Royce 5'9 Archives - SOUTHPAWER

Dutch, Math Hoffa & Mr. Mecc show love to Eminem & Royce 5’9″

FEA and Dutchie Man (Dutch) from Philadelphia hip-hop group Major Figgas have recently sat down with Math Hoffa, Mr. Mecc and the rest of the crew on the latest episode of My Expert Opinion where they briefly talked about Eminem and his new album, The Death Of Slim Shady.

Mr. Mecc: He knocked Taylor Swift off the charts. Shout out to Eminem.

Math Hoffa: Yeah, shout out to Em. I love the new album. Am I skipping? As a body of work I listen to the whole s–t. Because that’s what it is. A body of work. [If you skip past it you miss the chapter of the book]. Some people make projects that sounds like compilation. And there’s some people who make specific project that’s like it’s all wrapped together to enjoy the whole movie. You can’t watch the beginning, you can’t watch the middle, you gotta listen from start to finish. And I feel like The Death of Slim Shady is one of those projects that you have to listen from start to finish.

Dutch: He always brings out great bodies of work to me. It’s like he has a strategy with that s–t. To me, he’s not just going in there just rapping. He’s saying form beginning to the end, this book has to be a novel that people are going to read from beginning to end and get something out of every record. It’s never just going to be a throwaway with Em. Because he got ni–as like Royce around. You play your records for Royce and ni–as like him, they gonna tell you that ain’t it. I ain’t never heard Em spit a verse that wasn’t ‘that ain’t it’ verse. I’m being honest. The guy is on top of the f–king line.

You can watch the episode below:

Royce 5’9″ on if him & Eminem siding with Kendrick Lamar in Drake beef

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud seemingly ended after Dreezy responded to K. Dot’s “Not Like Us” with the weak, defensive “The Heart Part 6” track and was widely declared the loser of the beef, but Kendrick has been getting more and more juice out of his Drake diss tracks, especially “Not Like Us.”

The song debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, and Kendrick went on to perform it five times in a row at his Juneteenth concert “Ken & Friends = The Pop Out,” which also included the live debuts of “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” a Black Hippy reunion (Kendrick, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul), Shady Records’ Westside Boogie and more. Now, Kendrick has released a video for “Not Like Us,” and the clip is loaded with more Drake disses and references to their beef.

In his latest post on Instagram, Royce 5’9″ shared a picture with Yahki Rapha Elohim with “Not Like Us” playing over it. Under the comment sections, one of the user commented: “So I assume Em against Drake too,” on which Royce replied: “Your assumption would be wrong… We’re not against anybody .. Proud of both sides.” Another user commented: “It ain’t worth posting the pic with the song if you finna defend yourself in the comments all day. You did this s–t on purpose my guy,” on that Royce responded with: “Defending myself? I ain’t your guy… I post what I want… When I want…” That user replied again: “you could’ve left the last response G it ain’t that deep for me. But you are defending yaself because you know you on some sucka ish. Oak Park ain’t raise you like that.” Royce hit back with: “I like Drake. Can’t stand his fans tho… All yall act like Virgos.”

Someone commented: “Royce on Kenny’s side. love to see it.” On that, the Detroit icon replied: “I’m not on anyone side..” Another said: “Someone don’t like Drake lol,” and Royce responded: ” I’m a fan of Drake bro.”

One of the users (probably a Drake fan) reminded him a Lupe Fiasco beef: “Why you ain’t play the song Lupe smashed your mic with,” he asked. Royce 5’9″ responded: “What’s it called?” He replied back: “Steve Jobs / SLR 3 … go back & listen again so you can get a reminder just how bad Lupe did you. We ain’t hear a song from you since on the other hand Lupe dropped 2 fire albums since he dismantled your mic.” Royce ironically replied: “Awwww man you googled.” Check the post below:

Royce 5’9″ responds Tech N9ne’s praise to Eminem

Couple of days ago, Tech N9ne sat down with Anthony Ray on his podcast where Kansas City, Missouri-born hip-hop legend gave high praise to Eminem, talked about meeting Slim Shady for the first time during “Anthem” video shoot, Eminem making Jason mask popular and more.

