Producer Statik Selektah took it back home for the remix.
Eminem came with a handful of his own new songs and tracks that showcased his Shady Records artists on the recent Shady XV compilation, but the most exciting moment may have been “Detroit vs. Everybody.” That track brought together many of the D’s finest — Em, Royce da 5’9″, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Dej Loaf and Trick Trick — for an us against the world anthem, produced by Statik Selektah.
Responses and remixes seemed inevitable, and on Sunday night, we got one from Boston.
In some ways, it would make sense for MCs to join forces and put on for their cities — but since Statik himself is from the Bean, his decision to bring it back home here feels particularly right.
And I’m not just saying that ’cause I’m from Boston, too. Though, I’ll admit, that’s probably part of the reason.
Like a pre-Slim Shady LP Detroit, Boston has a hip-hop scene that’s largely self-contained and rarely recognized on the mainstream or in larger rap conversations. And, also like the D, it’s got a blue-collar, hard-working reputation, a complicated history of racial tension, and residents and MCs who would live and die for the love they have for their city.
That’s not to say that Boston rap hasn’t had its moments, like giving us the late Guru, the vocal half of one of hip-hop’s most beloved duos, Gang Starr.
But for a city of its size and capabilities, it hasn’t had its time like many other comparable places. And that’s probably part of the reason why Statik — who, today, is possibly the most visible Boston-area native in the game — decided to take it back home for the remix.
To do that, he brought together a collection of 13 talented artists that provide a full and balanced picture of what the city has to offer: MCs of all backgrounds, from all over the city and surrounding areas, with an array of styles and years in the game.
There’s local legend Edo G, established vets like Termanology, Reks, Ea$y Money, JFK, Smoke Bulga, Esoteric and Slaine (you may remember him from movies like “The Town”), buzzing up-and-comers like Sammy Adams, Millyz and Dutch Rebelle, battle rap favorite Chilla Jones, and singer Masspike Miles.
Take a listen to what Boston has to offer.
