While the masses were caught in spectacle that was Beyonce’s Lemonade, Hip-Hop heads like myself were rejoicing towards the end of the visual. Collective ears perked up with sounds that could come from the one and only Justin Smith. Better known as Just Blaze, he laced the beat for Beyonce’s “Freedom” feat. Kendrick Lamar. ( Talk about ooh factor). This got @JustBlaze trending as the #2 topic, at least in these parts.

 

Um whut. Wow. pic.twitter.com/VDFEGQanND

— Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) April 24, 2016

Meanwhile I had some Twitter humor go over his head

 

@CLTheMainEvent huh

— Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) April 24, 2016

 

It sparked a conversation with a close friend as why Twitter reacted this way. For one the demographic of Twitter says they were younger when he flooded the airwaves with his sound.  Then there’s the music. Instead on droning on about all the different techniques, the moments and trying to write a “think piece”, I decided to guide you through the essentials beats according to me. I’ve lived in Atlanta, GA most of my life and everyone experiences music different. If you 30 and over and from Philly, Just Blaze played the soundtrack to your life.  This is not the most famous Just Blaze songs.  Not the most popular or chart toppers. Argue all you want but this how to experience Mr. Smith and answers the question why Just Blaze hotter than 90% of producers ever. These are moments. Some made the charts but most were inside an album you had go find on your own. (Sorry Joe Budden)

All the beats are produced by Just Blaze.

ORV

FreeWay Flipside feat Peedi Crackk  http://youtu.be/v5LASJm1HdY

FreeWay – What We Do feat. Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel http://youtu.be/Kj5ndpSGL4Q

Game – Church For Thugs  http://youtu.be/HfBZRaJmjlI

 

The List

1. Memphis Bleek – Round Here ft. T.I., Trick Daddy

So I got start with one of the most freestyle on beats ever. A collaboration that was a little ahead of its time. No matter where you from, its an all time great beat..EVER!

2. Beanie Sigel – Beanie (Mack B****)

“Sigel was the name that they gave me!” Remember when you first heard this drop? I miss Beans. That’s all I can say for now.

3.  Beanie Sigel  and Freeway – Roc The Mic

So if I made an all time freestyle on beats list between this and “Round Here”, you could probably start the Mount Rushmore. This song, plus the State Property movie, I really thought the Roc would last forever.

4. Jay-Z – U Don’t Know

Getting into the album cuts. The quintessential soul sample moments that made every producer make soul beats and every rapper wanting them.

5. Jay -Z PSA Part 1 and 2

So I kinda cheated. Not only did Jay and Just slay the track on the album, but came back and did again on the remix.

http://youtu.be/ug3bS8HnkZw

6. Jay-Z – Flow

So the PSA Part II is the most know song from the S. Carter The Remix but it shared space with this gem. THE SONG WASN’T ON YOUTBE. I don’t know how long it will stay up but a Just Blaze jewel was born here.

7. Cam’Ron – Oh Boy ft. Juelz Santana

Dipset! Dipset! It always a good day to inject some Diplomats. The official Juelz Santana coming out party. A song that holds up still to this day even though Cam’ron doesn’t.

8. Fabolous – Breathe

Quite possibly my favorite song on this list. I feel I could go on about how much Fabolous is better than 90% of what’s on the radio. Instead I’ll challenge you to find a song with major radio that had better metaphors. Don’t worry I’ll wait.

9. T.I. Help is Coming and Skits

I  cheated again. Sorta. It’s only because of the way Just Blaze’s ability displayed. He sets the stage with the intros and interludes that shows the sides of T.I. and T.I.P. that feels so hand crafted. Then he does the Just Blaze thing he’s know for, drown out tracks around it on an album. “Help is Coming” feels like Michael Jordan intro music ran into a full on symphony. Magic.

http://youtu.be/qQkaMg2hpPU

10. Eminem and Lil Wayne – No Love

How does Just Blaze end up on these monumental collaborations? Lil Wayne only brings his A game when he’s around A talent. Look at any collaboration of Weezy lately (Find the songs with Euro). Eminem buries this track with some his best work since going natural.

 Did I miss your favorite? Hit me up @DaRundownSouth or @CLTheMainEvent and let me know what you think