Rising producer Kirk Knight has broken down how he made A$AP Ferg‘s “Plain Jane” on the latest episode of Genius’ Deconstructed.
Knight discusses his inspiration for the track then breaks down its elements in Ableton Live.
“Sometimes you really just got to make people feel great and that’s why I love this record so much,” Knight says in the video. “This record is Ferg talking about his life in a way where everybody could have fun to it.”
A Brooklyn native, Knight is best known as one of Joey Badass‘ most trusted producers. He is also a rapper and a member of the hip-hop collective Pro Era.
Released in June, “Plain Jane” serves as the lead single from Ferg’s second mixtape Still Striving. The track received an official remix in December featuring Nicki Minaj, which boosted its popularity. The remix became DJcity’s 10th most-downloaded song of December and peaked at No. 26 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in January. It is Ferg’s highest-charting single to date.
Renowned Canadian DJ/producer duo Anthem Kingz have joined DJcity’s worldwide team under an exclusive deal. From now on, the duo’s remixes, edits, and originals will be available only on DJcity.
The group, which is comprised of Toronto natives DJ Bosa and Alex K, have made a name for themselves over the years with their club remixes and edits. Alex K is also a member of the duo Delirious & Alex K, whose tracks are also exclusive to DJcity.
To kick off the partnership, Anthem Kingz have dropped four new edits. Stream and download them below.
DJ Premier has shared a nostalgic video for his new track “Our Streets” featuring A$AP Ferg. The visual finds the two artists cruising and performing in the streets of Harlem.
The song, which features Preemo’s trademark scratches, marks their first collaboration.
It’s the first release from the relaunched Payday Records, a label that once housed JAY-Z, Gang Starr, Group Home, Jeru the Damaja, and Showbiz & A.G., among others.
Watch the video above and download “Our Streets” on DJcity.
A$AP Ferg and his mob take over New York City in the video for his single, “Plain Jane.” The track contains interpolations from Three 6 Mafia’s 1999 song “Slob on My Knob,” and appears on Ferg’s Still Striving mixtape.
“The vision for the video was to bring it back to the streets and to be with the people,” Ferg said in a statement. “We shot the video spontaneously without planning which made everything feel more personal and true to me. I wanted the video to match my lifestyle; I could be riding bikes in Harlem or turning up at a party in Brooklyn.”
Watch the video above and download “Plain Jane” on DJcity.
A$AP Ferg has shared a video for his gritty new single “East Coast” featuring Remy Ma. Co-directed by the Trap Lord himself, the visual features cameos from A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross, French Montana, and more.
Ferg told Billboard, “As far as creating the song and the visual, I just feel like I wanted to bring the New York energy back — bring it back to the fun videos and creativity and innovation.”
The track is set to appear on Ferg’s forthcoming album Still Striving. It will be the follow-up to his sophomore album, Always Strive and Prosper, which was released last April.
Watch the video above and download “East Coast” on DJcity.
TJ Mizell performs at A$AP Ferg’s Always Strive and Prosper listening party on Apr. 22, 2016. (Amurri)
For years, TJ Mizell was known as the son of legendary DJ and Run–DMC founder, Jam Master Jay. These days, the 25-year-old is making a name for himself as A$AP Ferg‘s tour DJ and on WE tv’s reality show, Growing Up Hip-Hop. He’s also an ambassador for Scratch DJ Academy, which his father founded in 2002. We caught up with Mizell while he was on tour with Ferg in the U.S. to find out what it’s like DJing for one of the hottest rappers in the game.
How did you become A$AP Ferg’s DJ?
It all started when I made a scratch video using A$AP Rocky’s “Peso” and “Trilla” and MP Williams’ “Peso” remix. A$AP’s team saw it, and we built a relationship from there. Ferg and I then linked at a Drake show, and the rest is history.
What exactly is your role?
I create the live set. That includes song selection and order, which varies per show.
What’s a typical day like on tour?
I wake up and check out the city’s scene, hit soundcheck, do promo runs, skate, eat local food, make music and download new tunes, hit the stage for showtime, go to the after-party, sleep, and leave for the next city.
What’s your current live DJ setup?
I use two Technics 1200 turntables, a Pioneer DJM-S9 mixer, and Shure M44G needles.
Do you incorporate turntablism into his sets?
Yeah, I scratch and cut up all of Ferg’s adlibs and records.
TJ Mizell performs with A$AP Ferg at the Free Press Summer Festival in Houston. (Steven Guzman)
Speaking of cutting, do you still work with Scratch DJ Academy?
Yes, for sure. Whenever I’m home, I stop by the academy. I also do events with the squad as well! I learned everything I know there. I’m always preaching the importance of the school.
Have you found it difficult to balance your solo career with being an artist’s DJ?
Not really. I love the life experience that comes with DJing for an artist. I DJ for one of the best acts in the game, so it’s a feeling that is second to nothing.
What type of impact has being Ferg’s DJ had on your career?
I’ve gained a lot of experience and exposure working with Ferg.
How has your father and Run-DMC’s legacy influenced you as a DJ?
100%. Their legacy has taught me that it’s possible to change the world through music. Run-DMC changed the game with by bringing hip-hop and rock and roll music together. We now see genres blend every day. They made it possible to look at music without boundaries.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to DJ for an artist?
Have fun with it and be as creative as possible with the live set. The DJ is the second most important role after the artist. Own it and be sure to practice!
There’s no denying that A$AP Ferg’s new single “New Level” featuring Future is a banger. The track was one of the most downloaded on DJcity this past month and also included in the January edition of DJcity Trends. Looking to maintain the momentum, Ferg has now unleashed visuals for the Hit-Boy and Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E.-produced track. Watch the video above and grab the song on DJcity.
Last year, Skrillex, A$AP Ferg, and Zedd performed A$AP Rocky’s hit single “Wild for the Night” during the annual “SuperJam” at the Bonnaroo festival. Half a year later, a behind-the-scenes video has been released which shows Skrill and Ferg planning for the event, along with a portion of the performance itself.
The video is part of a seven-episode documentary series about the jam, which also featured Damian Marley, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Janelle Monae, alongside members of The Doors, Grateful Dead, and Incubus. You can watch all the episodes at AT&T’s U-verse website.
