_edited.png)
By Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images.
Swiss Beatz has accomplished a lot in his time in hip-hop and not many have worked with such a wide spectrum of artists that he has. Swizz has production credits ranging from the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce to Damian Marley and Gwen Stefani. Yet and still, his work with DMX defines his career and”Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” may go down as the song that defines his production.
So it was interesting to learn from Swizz, that the making of “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” hinged on single solitary bet.
“X was scared of change and he didn’t want to do Stop/Drop (Ruff Ryders’ Anthem) he was like, ‘why you giving me this white boy-rock n’ roll record?’ He thought Stop/Drop was a white rock n roll record because of the yelling and chanting. Him and my uncle Dee (CEO of Ruff Ryders) made a bet and X lost the bet. And than Dee was like ‘ok you lost the bet you gotta do the verses.’ Thats how he did the verses to Stop/Drop cause he lost a bet. He wasn’t even gonna do the verses. Most of the artists that you heard on my records, they didn’t like those records or it wasn’t for them.” (“Rap Radar Podcast”)
Starts at 1:20:55 mark.
It safe to say with the talent and tenacity that both DMX and Swizz Beatz has displayed over the years, that they were bound for success. But sheesh, “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” one hell of a springboard into the game! It brought a new sound to the world, introduced bike life to hip-hop, and ushered in the careers of rap royalty from Eve to Jadakiss and even reinvigorated the career of Jay-Z. Were would hip-hop would be without the”Ruff Ryders’ Anthem?” Scary thought…let’s move on.
By @leofromthego he likes Motts fruit snacks and Real Time with Bill Maher. Follow him!
Comments