Talib Kweli & Just Blaze On Roc-A-Fella, 'Fresh Pair,' Jay-Z, Jay Electronica | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 2:33 -- The show begins with Just Blaze looking back on his childhood, growing up in Paterson, New Jersey in a home of music lovers. They discuss Just's father who was a jazz organist as well as a computer programmer, that being an early inspiration to his son's path of becoming a producer, and how Just's older cousin sparked his record collecting bug. They also get into why it's crucial that kids take up learning the skill of computer programming, where Just's alias of Megatron Don originated from, and how the pop culture of his youth and particularly the John William's soundtrack to Star Wars had such an impact on him and what he wanted to do. 11:31 -- Just is asked about his love of sneakers and how that made him the perfect host for Uproxx's new show 'Fresh Pair,' coming soon. Blaze reflects on his love for shoes going back to the days of PRO-Keds and Zips, the Jordan 3 being the release that put him over the edge, and how he and his friends would take turns wearing them. They discuss his first haul from NYC's Transit shoe store and Just quickly becoming known as one of hip hop's biggest sneakerheads. He also goes on to detail what we can expect from 'Fresh Pair' that will be combining celeb interviews with thoughtful sneaker customization for their guests. 17:37 -- Just talks about the days of early New York hip hop radio hosted by icons like Mr. Magic, Red Alert, as well as Chuck Chillout and how those shows were so important to his come-up story. He recounts the weekends spent at his cousin's house, recording shows then listening to them throughout the week, getting an overload of hip hop education at six years old. He speaks of his intrigue reaching new heights when break beat sampling was introduced, coming to the realization that these same records were sitting in his mother's attic. He also talks about his gaining an early ability to call out samples during the radio call-in contests. 25:09 -- Just is asked about New Jersey's love for house music and how it goes hand in hand with hip hop. He goes on to tell about how a select house music song being played during one of Just's sets at a roller-skating rink got the attention of DJ/radio host Mister Cee, who then invited the 16-year-old Just Blaze to a meeting at the offices of Cold Chillin' records. They go on to discuss a childhood friend of Talib's that created a group called Brooklyn Zoo who got signed to Cold Chillin' around that time and the tensions they had with ODB's Brooklyn Zoo group. 34:00 -- Just speaks on one of the first studio sessions that he was a part of being that of Rah Digga and what it was like seeing the song performed to a live audience a week later. He also talks about DJing during the weekly open mics at the Pipeline in Newark and the feeling of vindication he felt when hometown heroes like the Outsidaz wanted to rap over his beats. They also discuss the call from Roc-A-Fella A&R Gee Roberson to Just, for the purpose of recruiting him onto the Roc The World production team along with Kanye West. 43:53 -- Just and Talib discuss the close mutual friends that they share in the business and talk about J Period's spiritual decision to ditch sampling around the time of his contribution to the Black Star album and how that led to Just getting the bulk of his record collection. They go on to explore the importance of Memphis Bleek to the success story of Roc-A-Fella Records, his tireless work ethic to make the next hit record, and his brother's near-fatal motorcycle accident derailing a Bleek and Beanie Sigel project that was in the works. Talib and Just also share stories of people calling them pretending to be well-known artists, fishing for money. 55:46 -- Just's signature call-out, heard over the tracks he produces, is brought up and they discuss what it's meant to his career. Just talks about his realizing early-on that despite his knack for writing rhymes, he didn't have the breath control to be a successful emcee, and he would need a strategy to brand himself. Just goes on to detail how it organically started on Joe Budden's 'Focus,' Just being one of, if not the first to do a vocal tag, and the one song that his tag was taken off of. They also discuss how essential Young Guru was to Just's process of production and its accessibility, as well as how great of a vocal coach he is. 1:06:48 -- They discuss Freeway's song 'What We Do' featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, it's incredible longevity and becoming a certified anthem for Philly. Just gets into his thinking at the time of making it that the track would either be a huge hit or a total flop. He details the reactions of Freeway as well as Jay-Z when they first heard the beat and Just being surprised of the song's lasting power over two decades and ability to cross-over. They also discuss Just's process of putting together Freeway's 'Roc The Mic', the Mandrill sample, and how they knew it was going to be a success after hearing the vocals laid. 1:16:28 -- Just is asked for his take on Kanye's stating that Just was his arch nemesis while they both were working as the chief producers at Roc-A-Fella. They discuss how people have tried to spin the narrative, their different approaches in the studio, and how the relationship was mutually inspirational. Jay-Z's song, 'Girls, Girls, Girls' is brought up and Just is asked to explain the importance of bringing in Biz Markie, Q-Tip and Slick Rick to do the hook. Just goes on to talk about the beat originally being intended for Ghostface Killah and how Jay's classic album 'The Blueprint' was essentially recorded over a single weekend. 1:24:47 -- Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's 'Main Ingredient' album is brought up. Just details how much impact that record had on him when it came out and they discuss the age-old question of which is the superior album between 'Mecca And The Soul Brother' and 'Main Ingredient'. They go on to make comparisons of the two albums to Jay's 'The Dynasty Roc La Familia' and 'The Blueprint' and get into how Just felt when he had reached the height of success, being on stage with Jay-Z in front of forty thousand people. They discuss Jay-Z's love for performing and having some of the most fun doing his B-Sides concerts, rapping fan favorites that didn't necessarily get radio play. 1:37:46 -- Just speaks on his experience working at Roc-A-Fella when The Dipset collective entered the fold. He describes how hectic those times could be, trying to organize studio time for everyone as well as managing the personalities and egos of so many under one roof, but also the genius of bringing the two camps together. They go on to discuss Cam'ron's 'Welcome To New York City' featuring Jay-Z and the introspective interview Cam did with Drink Champs about his feelings at the time towards Jay and the self-reflection that has taken place years later. Just also talks about his hesitancy to sing the hook, as well as how important Dave Young has been to his career. 1:51:33 -- Just gets into how the beat for T.I. 's 'Live Your Life' featuring Rihanna was originally made as a joke. They explore Just's sampling the music of 'Numa Numa' by Gary Brolsm that appeared in a viral video of a kid singing the song, finding out the Jay-Z liked it, which led to Just coming up with a concept for the chorus that was rooted in a break-up he was going through. Just also explains how Saigon's 'Gotta Believe It' and Maino's 'All The Above' were the precursors to 'Live Your Life' and how Sickamore was responsible for bringing Just and Saigon together. 2:00:10 -- Jay Electronica is brought up. They go on to discuss how Jay's quoting Muhammad Ali, 'My train is always on schedule' relates to his work ethic and how he's always surprising his fans about where and when he shows up on a track. They also discuss how Jay and Just's Exhibit A, B, and C came together. Just details A's originating as a contribution to a Guitar Center compilation album, B coming to fruition during the time of Jay and Mos Def hanging out, and C being cut for the purpose of promoting Angela Yee's show for Shade 45 radio. Finally, Just is asked the question of if we can ever expect a Just Blaze album of his own.