“People trying to give me stuff Jason, I’ve watched all the Friday 13th, I love it all, but Eminem is Jason. So they trying to give me Jason stuff they supposed to give it to Eminem, they give me Michael Myers stuff, Krayzie Bone is Leatherface, Bushwick Bill was Chucky. I’ve been Michael Myers for decades. Eminem has always had…even in his new song with BabyTron and Big Sean, he had f–king mask on with a chainsaw and greater said he did it first. He made it popular. I have not heard the new song yet. I’ve been in the studio trying to get as many songs I can get before I go for my wedding in Puerto Rico.” said Tech N9ne.

Then he continued: “When I did “Anthem”, it was my first time meeting a lot of people that I f–king listened to when I was coming up. I met KRS-1 that day. I met Kool G Rap that day. I met Eminem face to face that day. When I was walking in to do my part, him and his crew they all had big a-s leather jackets and they were coming out like ‘what’s up brother, how you doing.’ I’m like ‘I’m about to shoot my s–t. We are going to do it real soon bro.’ He said ‘yes we are.’ Next time I talked to him was on the phone. He was doing the bottleneck in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s a bar. I was busy doing something and Grant Rice called me and put Eminem on the phone and he said to me ‘you f–king killed it on the Anthem.’ I said ‘look who the f–king talking bro.’ It took 10 years for Speedom to happen after that.”

“Battle Eminem? We are allies man. Some people say Tech’s better than Eminem but I say Tech is different than Eminem. Eminem is f–king meticulous with the words, not saying I’m not but he’s super witty as well. When I look at a lyricist from Rakim all the way up to now, I know from Kool G Rap to Crooked I to Royce to Chino XL, Pharoahe Monch, Busta Rhymes, we pay attention to people who take it that extra mile when it comes to rhyming words, Eminem is at the top of that game. When it come to how I’ve been seeing motherf–kers work words and s–t and that’s not taking away from none of all the people, the names I named are right there with it. I’m saying I’m different than Eminem and we are allies. We are all gang-related and me and Eminem, I can’t believe I’m saying this, me and Eminem at odds could start some racial s–t. Can start some gang bang s–t. I’m so glad we are allies.” Tech N9ne added.

After me made the post about the interview, Royce 5’9″ commented on our post, responding to Tech N9ne’s words where he said Eminem is at the top of rhyming game. Royce said: “He’s on top of ALL games.” Check out the screenshot below:

Yelawolf interpolates Eminem’s “The Way I Am” flow, shouts out Royce 5’9″, Dr. Dre, Slaughterhouse & Eminem

Former Shady Records artist Yelawolf releases “War Story,” a dynamic double album that unfolds in two distinct chapters: “Michael Wayne” and “Trunk Muzik 4ever”.

Side 1: Michael Wayne (song 1 – song 12) In the first installment, Yelawolf reunites with the acclaimed producer Malay, known for their previous collaboration on his 2015 Shady Records album “Love Story”. This album, bearing Yelawolf’s given name, delves into deeply personal narratives and captivating storytelling. The thematic choice of naming the album after Yelawolf’s real name signifies a deeper connection to the content, highlighting the album’s intimate and introspective nature.

Side 2: Trunk Muzik 4ever (song 13 – song 25) On the flip side, after a five-year hiatus since the release of “Trunk Muzik 3” under the Shady and Interscope banners in 2019, Yelawolf returns with the highly anticipated successor, “Trunk Muzik 4ever.” This installment, produced by the masterful WLPWR, seamlessly continues the legacy of the Trunk Muzik series, with beats that resonate with the signature style that fans have come to love.

“War Story” captures Yelawolf’s evolution, blending authenticity and innovation. With a mix of personal narratives and signature beats, this album invites you on a journey through Yelawolf’s musical prowess.

In the song titled “Legend,” entire second verse is dedicated to the list of artists Yelawolf has worked with over his entire career, even before being signed to Shady Records in 2011, giving shout out to Eminem, Dr. Dre, Royce 5’9″ and Slaughterhouse among others. Yela even released the music video for it.

“I put in work with Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Tech N9ne
8Ball, MJG, Slim Thug, in ’09
Juelz Santana, Big Boi, Outkast
Gangsta Boo, Juicy J, DJ Paul, we done that
A$AP, 1 Train
Rittz, Struggle, Jelly Roll
Killer Mike, Paul Wall, Big K.R.I.T, my bro
Trae tha Truth, Gucci Mane, The Funky Homosapien
Del, yeah, Bun B, with Dr. Dre, shakin’ hands
B-Real, Cypress Hills, DJ Muggs, Travis Barker
Baldacci, that real, Estevan, the godfather
Lil Jon, Slaughterhouse, Royce da 5′9″
DJ Premier, Mr. DJ A-Trak, NY
Wiz Khalifa, three tours
Two tours with Wu-Thang
WLPWR, Grip Playz, LA’s, The Game
Diplo, Marshal Mathers
Man, the verses I laid with him
I even did a full album with Ed Sheeran, before the stadiums”

In the album, there is another song called “Cars” where Yelawolf directly interpolates Eminem’s iconic “The Way I Am” flow.

