Two years removed from his solo major label debut My Name Is My Name, Pusha T hasn’t missed a beat. Besides getting ready for the December 18th release of follow-up Darkest Before Dawn,” one-half of The Clipse is enjoying his newly earned position as GOOD Music president. Balancing the industry executive and artist world doesn’t mean he has to sacrifice one for the other thankfully. Earlier this week, he dropped “M.F.T.R.(More Famous Than Rich)” featuring “40 Acres” collaborator The-Dream. Produced by Boi-1da and Hudson Mohawk, the single gained more traction after many caught on references to controversial rapper Tyga.
Before dropping Darkest Before Dawn, Pusha held a private screening for his upcoming mini-movie accompaniment King Push: Darkest Before Dawn. The Kid Art directed piece not only stars Brother Thornton but also, Power star and G-Unit member Rotimi in what could be described as GOOD Music’s best cinematic experience since pre-My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy short “Runaway.” And, that includes a beautifully slick aesthetic, experimental approach to narration and some powerful yet subtle themes. After the private screening taking place at exclusive Soho House West Hollywood, Push sat down to discuss everything from Darkest Before Dawn to Jay Z’s involvement.
Jay Z Gave Pusha T & Kid Art $100K For The Film
Shot in four days and edited in three weeks, Darkest Before Dawn was financed by Hov himself for one hundred racks. As industry executives and press filled the Soho House screening room, Tidal and D’usse was everywhere. Those in attendance were also left with a gift bag featuring a 90-day membership to the music streaming service besides Play Clothes gear. Seems as if both Push and Kid Art really made use of Jigga’s investment as the short film will probably become a Tidal exclusive.
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Pusha T Questioned Ability To Create Dark Music Following Murder Of Former Road Manager De’Von Pickett
Earlier this year, his road manager De’Von Pickett (also handling Nicki Minaj’s tour) was murdered in Philadelphia. According to Pusha, Pickett’s death killed anything he was happy about. Though initially having doubts if he could utilize his ability to write dark material again, the emcee admitted to having more aggression this time around. Most importantly, he mentioned having a low tolerance for those who lack principles.
As President Of GOOD Music, Pusha T’s Goal Is More Fan Engagement
While Push still follows a protocol and even consultation from Mr. West himself, Pusha does have a new set of responsibilities outside his artistry. That means being over the remaining artist and producers ranging from John Legend to Hudson Mohawke. One of King Push’s first real initiatives for the label is establishing better fan engagement. For a label that was once as elusive as its founder, it’s quite refreshing to see potential interaction with those who essentially keep things going.
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Timbaland, Kanye West, Diddy & Q-Tip Will Deliver Their Darkest Beats To Date
Seems like Push is really trying to make his darkest music to date and getting some beats reflecting that notion from the likes of Timbaland, Ye, Q-Tip and Mohawke among others. This is clearly represented in recent singles ranging from “Untouchable” to “M.F.T.R.” Besides touching on very topical subjects including mass incarceration, there’s one feature King Push said hasn’t been heard in 18 years. What does that mean exactly? Only time will tell.
Beanie Sigel Is Slated To Have A Guest Verse That Reminded Pusha Of Ye’s “Through The Wire”
One guest feature confirmed is the one and only Beanie Sigel. Hip Hop was shaken to learn that the Philly native was shot late last year and even reportedly had to have a lung removed. He also took a while to heal completely. For a while, Push thought Sigel was avoiding him until a fateful phone call. After sending him the beat and fully understanding The Broad Street Bully’s then condition, he received a guest verse that only could be described as reminding GOOD Music’s current president of “Through The Wire.”
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