speaking on the phone from across the pond, Menace shared with HipHopDX everything he’s been working on and his #DXHitList Sessions playlist. He explains the stories behind some of the songs he’s produced mixed with a few of his favorite tunes, some of which inspired him.

”Panda” — Desiigner   I had just come home from work and I was just really tired, you know … frustrated. I had my boss yelling at me, telling me I was slacking at work. I was really tired that day. I came home and wanted to make music. Making music to me is like stress-relief. Then I just came out with “Panda.”

“Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” Kanye West — It’s just “Panda” part two. It’s Kanye’s version of “Panda.” He really took it to the next level. “Panda” was great but he really took it to another level. He gives it a slight edge, like adding the meat to the potatoes.

“Through The Wire” — Kanye West —  I remember that one when I was a small kid. It was one of those songs I would listen to when I was going to school. Like how he had the accident and had the jaw surgery. Kanye at that time was the new thing out. He was my go-to. This record really has a special place in my heart.

“Love 2 The Game” — Nines — Something I produced. He’s on his way to blowing up. Tory Lanez was just in his neighborhood a couple of months ago. He’s one of the biggest artists in the U.K right now. It was on his album and was #4 on the Top U.K. albums chart and was #1 on the RB chart.

“FaceTime for 30” — NO1-NOAH — He’s pretty dope right now and picking up pace. He reminds me of The Weeknd. He basically makes mood music for like when you get in the car and driving at night. Chilled out music. Not heavy on production at all.

“Studio” — ScHoolboy Q — It’s about the vibes. Talking about the studio, chilling … making music. Whenever I would go to the studio, I would just play that a lot. It sets the mood.

“Goosebumps” — Travis Scott — I love the production. I think he’s the next Kanye. He’s this era’s Kanye.

“No Hearts, No Love” — Big Sean —  I love the sample that Metro Boomin used. It’s the old school fused with the new school.

“Ima Boss” — Meek Mill f. Rick Ross — That was my college-day music. It really pumps me up. That record is a burst of energy. Meek Mill was the best at that time.

“MotorSport” — Migos f. Nicki Minaj Cardi B  I love playing this record in the car with my friends.

Overcoming Adversity Following “Panda” Popularity

How has life been after “Panda?”

I don’t need a 9-5 job like how I was doing before. I won’t say it’s more different than the life I was living before because it wasn’t like I wasn’t making money off of music everyday anyway. I don’t need to work for anyone now. I’m my own boss. Because of my deal [with Stellar Songs], it’s made me financially stable.

Speaking with us last year, you revealed that you had some issues getting into the States. Is that still an issue for you?

No, not anymore. But it was a long time before they granted me the visa to enter the U.S. Apparently, my name came up as red flag in their systems, and they had to do a full background check. They had to do these certain types of security checks on me to see if I was the real deal. Khan is a common name for terrorists, so that’s what it was. They had to do everything and search my background and what I do for a living. In the petition, they had a thick booklet with everything about “Panda” and proof that I was a producer so I can come to the U.S. and work.

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How’d going through all of that make you feel?

I was expecting it because I knew with Donald Trump being president and his immigration laws … The only problem is that it clashed with many of my events, like the Grammys and the BET Awards in 2016. I couldn’t attend them and I couldn’t do much about it.

Clearing The Air With Kanye West Mike Dean

I remember when you called out Future, Kanye West and Mike Dean in an interview and then later apologized for it.

That was out of context. I was fairly new to the game and I didn’t know the rules of the game and I cannot say certain things, you know?

What was your whole beef with that situation?

You know what it was? I was having an off-topic conversation with a journalist [about it], which was the worst thing anyway. But everything is okay now. I did apologize for it. I knew I should have not said that because I knew that it would come back, haunting me in one form or another. I don’t know how it works. I don’t know what to say. But now, I’ve been in the industry for nearly two years, I’ve matured quite a bit. I know who to speak to and what not to say.

With all that in the past, do you expect to work with Kanye in the future?

Definitely. He is one of my biggest inspirations since the days he was producing for himself and JAY-Z. So I really look up to him and his production, especially his album 808s and Heartbreak. That was really light years ahead of anything that was coming out during that period.