Royce 5’9″ on who won battle between Drake & Kendrick Lamar

The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef is an ongoing rap feud between Canadian rapper and Compton rappers. The conflict escalated in March 2024 after the release of “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, featuring Lamar.

Their first collaboration was in 2011, on Drake’s album Take Care, with another collaboration a year later on Lamar’s album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Lamar later dissed Drake and several other rappers on the 2013 song “Control” by Big Sean, saying he wanted to “murder” them in music. He clarified that his verse was intended to be seen as “friendly competition”.

In 2023, J. Cole proposed on the track “First Person Shooter” from Drake’s album For All the Dogs that he, Drake, and Lamar were the “Big Three” of hip-hop, prior to stating that he feels like Muhammad Ali, implying that he sees himself as the greatest out of the “Big Three”. The conflict was reignited in March 2024 when Lamar dissed Cole and Drake on the song “Like That”, rejecting the existence of a “Big Three”. Cole then responded to Lamar on the diss track “7 Minute Drill”, which Cole thereafter apologized for and removed from streaming services.

Drake then released the songs “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” in April, with the latter containing AI-generated vocals of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. “Taylor Made Freestyle” was later deleted from social media after Shakur’s estate expressed its disapproval of the song and threatened Drake with legal action. In response, Lamar released the song “Euphoria” on April 30 and “6:16 in LA” on May 3. Drake responded with “Family Matters” later that day, accusing Lamar of being a domestic abuser and alleging that one of Lamar’s children was fathered by Dave Free. Twenty minutes later, Lamar released “Meet the Grahams”, accusing Drake of being a sexual predator and fathering another secret child. Lamar then released “Not Like Us” the following evening and on May 5, Drake responded with “The Heart Part 6″, denying Lamar’s accusations and claiming his team gave Lamar false information about the secret child.

While majority of hip-hop fans think Kendrick Lamar has the victory, Royce 5’9” thinks that the actually winners are the hip-hop fans who witnessed one of the biggest beets in the history of rap. “Somebody just asked me, who won?? My reply: THE FANS.” said Royce on Instagram. You can check the post below:

Nasaan recreates Proof & Eminem’s classic freestyle in new music video ft. Royce 5’9″

Ahead of his much anticipated ERROR 404 project that drops next month, NASAAN has rolled out the self-directed video for a new single titled “GOATED,” featuring his mentor Royce Da 5’9″. In the video clip, NASAAN, who also edited the video, pays tribute to his late father, Big Proof, by recreating the Detroit Mayer’s 1999 MTV News freestyle clip shot in the car with Eminem. Notably, the “GOATED” video arrived on April 11, i.e. 18 years to the day since Proof was fatally shot at the age of 32 and it’s duration is 3:13.

Expect to hear “GOATED” single a lot this year, as NASAAN has landed a partnership with ESPN and The National Basketball Association that sees the song being given the four-month licensing deal treatment. This means you’ll likely hear it during the playoffs, not to mention at other NBA-sanctioned events.

ERROR 404, out May 31, was previously teased with the release of the Icewear Vezzo collaboration “CULLINAN GANG,” complete with an official video by Unpaused Studios. abytron, Swavay, Pooh Beatz, and Turbo are also set to make appearances on the Assemble Sound and Atlantic Records release.

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Royce 5’9″ urges Eminem again to another Bad Meets Evil project

Nasaan and Royce 5’9″ have recently sat down with Way Up With Angela Yee where they talked about Nasaan’s upcoming album Error 404 that’s releasing on April 25, 2024, featuring BabyTron, Royce 5’9″, Icewear Vezzo and more. They also talked sobriety, Cordae, Eminem, Paul Rosenberg, Obie Trice, Big Proof, their biggest mistakes and much more.

