Buckwild Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records
By Jaeki Cho | Apr 11, 2011 | 1:14 pm | Permalink
Black Rob “Whoa” (2000)
Somebody told me 50 Cent wrote the song, which I laughed at. And then I heard Puerto Rock came up with the hook.
Buckwild: “I always had a relationship with Rob and his manager at the time, Shaq. This is New York. Everybody’s cool with everybody. So I think I got a call from Harve Pierre, who was the A&R, saying, ‘Yo, we’re trying to finish Rob’s album. Come down and play some beats.’ I think it was Shaq and Harve who were the last people that said, ‘Yo, you got to let Rob hear this beat.’ Afterwards, I heard some crazy stories of the creation process of the song.
Lenny S gave the beat to Jay-Z, then Memphis Bleek, then Amil, and then other person. They all passed on it.
“Somebody told me 50 Cent wrote the song, which I laughed at. And then I heard Puerto Rock came up with the hook. Nonetheless, doing the song, the track came out crazy. I didn’t think the song was going to be as big as it was. Only two people who heard the record said it was going to be a big record. One was Lord Finesse, and the other was Lenny S from Roc-A-Fella.
“Lenny S gave the beat to Jay-Z, then Memphis Bleek, then Amil, and then other people. They all passed on it. So Rob does the record and a week later I walk into Def Jam, I hear Lenny playing the record going, ‘I told ya’ll this record is going to be crazy! All ya’ll niggas slept on this record.’ That record kind of brought Bad Boy back. I think that was the first video, which Puff was actually in for a long time.”
Demi Godz April 11th, 2011 at 03:39 PM
it's too bad his best work was that celph titled album he did in 2010 and you guys didn't mention a single beat off that shit. he basically brought back the golden era of rap in this day and age of whack mainstream bullshit....
Hopper April 11th, 2011 at 09:39 PM
@Demi Godz, I could not have said it better myself. Nineteen Ninety Now was by far the best album of 2010. Although i dont know if it's Buck's "best" work. He has way too much dopeness in his catalogue to declare that, but that album's definitely up there. I for sure would have liked to know the background story to some, or any of the tracks off it.
DJ EZ 12 April 12th, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Agreed. Super thumbs down for not even mentioning that album, especially since it was so recent and so well praised. Stupid...
jonastheprince April 11th, 2011 at 11:45 PM
You can't just judge him by one body of work, this man is a legend. He's been putting in work for years and not a lot of people even know who he is. A testament to how humble the dude is. Your favorite rappers respect what this man has done for them game -- doesn't hurt that he's an avid sneaker collector as well. Much respect buck pleasure chopping it up with you.
MainMusic April 12th, 2011 at 12:21 AM
It's crazy that Foxy passed on "I got a story to tell"! She crazy, eh! That's top 5 in Biggie's album...I let the beat ride on its own.....good stuff! BTW, it's awesome what Complex is doing with these producer interviews, keep it going...you gotta do Dr. Dre at some point, especially when DETOX comes out.
HecticEclectic April 12th, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Shout out to Big City Records in the background
M.C April 12th, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Them boyz KURRUP MONEY Buck had a few yrs ago were pretty dope too! They deff need to put out some new material.. The game could use that real Bronx NYC rap!!!!
Pharoah April 12th, 2011 at 10:45 PM
WTF, dunn?? Yeah I've gotta also say shame on you cats for not even MENTIONING Celph Titled & Buckwild's "199now" album, which I also consider to be the best album of 2010, what's that shit all about?
Anthony Smith April 13th, 2011 at 04:16 PM
You guys realize most of those beats off Celph Title's album were other peoples 1st right?? LOL, dont know whos worse braindead fans or dum ass writers. My "How could this be left off list"? 1. Funkdoobiest Rock On remix (this is possibly the best beat ever made period u realize?) 1A. Organized Konfusion Bring it on Remix (you really left this off...wow? 1B. Artifacts/Busta Rhymes Cmon wit the gittdown remix 2. Grand Puba/Sadat X I Like it (original version..not the video/album bs) 3. Alkaholiks Daam remix 4. Show(biz) and A.G. You know now remix Im seriously at a lost for words at the bs you asked this genius about and the disrespect that is this list. Thank God Madlib (or Diamond D) never did a beat for 50...i'd h8 to see how dirty you'd do him.
Dick B. April 13th, 2011 at 08:38 PM
I love Buckwild productions, but he is acting as if "Word...Life" was a landmark album for hip hop producing. Which it wasn't, "Primo was jazzy" - Premier had already stopped doing those jazzy beats by the time "Word...Life" came out in Oct. 1994. Jeru's album ("Sun Rises In The East"), "Hard To Earn" (Gang Starr album), "Illmatic", and even "Daily Operation" weren't jazzy at all or just barely "jazzy". All of those albums were released before "Word...Life".
SonRA April 13th, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Finally somebody gives one of my favorite producers his recognition and due props. Big ups Buckwild!
Goon Doubloons April 14th, 2011 at 01:31 AM
Brand Nubian, I always thought that was the best jawn off Foundation. You got the wrong link Captain.