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Swizz Beatz, RapFix Live, Full Episodes
When something’s broken, sometimes you have to take it back to the beginning to fix it. That sentiment is very real for Swizz Beatz who’s executive-producing the album he believes will get DMX‘s career back on track.
And as the guy who first gained notoriety as young producer for his groundbreaking work on X’s chart-topping “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” Swizz intends to get back to the sonic formula that started one of the most memorable movements in hip-hop.
“Everything is DMX for me right now,” Swizz said on Wednesday (November 13) when he appeared on “RapFix Live.” “It’s my main focus because it’s what started everything. So, if I don’t focus on that, then it’s just not right.”
Simply put, the veteran producer is responsible for the lion’s share of DMX’s biggest hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Party Up (Up in Here)” and “Get It on the Floor.” And while Swizz is well aware of his longtime rap brother’s mounting legal troubles, the focus is always on the music. “He’s been going through a lot of different things but … he’s DMX! He’s good; he’s in good vibes,” Swizz argued. “But wait until y’all hear this music though — y’all gon’ really know how he is. We working hard on that and I can’t wait. I can’t wait.”
And while his involvement in X’s rap resurgence is a no-brainer, the Reebok creative director isn’t as certain about where he’ll fit in as the co-executive producer of the LOX’s long-awaited follow-up to 2000’s We Are the Streets, which he told MTV News that he was set to co-produce with DJ Khaled.
“It started off as a great concept, but you know, I’mma leave that up to Styles, ‘Kiss and Sheek,” Swizz told “RFL” host Sway Calloway. “We already like 10 joints in, and Khaled definitely has an ear for music and especially bringing along those collaborations, which I think could be a strong point for the LOX. But it’s [whatever] the LOX think.”
Regardless of which direction the Yonkers trio take as far as production and scope for their 2014 LP, according to Swizz, what he’s heard already sounds nice. “L-O-X!” he said. “L-O-X!”
