
When I saw Neil last November, he told me a couple of his “don’t say nothing” ideas & plans. Little did he know he didn’t have to worry; I have the memory and retention of a snail. The adidas collaborative project with Star Wars? One that stuck with me since there’s the whole dislike I have of adidas that lead to me ribbin’ Neil for being affiliated with such wackness. Of course, that idea came to fruition & worked well for all parties involved, bolstered by the commercial with Neil and others plus the wild publicity Snoop garnered by trooping NYC with Darth Vader.
Another idea on the hush was his plans to compile a mix that documented Jay’s Blueprint series, bringing back a few of the hits, spotlighting a few of the influences and sample sources, etc. Since he’s not on this leg of the The BP3 tour (a missing element, for sure), it looks like Neil finally had a chance to put together the mix and The DNA Of The Blueprint is the final outcome of his original idea. I saw it posted on several sites last week, most giving it favorable coverage while others didn’t hold it in regard with Neil’s previous mixes (Jay-Z backlash by association, maybe?). Moi? Obviously, I’m obviously biased, my listening perspective favoring both Jay’s music and Neil’s mixes.
“This project is my personal way of putting a distinctive bookmark in this chapter in my life, and a way to pass a sincere thank you to Jay-Z, Mr. Sean Carter, for all of the memories, the opportunity to rock on stage as an artist with him around the world, and for the kindness to me as a person. You know I had to do it in my language; a thank you in music. Read the rest of this entry »