I agree. Most people love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but 808s is definitely one of my all-time favorite Kanye West projects because it was so different for the time.

So, different! Now all the artists want to do something on that type of level. He was really light years ahead of any artists with that album.

Creating New Music With Kevin Gates, Drake Travis Scott

The big question I think everyone wants to know at this point is what are you working on now?

I’ve got so many things right now! Blac Youngsta just got signed to Epic Records, and his album is about to be released very soon. I got an official placement on that with Young Thug. Last year, I was in the studio with ScHoolboy Q. On my second visit [to the States], I came straight off the airplane [and] one of my friends said Q wants to see you, so I went straight to Interscope. I was told he was using one of my beats, but we’ll see. Also, with APG, I’ve sent in beats for Kevin [Gates]. He just got released from prison. They really like my production and they took some of my beats for Kevin. I’ve been sending production to Sickamore and Travis Scott’s AR for his upcoming Astroworld album.

How recently did you get beats to Kevin?

It was just a couple of days ago. I sent a bunch of beats, like 10, and his manager picked about two beats. I obviously have yet to hear back about what’s going to happen, but it looks promising. They’re really loving the production. Drake as well. It’s Drake season, you know? He normally drops albums around this time of the year. I’m in contact with Oliver [El-Khatib] right now and we’re speaking, so he’s taken beats off me. It’s whatever hits. With Drake, it’s like you will only hear it on the album, that’s when you find out he used your production. He is the biggest right now in the industry.

I think the way Drake’s album-making process is unique, and I hear that from a lot of producers. He doesn’t want any leaks coming out.

Yes! Once the album is out that’s when you’ll know if you have placement with it. I’m working with a lot of people, but off the top of my head, those are the main ones. Now, I’m just waiting.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45967/title.dxhitlist-the-menace-session

Jermaine Dupri To Release ‘So So Def 25’ Anniversary Album

To commemorate So So Def’s 25th anniversary, Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings and Certified Classics divisions will release a compilation album titled So So Def 25 this summer. The LP is a collection of the Jermaine Dupri-led label’s greatest hits, new remixes and deep cuts from its roster.

So So Def 25 will be released digitally along with a 12-inch vinyl collector’s edition for the serious fans. Legacy Recordings intends to pay homage to So So Def throughout 2018 with additional releases.


image courtesy of So So Def

The imprint has plans to drop 12” vinyl reissues of select catalog titles as well as additional digital content. A So So Def tour is also in development.

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“I been dreaming of getting to this point since my very first release,” Dupri said in a press release issued on Tuesday (February 13).

The Hip Hop visionary first gained recognition after writing and producing Kriss Kross’s massively successful 1993 “Jump” record. He founded So So Def later that year.

Dupri was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this month, becoming the second Hip Hop artist to ever receive the honor.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45961/title.jermaine-dupri-to-release-so-so-def-25-anniversary-album

50 Cent Shares Trailer For His New Series “The Oath”

50 Cent might have the next bingeworthy series for television enthusiasts. The G-Unit boss has released a new trailer for The Oath, his upcoming series about police gangs, which will premiere on the streaming service Crackle on March 8.

Stream my new Series The Oath Free March 8 Sony Crackle. #denofthieves #power

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on Feb 12, 2018 at 11:30pm PST

Much like Starz’s hit show Power, 50 Cent also serves as executive producer of The Oath. His upload of this trailer for The Oath comes months after a teaser for the show was released.

Last year, the Den of Thieves star expressed his excitement at the opportunity to executive produce yet another scripted series.

“I am very excited to be partnering with Sony Pictures Television Networks and Crackle,” he said in a statement. “To be able to bring this story to life is something I’m looking forward to and Joe Halpin’s personal experience will make this unlike anything that’s been seen before.”

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The Oath stars Cory Hardrict and Sean Bean. It is written and produced by Joe Halpin, a former L.A. Sheriff’s deputy.

Sean Bean, who stars as Tom Hammond on the show, is known for his roles as Boromir in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. His co-star, Cory Hardrict, also boasts quite the resume, having starred in All Eyez on Me and American Sniper.