Nasaan & Royce 5’9″ on Cordae
Nasaan: I don’t even have a problem with the dude. I actually like him as a person. I picked on him a few years ago and then my fans just loved it. It’s like an inside joke. That’s messed up. That’s mean. I probably gonna stop. So, shout out to Cordae though. It’s rooted in competition. It’s not like a personal beef.
Royce 5’9″: I love Cordae. He is so emotionally intelligent. That’s why I didn’t think anything of it. And you know how the rappers are when they are young. I was the same way. I was doing more than ripping pictures.

Royce 5’9″ on DJ Premier and Eminem
Me and Preem working on, it’s a joint thing we do together called PRhyme, so we working on third installment right now. As far as me and Marshall, all he has to do is sent me a text message and I’m to the studio whenever he’s ready. We pretty much do that on his time. And he’s always on some type of time. He’s always on some sort of mission. I don’t know what he’s doing right now but I know he’s recording a lot of stuff.

Nasaan on Paul Rosenberg
When Paul discovered me I was somebody who was just really good at rapping. I didn’t have myself figured out. Now I understand more who I am, not only as an artist but as a person. There is more to steer and guide now. Paul is helping and plying a part and it’s easier for him to understand who he’s working with. He’s a big homie. He’s always in my corner.

Royce 5’9″ on Obie Trice
I have not spoken to Obie Trice in a while. I bumped into him couple of times but it was an environment where we could really like kick it but I’ve heard some things. I’ve got that feeling [to reach out and talk] couple of times watching him. That’s a slipper uphill slope. I don’t wanna step on toes or say anything that’s gonna offend anybody. I know, how us as addicts, we get defensive when people come at us in any kind of way about our problems. If ever the opportunity for me to speak to him, if he ever feels the need to speak to somebody I’m certainly somebody he can definitely reach out to. I’m always available for that. That’s like a big thing to me too as well. Just not only being sober but taking the steps through my sobriety helping other people. It’s so tough to do because you don’t wanna seem like one of those people who got sober and now you coming from a place of judgement.

Royce 5’9″ talks about NF, Yelawolf, Eminem’s “Doomsday Pt. 2”, J. Cole, Bad Meets Evil & more

Royce 5’9″ has recently done a question and answer session for his fans with his wife on Instagram where he addressed his past beef with Yelawolf, shared his opinion on Eminem’s “Doomsday Pt. 2” song, commented about NF, gave high praise to J. Cole and teases another Bad Meets Evil project.

What do you think about NF?
Is that a guy from, is he like a Christian rapper? Rap real good, Christian rap? If so, yeah, I like him. He cool.

Who is the best rapper right now?
Hm, this is a good question. I don’t know. Probably Nasaan. I’m always afraid to give my opinion because…Yo, man, I was on Joe Budden Podcast and he asked me how I felt about the state of things. He asked me about my opinion how I felt about it and a friend of mine, another rapper who you all know but I’m not gonna say his name, texted me like two paragraphs message. How did you receive this? He was challenging me or something? Why do everybody think that I’m like when I break something down, the lyrics are the only thing that matter to me. Cause he was explaining to me the importance of melody and how melody is key and it ain’t all about the lyrics. I was thinking to myself, ‘yo, what the f–k do that gotta do what I said?’ I said that J. Cole seemed like the only guy I heard in a minute that’s like being real competitive and trying to be the best. I was not just talking about his lyrics. My criteria is how many boxes he checks. I don’t like when artist feel like they have to choose one or another. Biggie could do everything, tell stories, he made complete bodies of work, super lyrical, checked all the boxes, that’s my criteria.

How was “Doomsday Pt. 2”?
Yo, I wish I could f–king…I wish I had a device that I can put on people’s heads and make them forget about that whole f–king scenario. I’m really ready for that to go away. Benzino basically went on the entire press run, putting out records and guess whose name got worked up in the mix out of nowhere? Me!

Are you and Yelawolf okay?
Yeah, we are. One thing about me is I’m not about to just sit around and just be mad at people. It’s going to get addressed and we gonna come to some sort of a solution or we gonna move on. I’m not gonna sit around and just harbor feelings about people. He didn’t do anything that was surprising to me. So it’s just another thing. But I’m not tripping about him or anybody else.

What are your thoughts on Em’s verse on Doomsday?
Why? Why do you wanna know what I think? Because all I’mma do is say my opinion and the next thing you do you all like ‘oh, he like everything he do, that’s his boss. He got to get on here and defend him all the time. Why you talking for him?!’ but you can’t name one time I talk for him. Jesus Christ! They just stick me with all of that f–king worst titles. ‘Let that white boy talk for himself, man! What you talking for?!’ Like, bro, really?

