Hit-Boy, Alchemist, Nas, Megan Thee Stallion & the enduring Legacy of Big L in Modern Hip-Hop Production
Los Angeles, CA – November 8, 2023 – A recent collaborative livestream session featuring producers Hit-Boy and Alchemist ignited a conversation about sampling and influence in hip-hop, specifically highlighting the lasting impact of the late Big L on their respective styles and the broader landscape of beatmaking. The discussion,which included reflections on working with Nas and observations on contemporary artists like Megan Thee Stallion,underscores a critical link between hip-hop’s golden era and its current sonic innovations.
The exchange, broadcast November 7th, centered on the producers’ shared admiration for Big L’s lyrical dexterity and the unique textures of his production, notably the work of DJ Premier.Both Hit-Boy and Alchemist detailed how they actively study and incorporate elements of classic hip-hop into their beats, demonstrating a conscious effort to honor the genre’s foundations while pushing creative boundaries. This reverence for the past is particularly evident in their collaborations with Nas, whose own career was profoundly shaped by Big L, and in their assessment of artists who sample and reinterpret older sounds.
“Big L was just different,” alchemist stated during the livestream, referencing the late rapper’s distinctive flow and storytelling. “The way he approached a verse, the cadence… it’s timeless. You can hear his influence in so much of what’s happening today.” Hit-Boy echoed this sentiment, adding that Premier’s production on Big L’s tracks provided a blueprint for creating impactful, sample-based beats.
The conversation extended to contemporary artists, with both producers acknowledging Megan Thee Stallion’s skillful use of samples and her ability to blend classic sounds with modern trap aesthetics. They highlighted her recent work as an example of how artists are continuing to build upon the legacy of pioneers like Big L, demonstrating a cyclical nature of influence within hip-hop.
Nas, a longtime friend and collaborator of Big L, has consistently paid homage to the fallen rapper throughout his career.Both Hit-Boy and Alchemist have contributed considerably to Nas’s post-2000 discography, crafting beats that frequently enough incorporate elements reminiscent of the golden era sound that Big L helped define. This ongoing creative dialogue serves as a testament to the enduring power of Big L’s artistry and its continued relevance in shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.