Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.2): "Bad Boy's First Hitman & His Fallout With Biggie"

·1 hr 55 min·5 clips

Biggie called and said, 'Get the fuck out of Brooklyn,' after Rashad sold his beats to LL Cool J.

This episode is part two of an interview with hip-hop and R&B producer Rashad Smith, a member of the Hitmen production crew. The conversation immediately delves into the production of Biggie Smalls' 'One More Chance' remix, with Smith clarifying his role and disputing claims made by Trackmasters. He explains the creation of two versions, seeking a 'club bounce' for the second. The discussion pivots to a major conflict: Smith sold beats intended for Biggie's 'Life After Death' album to LL Cool J after Puff Daddy failed to provide an advance, despite Smith's financial strain from his wife's pregnancy. This led to a severe fallout with Biggie, including threatening phone calls. Smith reflects on the missed opportunity and lack of communication. The hosts then explore Smith's early connections in hip-hop, particularly with A Tribe Called Quest. He describes being a 'Forrest Gump' figure in the Native Tongues circle, present for the creation of their first four albums and even appearing on the 'Midnight Marauders' cover. He recounts influencing the tempo of 'Electric Relaxation' and finally earning a production credit on 'The Hop' from the 'Beats, Rhymes and Life' album after persistently pitching beats to Q-Tip. The episode includes mid-show promotions for DJ City and the Sound Collective studio, where the interview is recorded. Later, Smith touches on other collaborations, including work with Busta Rhymes, Rampage, and his involvement in Nas's 'If I Ruled the World', for which he initially didn't receive credit. The tone is conversational and retrospective, focusing on studio lore, industry politics, and personal history.

As heard by us

A grounded producer conversation ties remix choices to Queens memory and hip-hop history.

Rashad Smith's second Road Podcast conversation is best when it stays with the practical decisions behind familiar records: the two versions of the One More Chance remix, the extra bounce the club record needed, and the DeBarge sample details getting sorted out as the talk…

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Why you'd press play

You get club remix logic, Queens roots, and a train-bound Tribe Called Quest memory from Rashad Smith.

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