After decades of critical acclaim as a founding member of Gang Starr, some were surprised when DJ Premier joined the stable of producers contributing to Pop singer Christina Aguilera’s 2006 album, Back To Basics. Aguilera revealed that she sought Premier out after hearing the sample used on Notorious B.I.G.’s “Kick In The Door” in hopes of getting what she called “a throwback sound.”
Creative Control’s, Coodie & Chike—directors of Kanye West’s “Through The Wire” and Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat”—recently posted some behind the scenes footage on their Vimeo page. It’s fairly safe to assume most Hip Hop fans have never seen the recordings. But both Premo and Aguilera give an insight into their creative process.
“Ever since I was eight-years-old, I used to listen to these old records—Pearl Bailey, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and Dinah Washington,” Aguilera explained. “I used to call them my fun music to sing. I was able to dive wholeheartedly back into those eras and come up with songs that were organic and authentic to the times. Other [songs] had throwback elements, but to the 20’s, 20’s and ‘40’s, but with kind of a modern day twist or edgy beat.”
For his part, DJ Premier is effusive in his praise of Aguilera calling her a “true artist.”
“A lot of you people that make records, we have to put you on Auto-tune because you can’t keep a note when it comes to making records,” Premier added. “You can’t hold a note live either. I’ve seen her do her thing, and it’s gonna be a crazy 2006 year for her.”
Premier was credited with producing and/or co-producing at least five tracks on the now-certified platinum album. The single “Ain’t No Other Man” was certified platinum, while two other singles and a live, tour-based DVD were certified gold.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA BACK TO BASICS DOCUMENTARY from Creative Control on Vimeo.
Primos a fuckin boss. anything he make is dope
Yeah man. I had read that Christina like Jeru’s Wrath of the Math. When she first approached Prem he said nah, but then she told hiom that one of her favorite Hip hop albums was Wrath of the Math. Prem was on board!!
i heard preemo said yes to x-tina because she said she was a fan of group home!
Premo is the man. I can’t describe how much respect I have for all his legendary contributions to hiphop. So many dope beats it’s unbelievable.
She’s articulate, attractive, and without a doubt talented, this is a good look for her. She’s knowledgeable, and appreciates those who came before her.
This was dope. Artistcally, musically and visually.
Hands down one of the most brilliant singers to ever grace the stage.
Premo’s collabos with Xtina were on point. The entire Back to Basics album was on point. Her talent paired with his is something else – totally on another level, unachievable by essentially anyone else in the music game then, and now.
*Here’s to future work between these two*
Primo is a fucking sellout working with Cristina!!! I thought you would be hiphop and shit. But you are going for quick money
learn to recognize talent my friend
She should work with Danger mouse just because she like to do things out there, he would complement her perfectly, no doubt.
Creative Control always graces us with the coolest look at things. If only they could become a major label!