There is so much to love in Jon Caramanica’s interview with Kanye West, from Yeezy’s general poutiness to their poignant discussion on the stabilizing power of relationships. But it’s especially beautiful when Yeezy recognizes J-Kwon’s “Tipsy” for its genius and correctly legitimizes it by pointing out its lineage to early 80’s Rick Rubin-style production. “Tipsy” was produced by the St. Louis duo of Tar Boy and Capo, better known as The Trackboyz.The Trackboyz made their mark in the midst of the Nelly-driven rush to capitalize on St. Louis in the early 2000’s. But while Nelly sold Country Grammar on the back of the futuristic shimmer of producer Jay-E (a humble and talented dude worthy of an article in his own right), The Trackboyz were a wilder counterpoint. Their best tracks relied on drums, breathy adlibs and not much more. It was the same shit Swizz Beatz was doing around the same time, but Trackboyz definitely had a unique spin on it. Here are some of their best beats:J-KWON - “HOOD HOP"In a different universe, “Hood Hop” was J-Kwon’s big hit instead of the more frat-friendly “Tipsy.” Rick Rubin minimalism plus crunk “aye” samples.EBONY EYEZ F/ TRINA - “IN YA FACE (REMIX)”A great freaky-gettin' anthem featuring Miami’s finest on a bed of Trackboyz signature drums.J-KWON F/ PETEY PABLO AND EBONY EYEZ - “GET XXX’D”Nothing says 2005 like a Petey Pablo feature. From the movie XXX: State of the Union featuring Ice Cube.D–12 - “40 OZ”Still stompy as fuck but a little synthier and with Bizarre talkin' about earlin for a month.SHAWWNA - “WEIGHT A MINUTE”Not as stripped-down but still hard-hitting and aggressive.GENA - “MY DIP IN THE CLUB”A local hit from a couple years ago.NELLY - “AIR FORCE ONES”This was an earlier beat, sounding more like the other, shinier St. Lunatics songs. Also you can see my old apartment in the video.Skinny Friedman no longer lives in that apartment. He's on Twitter - @skinny412
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