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Large Professor sits down with VladTV for a legendary conversation about his role in shaping hip-hop history — from Main Source to architecting Nas’ Illmatic, widely considered one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
Born in Harlem and raised in Flushing, Queens, Large Professor reflects on growing up before hip-hop fully existed and witnessing its evolution firsthand. He recalls buying Spoony G’s “Spooning Rap” and being blown away by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “Freedom,” which convinced him hip-hop was here to stay. From breakdancing and graffiti to rhyming under the name Professor Paul Juice Star, he details how he eventually transitioned into production and formed Main Source.
Large Professor breaks down the making of Main Source’s Breaking Atoms, the impact of the SP-1200 drum machine, and how DJ Premier helped secure their deal with Wild Pitch Records. He also explains how Joe Fatal introduced him to a young 18-year-old Nas, leading to Nas’ first-ever recorded appearance on “Live at the Barbecue.” Large shares his early impressions of Nas, describing him as humble but already saying things “out of the ordinary.”
The interview dives deep into the creation of Illmatic, including producing “Halftime,” “One Time 4 Your Mind,” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” which famously sampled Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Large Professor gives insight into Nas working with Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier, calling “New York State of Mind” one of his favorite Nas records for capturing the full essence of hip-hop culture.
He also discusses working with Eric B. & Rakim, Kool G Rap, and later reconnecting with Nas for Stillmatic, producing “You’re Da Man” and the storytelling classic “Rewind,” which was entirely Nas’ concept.
From Queens pride during the “Bridge Wars” era to Main Source’s breakup over management disputes, Large Professor provides an insider’s look at the golden era of hip-hop and the creative chemistry that built timeless music.