There’s alot of Nerds in our communities too. Don’t be afraid, live your life. Just Blaze is a Legend 🙏🏿

Thanks Talib & Jasmin for having Just Blaze on!

Preemo defined the NY sound in the 90s. Just Blaze defined the NY sound for the 2000’s.

Jasmine got one of the most gorgeous smiles on this planet... very beautiful sister...and Just is one of the dopest producers on this planet...his ear for music is incredible...and Talib is a slept on MC...his bars is dope asf..... They bought back memories talking about recording the radio shows...those were the days

JUST BLAZE!!!!!!!! What a legend.. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this interview. What a music genius, to know that he made all those hit records!! I have a newfound respect for him. A great storyteller too. I would listen to him all day every day. This was so refreshing. Big up and salute.

One of my favorite producers of all time.

Love you brothers for this! Legendary. There was a moment in time that EVERY TIME I shot a THREE from Deep I’d yell out “JUST BLAAAAZZZZEEEE!!!!”. It became a MOVEMENT. The entire community starting doing in at games, in the park, in the gyms, everywhere. Just Blaze is and always was THAT DUDE.

I clicked on this video so quick! Just is one of my favorite producers and one of the best ever! Thanks for this interview 🙏🏾

Just blaze definitely is arguably my favorite producer. I will forever love just blaze for the video game music scores i.e. NBA live 03, 04, NBA street vol 2, NBA ballers chosen one

This was one of the dopest interviews I've ever watched

I’ll never forget when Just Blaze came out to The Bay back in 2016 and DJ’d for Too $hort @ Hiero Day…that shit was surreal

main ingredient was what i believe was pete rock and Cls perfected style

Those core songs of Blueprint was done over a weekend? That is bananas……

Much respect to Just Blaze, one of the best to ever do it. A shout out to Paterson, from Plainfield, NJ. PEACE 7

He's definitely one of the best his beats are BANNGINNNNN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is on of the dopest and most iconic interviews in our general. Great content.