March 8th don’t miss my New Show @theoathcrackle on @crackle @sony stream free download the app watch all 10 eps ? #TheOath #family

A post shared by Cory Hardrict (@coryhardrict) on Feb 9, 2018 at 12:00pm PST

The Oath will take a look at the inner workings of police gangs and uncover the inner turmoil that surrounds these organizations. It will demonstrate how police gangs morphed from something created with good intentions to nearly the opposite.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45962/title.50-cent-shares-trailer-for-his-new-series-the-oath

Vic Mensa Details Flint Water Crisis Efforts Ahead Of AT&T Audience Network Concert

Los Angeles, CA – Vic Mensa is the next Hip Hop artist to perform for the ATT Audience Network concert series. Ahead of the performance, the outspoken Chicago rapper detailed his experiences in Flint, Michigan last year when he went to help with the city’s long-running water crisis.

“I went there and I’m listening to these stories from the people and seeing brown water that they’ve kept in gallon jugs, and hearing about people whose hair fell out,” Mensa explains. “I actually spoke to a kid who was riding a bike telling me all of his hair fell out because he was showering with the water.

“So we went there, we did a benefit concert the first time I went,” he continues. “The second time I went, we did like a food and clean water drive. That was a dope moment for me because I was really able to appreciate the things I don’t have to worry about and really pay attention to the people in the real world. That was an experience for me.”

The Roc Nation signee will perform material from his latest project, The Autobiography, which was released last July.

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Mensa’s concert special premieres on Friday (February 16) at 9 p.m. Eastern via DIRECTV Ch 239, ATT U-verse Ch 1114 and streaming on-demand through DIRECTV NOW.

Check out more behind-the-scenes footage below.

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45963/title.vic-mensa-details-flint-water-crisis-efforts-ahead-of-att-audience-network-concert

Eminem’s “Mystery Woman” Clip Was Viral Marketing For “River” Video

After a video featuring Eminem and a “mystery women” went viral last Friday (February 9), many assumed it was leaked footage of Slim Shady’s new girlfriend. But it turns out, it was marketing promo for Em’s upcoming video for “River” featuring Ed Sheeran.

Unhappy Valentine’s day! #River Music Video ft. @TeddysPhotos WEDNESDAY

A post shared by Marshall Mathers (@eminem) on Feb 12, 2018 at 12:03pm PST

Em confirmed the news on Monday (February 12) with the caption, “Unhappy Valentine’s day! #River Music Video ft. @TeddysPhotos WEDNESDAY,” pointing to a Wednesday (February 14) release.

“River” is taken from Shady’s ninth studio album, Revival, which was released last November.

Check out DX’s detective work into the video below.

 

(The original version of this article was published on February 9, 2018 and can be found below.)

A video of Eminem and a “mystery woman” started circulating on social media Friday (February 9), leading many to speculate it was leaked footage of Slim Shady’s new girlfriend.

Eminem fan site Southpawer has identified the woman as actress Sarah Ashley Toups. So, it’s possible the video is simply another clever marking campaign for Em’s “River” video featuring Ed Sheeran. Shady teased photos from the video shoot last month.

So let the river run… @teddysphotos on set #REVIVAL

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A post shared by Marshall Mathers (@eminem) on Jan 17, 2018 at 6:07am PST

“River” tells the story of a crumbling romantic relationship. The man has been cheating on his girlfriend and when she uncovers his infidelity, she retaliates by hooking up with Eminem.

In the now-viral video clip, the woman is sitting on the bed of an inexpensive hotel room. Eminem walks in, greets her and says, “I was spotted on the way in.”

Considering “River” is about cheating, the hotel setting makes sense and his concerns about being seen fit the narrative.

 

Leading up to Revival‘s November 2017 release, Em’s camp employed ample amounts of viral marketing to build hype for the album.

Manager Paul Rosenberg kicked things off with an Instagram post with a giant backwards “E” (Eminem’s logo) in a fake prescription ad on a building in the background.

Look what arrived at the Shady offices today! @Yelawolf TRIAL BY FIRE comes out this Friday 10/27! #cdbaby

A post shared by Paul Rosenberg (@rosenberg) on Oct 25, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT

Article source: http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45929/title.is-eminems-leaked-mystery-woman-video-just-more-viral-marketing

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