Why have not you been on BMF?
That’s a good question. You should ask 50 Cent that. Next time you see 50, matter of fact, spam him and be like ‘yo man, why you ain’t got Nickel on BMF? He sold more dope than all of them n-ggas.’

Is there another collab with Em happening?
“Man, we gon’ do whole Benzino diss EP and square this away once for all. The winner gets crowned with Global Lyrical Supremacy Forever. Whoever makes the best diss records. I’mma do PRhyme 3 and diss everybody too.” said Royce 5’9″. From there, Royce’s wife continues: “Go on Marshall’s and make sure you say we need BME 3. The fans, don’t think you don’t matter. Cause I want to hear BME 3.” Royce 5’9″ added: “I told you we going to do it.”

Royce 5’9″ says Bad Meets Evil with Eminem might come back after “PRhyme 3”

Royce 5’9” pulls up to the latest episode on Joe Budden Podcast to discuss Detroit Pistons merch collaboration in honor of J Dilla, his upcoming music, the current state of rap game, boxing, reminiscing with Joe on old Slaughterhouse shows, and much more! At one point of the interview, Joe asked Royce about new PRhyme installment.

Joe Budden: Can I ask you about PRhyme? Where is PRhyme?
Royce 5’9″: I’m working on it. We are working on it. PRhyme 3. Slowly but surely. BME? (Bad Meets Evil). That could happen. That might happen. But there is more PRhyme music that exists. And this is the first time in my career that I’ve been like up to my ears. And Preem beats that I have not got the chance to get to yet. Preem is so super focused. I can only dream to be that inspired at his age, where he is at it right now, how long he has been around, all the things he has accomplished and how motivated he continues to just be. That’s definitely inspiring.

Royce 5’9″ was recently on Ebro In The Morning where he talked about his future plans regarding new music: “Me and Preem are working on PRhyme 3 but I’ve been taking my time with it cause I have few other things that I’ve been working on that I can’t quite discuss it. I’m more excited about these two things in particular that I’m working on right now probably more than anything I’ve ever been a part of. I’d love to give people a rap album right now but it is not just happening like that. I’d love to go in and just do Bar Exam right now but the bar is so low. I don’t know if I’m not motivated, I just don’t feel it. I look at people that I look up to. Like Hov for instance. I don’t personally think like he needs to do another album again, ever. I just feel like what he’s doing now on an executive level is way more beneficial to the culture than any music that he can do at this juncture but when he was at a point in his career where the music was the most important, pertinent thing that he can contribute he gave it to us at the highest level possible.”

You can watch the interview below:

Nasaan & Royce 5’9″ talk about Eminem, Proof, JAY-Z, Joyner Lucas, J Dilla & more

Nasaan and Royce 5’9″ have recently sat down with Ebro Darden, Pete Rosenberg and Laura Stylez on Ebro In The Morning for a conversation about growing up in hip-hop, going major vs independent, being able to carve up your own identity, learning more about the late Big Proof, lessons learned throughout their careers, the need for more mentorship in hop-hop and more. They also got into the recent debate on if B-Rabbit (played by Eminem) really won the second round of his famous 8-Mile battle against Lotto. Royce 5’9″ also talks about his recent collaboration with Detroit Pistons honoring J Dilla with new merchandise for Detroit’s 313 Day.

Nasaan on discovering his pass after meeting Eminem
I’m more so proud of myself. Just being a creative artist overall. Rapping is cool. I was saying this story the other day — I went to the studio with Marshall one time. He was just talking about how much he love rap. Then I was like, ‘yo, he’s different.’ That’s not for me. And I kind of had to find out what was for me. I’m just like creative. I direct, edit all of my music videos. They are all crazy.

Royce 5’9″ on learning things from Eminem businesswise and forming communication skills
Young men are not communicators, old ones either. I didn’t start to being able to communicate until therapy and I was in my late 30s. That’s when I really, actually learned how to talk to my wife, talk to my kids, so it’s tough. If you get thrown into the business like me, Marshall, kind of snatched me up and just threw me in the business. I ain’t know how to make records. All I knew how to do was rap really well.

Nasaan on his relationship with his father, Big Proof.
I was so young that I kind of make out who he is through stories from him [Royce], other people’s experiences and whatever YouTube videos are remaining. He passed when I was super young and at he was at his height of his career. He was never really home. They were always on the road. So, I don’t really know my father. That sounds bad but I don’t really knew him on personal level. Sometimes I find myself digging stuff about him.

