Just Blaze set social media, um, ablaze this past weekend — but this time, he wasn’t previewing unreleased gems. Instead, on Saturday evening (May 28), Just took to Twitter and hosted an impromptu Twitter Q&A session, which yielded some incredible behind the scene truths about the numerous gems within his revered canon. From his days as part of Roc-A-Fella Records’ in-house production team to beyond, the incomparable Justin Blaze shared interesting tidbits about making Kanye Wests “Touch The Sky” in 20 minutes, how Cam’Ron initially reacted to “I Really Mean It” and why Jay Z’s unreleased “Song Cry” sequel could be a fitting response to Beyoncé Lemonade.
Quick fun fact: the latter song was originally revealed by Just Blaze in a 2013 interview on Sway in the Morning. According to Just, the updated version of Jay Z’s 2001 Blueprint single was originally recorded for 2003’s The Black Album (so was the since released “Dead Presidents 3”), and was to be titled “Hello Young Lady.” However, it failed to make the final album.
As far as what that record could mean today, given the current series of events, Blaze said this about “Song Cry 2”:
For everything else revealed during Just Blaze’s impromptu Q&A, see below:
Blaze was originally set to record a “More Than A Woman” remix with Aaliyah, prior to her untimely passing.
Despite what was revealed in interviews in the past, Jay Z’s storied “Oh Boy” remix verse for Cam’Ron didn’t get erased.
In related Dipset news, Cam’Ron originally wasn’t into “I Really Mean It” when he first heard the beat.
Just made “Touch the Sky” 20 minutes before Kanye stepped into Baseline Studios and later asked to “borrow” the rapper’s Louis Vuitton scarf. Fair exchange?
Jay Z wasn’t initially sold on the idea of including “Public Service Announcement” on The Black Album.
After working on Rick Ross’ “I Love My B*tches,” Just received his first DJ Khaled speech.
Dame Dash initially wanted Memphis Bleek to be the “new LL” and thought his verse on Cam’Ron’s “The ROC (Just Fire)” was too hard to be featured.
Working on Jadakiss’ “It’s Time I See You” during the height of his beef with Beanie Sigel was just as awkward for Just as everyone believed.
Beanie Sigel’s “What Ya Life Like Pt. 2” remains one of Just’s personal favorites.
Dr. Dre advised Just to “turn down” the mix for Game’s “Church For Thugs.”
The beat for Jay Z’s “Show You How” went through several iterations before making The Blueprint 2.