With Q-Tip taking a day off, mega-producer Just Blaze sat in as guest host of Beats 1’s Abstract Radio program on Saturday. Blaze made the most of the opportunity by unleashing a string of previously unheard material from Roc-A-Fella Records’ heyday.
Among the highlights: an alternate take on Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky” featuring Robert Glasper; a version of “Early in the Morning” intended for Jay Z’s Black Album; and a remix of Usher’s “Throwback” that features a verse by Rico Love. Blaze also played Rick Ross’ “Lord Knows” verse over “Computer Love”; a Busta Rhymes-featuring remix of Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up”; a Dipset-heavy version of Cam’ron’s “I Really Mean It”; and a demo of “Flipside” by Freeway.
Blaze also played reworked samples from some of his most classic tracks, and also shared intimate behind the scenes stories of life at the Roc. Replay the full episode below.
Just Blaze’s Abstract Radio Playlist:
Cam’ron feat. Memphis Bleek & Beanie Sigel – The ROC (Just Fire)
The Game feat. Nas & Marsha Ambrosius – “Why You Hate the Game”
Jay Z – “Dec 4”
Beanie Sigel – “Get Down”
Fat Joe – “Safe 2 Say (The Incredible)”
Eminem – “Cold Wind Blows”
T.I. – “Live Your Life”
T.I. – “Talking To You”
Jay Z – “Dynasty Intro”
Jay Z – “Early This Morning” Rework
Jay Z feat. Beanie Sigel – “Stick to the Script”
Usher feat. Rico Love – “Confessions (Remix)”
Jay Z – “Dear Summer”
Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C”
Fabolous – “Breathe”
Jay Z – “Show You How”
Jay-Z – “Breathe Easy (Lyrical Exercise)”
Freeway feat. Jay Z & Beanie Sigel – “What We Do”
Beanie Sigel feat. Freeway – “Roc The Mic”
Freeway feat. Peedi Crack – “Flipside”
Freeway & Sparks – “Roc The Mic” Remix for Beyonce
Original Instrumental From “Fade to Black”
Joe Budden feat. Busta Rhymes- “Pump It Up Remix”
Kanye West – “Touch the Sky” Original with Robert Glasper Pianos
Game – “Church For Thugs”
Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, Rick Ross & Teedra Moses – “Self Made Intro”
Rick Ross – “I Love My Bitches”
Talib Kweli – “Never Been in Love”
Fabolous – “Can’t Let You Go”
Carl Thomas – “My First Love”
Jay Z – “Hovi Baby”
Cam’rom feat. Juelz Santana – “Oh Boy”
Diplomats – “I Really Mean It” with Juelz Santana & Jim Jones verses
Jay Z – “P.S.A.”
Jay Z – “You Don’t Know”
Rick Ross – “Lord Knows” verse over “Computer Love”