Episode 222: DJ Head

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Kevin “DJ Head” Bell is a producer and DJ from Detroit who played a big role in that city’s scene during the mid-to-late 1990s. At that time, an insanely talented group of people were getting together for open mics, beat battles, ciphers, and shows. Among that crew were people who would go on to be some of the most popular and well-regarded rappers and producers of all time, including J. Dilla and Eminem.

DJ Head worked closely with them both. He was also tight with the late rapper Proof, a member of D12 and pillar of the scene, in addition to being best known as Eminem’s best friend and longtime onstage foil. DJ Head played a big part in Em’s meteoric rise—producing, programming drums, and DJ’ing for the rapper as he went from underground battle rapper to international superstar. He also produced songs for Xzibit, D12, Obie Trice, and more.

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. Aaliyah, “Old School”
2. MSUToday: WDBM Student Radio Station
3. Paul Bunyan/DJ Head freestyle
4. R.J.’s Latest Arrival, “Work”
5. Eargasms: Crucialpoetics Vol. 1 - Various Artists - Full Album
6. Righteouz Knight, “Hip Hop Shop”
7. DJ Gary Chandler at Movement Music Festival
8. Les McCann, “Vallarta”
9. Les McCann, “Go On and Cry”
10. Les McCann, “Benjamin”
11. Les McCann, “Sometimes I Cry
12. Les McCann, “North Carolina”
13. Weather Report, “125th Street Congress”
14. Weather Report, “American Tango”
15. Weather Report, “Non-Stop Home”
16. Quick beat made on the SP 1200
17. J Dilla, “367”
18. Janet Jackson , “Got Til Its Gone Ummah Jay Dee’s Revenge Mix”
19. The Pharcyde, “Drop”
20. Eminem, “Just the Two of Us”
21. Eminem vs Kuniva 1994 (throwback)
22. Eminem, “Infinite”
23. Eminem, “Low, Down, Dirty”
24. Eminem & Redman, “Off the Wall”
25. Eminem, “Cleain’ Out My Closet”
26. Eminem, “Criminal”
27. D12, “American Psycho”
28. D12, “Devils Night
29. D12, “Pimp Like Me”
30. Big Brother & the Holding Company, “Summertime”
31. Eminem, “Rock Bottom”
32. Eminem Proves There Are Plenty Of Words That Rhyme With ‘Orange’
33. eminem my name is ( live rare 1999) .flv
34. 5 Elementz - The Album That Time Forgot (Prod. J Dilla) (Full Album)
35. Dr.Dre & Eminem - Forgot About Dre (From “The Up In Smoke Tour” DVD)
36. Eminem, “Lose Yourself - Soundtrack Version”
37. Xzibit f/Eminem, “Don’t Approach Me”
38. Xzibit f/Eminem, “Don’t Approach Me”
39. Renegedes Royce Da 5’ 9 Eminem (ORIGINAL)
40. Jay Z f/Eminem, “Renegade”
41. BET on Jazz: The Jazz Channel Presents Earl Klugh
42. Eminem, “W.E.G.O.”
43. Bugz of D12, “Fuck Battlin”
44. J. Dilla, “Dillatronic 01”
45. The Cipher Episode 174: Robert Glasper
46. Valid & Jaws That Bite- I’m Ill (ft. Guilty Simpson, Aztek The Barfly, JP from the HP, & DJ Los)

Show notes:

1. Pigeons & Planes, “A Professor’s Journey to Discover the Greatness of J Dilla With His Students”