Great interview. Looking forward to the Just Blaze album. Please make it happen.

One of my favorites is Redman and E Dub - React.

Kweli does a spectacular job with these interviews. This one was one of the best. Just Blaze is a hip-hop/music historian and master of his craft. I can always appreciate that about someone no matter the discipline.

One hell of solid interviews from Kweli, and To Blaze, what a cold beat maker

“Never Been In Love” DEFINITELY sounds like a Just Blaze joint when it dropped.

Did y'all catch that ? He said "what we do" almost didn't get made because he had his finger on the power button and Free walks in feeling the beat so he kept his finger on the button 😲 ?? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊ !!

Growing up on sports games and pop radio in the 2000’s, his work was inescapable. Never thought he was just like, a cool computer science teacher lol. And hell YEAH, brother. John Williams is incredible. Love hearing that

We need that album Just!

Just Blaze was the backbone of Rocafella during that run facts. The credits don’t lie. When Kanye was still trying to find himself sonically Just Blaze was already on the ground running.

Fantastic interview/conversation. Blaze is a prodigy, a true master of his craft.

Always a great listen when its Just Blaze. Great talk,everybody

I have been wondering why I’ve never heard a “Jus Blaze” project! I still want it! Music NEEDS It

Just Blaze production is pure genius!!🙏🏾💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Man Just Blaze has a special place in my heart. I played NBA Street Vol. 2 so much as a kid and he was all over that soundtrack

Excellent interview.. glad it wasn’t cut short! Learning aloe about JB🔥 except how dame would scream on him! Sharp dude #215salute 💪🏾

“Took a couple bars off let Just live” one of my favorite beats of all time !!!

Great interview. This honestly could have been twice as long. So much to touch base on but job well done.

Greatest Story Never Told by Saigon is a fucking CLASSIC. Him and Just made a MASTERPIECE! Bet that!

Yes! We need that just blaze album 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Jaz be so high 😂 she's so dope...great pod & great episode...coming from a fan

Uplifting. Thank you.

Really excited!

Mr Kweli you can't be dissin my home state sir lol #CT 🙏🏾🙏🏾

What a talent! Thank you for sharing!

What a legend 👏🏿 Thank you for working With Jay Electronica 👏🏿 🙏🏾

Nigga from jersey was responsible for hella New York and Philly sound. They gotta start putting respect on jersey fr fr regardless if he was reppin like that or not

This man produced so many bangers. Much respect to Just Blaze.

This is a great interview.

I still would like to hear a Redman and Just Blaze project,always wondered why they didnt have more songs together 🤔

Just Blaze is the most realest and illest dude ever!!! His beats has always been 💯, Blaze ruled the 2000’s with his production, you’re a legend in my book

Damn, I didn't know anything about Just Blaze other that he is an incredible producer. He seems like a really cool guy with a lot of knowledge of music. Another great episode

Good interview with a good man. Just is as humble as he is talented. Continued blessings and success to my Jersey brother.

Awesome interview!!

Top 5 DOA. JUST IS EVERYTHING!!!!! ALL TIME GREAT!!!!!!

I love how they just reference "Trendz of Culture" ...I love the 1st album!!

yo just is like a computer or a very well catalogued hip hop encyclopedia. it was totally mind boggling to me to see this man, who obviously has an unimaginably sized, body of work. both before, and after he so called "made it", recalling these amazing, incredibly specific moments in time so effortlessly. to me this is nothing short of amazing, from this man whom I hold in the absolute highest regard. I dont know why im even surprised that his mind is able to operate on such an elite level. nothing short of LEGENDARY! so inspirational, peace to Kweli , who I hold in the same "league", killing the long form interviews also in an effortless manner. many blessings to everybody who made this possible, both past and present...one

Can't wait to listen! Jusssst blaze!

One of the architects of 20s hip hop style

Very good conversation guys

Great Interview. Great Insight.

a big up from me the owner of the Pipeline, Much success to all my homies from the Pipeline newark nj, thank you for helping solidify our history.