Nasaan on his relationship with Eminem
We are cool. Anytime I need him, he is there. I don’t really like bother them or just go that way cause I’m still just growing and still kind of figure things my own. I’ve always been like that. It’s weird that you asked me about my father cause I used to run from that so much. Don’t kill me [Royce] but I think being a rapper’s son is so f–king corny. I used to hate people telling that but I had grown to it and realize it’s kind of a blessing

Royce 5’9″ about hip-hop being competitive and the importance of mentorship
We didn’t really have OGs, mentors. I think mentorship is the biggest void that’s in the marketplace in terms of black culture today. The generations that came before us…Me and Marshall came, Marshall was stomping through and I was right behind him, stepping. All of the guys that we looked up were like Gods, they just looked at as like competition. They didn’t necessarily embrace us. It would have been cool to get that embrace.

Royce 5’9″ on Joyner Lucas and his approach on creating music
When I first seen Joyner Lucas, the way he was able to paint this pictures that he would have in his mind before even laying the verse or raps down in the studio, he already knew what he wanted it to look like. That was incredible to me. I had a conversation with him one day. He was not really happy with the way things were going in terms of productivity in his career and he was just like ‘I should just direct my own videos.’ I was like ‘You should!’ He went and did it. And the first one he directed connected more than anything he had ever released before. And I can only attribute that to him seeing the vision all the way though and it resonating with people because of that. We received it the way he intended for it to be received because he was involved in every step of the way and I think it is no different from what I’ve been in my career, just a sonic side. Even with the Slaughterhouse, I was the guy in the group who was there at the very beginning of the session and I was always the last one to leave. It’s just the way I like to work. I even do that with Preem when it’s not even necessary. When we were working on Prime stuff, I be all involved in the mix and Preem was like ‘Get out of the way!’ It is just my way.

Royce 5’9″ & Nasaan on internet’s recent discussion on if B-Rabbit won a battle against Lotto in 8 Mile.
“The internet just looking for reasons to discredit Marshall. Even in his own movie. That s–t was not even close. Lotto did good though.” said Royce. Nasaan added: “I think Marshall took it over the top with the theatrics too. And just how animated he was.”

Royce 5’9″ on his plans for new music
Me and Preem are working on PRhyme 3 but I’ve been taking my time with it cause I have few other things that I’ve been working on that I can’t quite discuss it. I’m more excited about these two things in particular that I’m working on right now probably more than anything I’ve ever been a part of. I’d love to give people a rap album right now but it is not just happening like that. I’d love to go in and just do Bar Exam right now but the bar is so low. I don’t know if I’m not motivated, I just don’t feel it. I look at people that I look up to. Like Hov for instance. I don’t personally think like he needs to do another album again, ever. I just feel like what he’s doing now on an executive level is way more beneficial to the culture than any music that he can do at this juncture but when he was at a point in his career where the music was the most important, pertinent thing that he can contribute he gave it to us at the highest level possible.

At the end of the interview, Royce talks about J Dilla and his recent collaboration with Detroit Pistons for J Dilla-inspired merchandise. You can watch the entire interview of Nasaan and Royce below:

Royce 5’9″ honors J Dilla’s legacy with Detroit Pistons new merch

Detroit Pistons honor one of their hometown heroes for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. On February 7, 2024, what would have been J Dilla’s 50th birthday, Pistons’ announced the Dilla-inspired merchandise collection, paying homage to the late Slum Village production member. The capsule will be available for purchase on March 13 on Pistons313Shop.com.

The Pistons tapped Royce 5’9″, who developed a friendship with Dilla in the early 2000s while Royce was finding his footing in the Detroit rap scene, to serve as the project’s art director overseeing the capsule.

In an interview with Billboard, Royce said: “What better reason to come together in unification than Dilla. I’m honored to even have the job. Quality control, that’s what Dilla was all about. Have you heard a bad Dilla beat? I haven’t. My thing was ‘Let’s not redo the same thing over and over that’s been done. Be as original as you could possibly be… I would define him as the GOAT. I don’t really know any other way I could look at it. You had beatmakers and you had producers. I think J Dilla was both, but in the beatmaking category, I don’t think there’s anybody better.”

In another news, Grafh has recently released new song “Never Leaving,” produced by Royce 5’9″. You can bump the single song below.