Just Blaze , Young Guru , and Hip Hop seem like the most genuine people in the music industry

Peace... Great Interview 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Dope interview. We need Guru to pull up as well

Shoutouts to Just Blaze he's a HUGE part of my Childhood. His Productions and Beats are LEGENDARY💪🏾💯

Crazy to think "what we do" almost never happened.That's a top 5 Rocafella song to me.

Dope interview 🙌🏽 👌🏽 👏🏽

I thought BINK!’s name was left out ….went back and he actually did say his name. Totally missed it the first time.

Great interview. Just listening to the catalog he has & the history is phenomenal. Looking forward to hearing a interview of Mister Cee. Talib, Uprx make it happen.

Great interview! Just Blllllaaazzeee 🔥🔥 #originalnrc #family

Dope interview and that Lemar and Dauley Sweatshirt is so 🔥.

One of my favorite producers ever

Just blaze is the 🐐 LEGENDARY!!!!

Thank you Just. You’ve inspired me as well. Like you said, “We’re from the same tribe” -DJ Porno

Kweli never afraid to show Jersey love or any real area with culture

He got a voice sounds like DJ Premier .

Connecticut in the Building Talib don’t disrespect !

Love ther interviews from him, guru, and hip hop about the old roc a fella days

Just Blaze!!🔥🔥🔥💯

Transit on Broadway was the spot!! man I remember being able to get a pair of Jordan 3s there when they dropped with no line.. then head to Supreme n cop the latest shit never having to wait on a line cause you knew everyone who worked there. then head to A1, gimme gimme, and the sound library. IYKYK damn.. yall kids today missed out. miss dem days.. salute 💯

Talib and Jus have a lot in common it seems to me. Both hip hop / music nerds and I mean that in a good way.

It took me a while to catch on to Main Ingridient. The sonics are incredible

I think Darkchild, Trackmasters and Clark Kent did the name shout out in the 90's. Just made it famous tho.

We're here for all the Just Blaze love -- fav tracks?

Not because he from my hometown and I have connections with him but he's one of my favorite producers

Dope interview best producer/dj to ever do it

This was dope

I know he was joking but my feelings were hurt when he said “Fuck Connecticut” 😔 😂🤣

💐🙏🏿 Much respect to *Just Blaze!!* 🙏🏿💐 _Architect for the sound of an era._ Those Freeway records could fire up _any_ crowd! 🎶 Wow, hearing them talk about it took me back to the last times I really enjoyed rap music. I started at Howard University, where the radio and party DJs naturally played more NYC tracks than we got on Atlanta radio. Young Gunz, Kanye, Fabolous, Dipset (an odd & very northern phenomenon), the whole Black Album… It really was a Dynasty, and perhaps the last time New York had indisputable domination of rap. I went back south, and it was like the radio had nothing but snap music. I felt like a 19 year-old boomer. 🙉 Me and hip-hop faded apart after that. I can't just blame Atlanta, because we _always_ had rappers with substance. There were other factors (age & mental health), but radio was my main access to culture, and it just went bad across all genres. Personally, I was always in it for _the beats_ anyway. I don't hear that feel good music as much when I check the radio. The gangsta thug lyrics were always questionable, but it's too much explicitly hypnotic garbage on the radio now. 🤷🏿‍♀️ At least that's my two cents from Atlanta… 😒

1:23:10 interesting... from beginning to end, considering lyrics, production, flow/transitions... i like main ingredient too. Pete was really flexin and refined & further defined his signature sound on that album.

Great content. I wish today's placed producers and podcast hosts did more research like Blaze did.

#Jersey in the building..

Pete Rock CL Smooth Main Ingredient was my soundtrack in 95. Salute.

Speaking of Just Blaze beats that sound different, Diamond off HNIC. One of my favorites.

NEW JERSEY HAD WNWK UNDERGROUND RADIO ; THE AWESOME TWO (TEDDY TED & SPECIAL K)..

Talib, I have that same " Black Yankees" hat. You're the 1st one I seen with it. Love your show. Blessings 🖤

Just Blaze is into the Masterpiece Transformers!!! My guy is too cool!!!

JUST BLAZE!!!!💯

I’m from Milwaukee and house music was huuuuggeee

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

IF YA MAN WENT TO 'JAIL' FOR A LONG TIME IT WASN'T JAIL, IT WAS PRISON.. JAIL IS A HOLDING SPOT UNTIL SENTENCING..

One of the ill things about this interview is hearing Kweli and Just's accents. Talib sounds so Brooklyn and Just Blaze sounds so Jersey. Dope.

Legendary.