Though much of
the hip-hop community has heard of 50 Cent’s rumored dis record "Piggybank,"
not many have actually heard the mysterious track, not even the song’s producer
Needlz, who prefers to stay neutral amidst the controversy.
heard about the song, but I mean, outside of that, I heard he’s coming at Ja
[Rule] and Fat Joe [but] as far as the record, I don’t have any problems with
anybody," Needlz told AllHipHop.com, laughing and admitting that he hasn’t
listened to "Piggybank" yet.
While Needlz chooses
to remain diplomatic, 50 has decided on lyrical warfare, with verses reportedly
aimed at Shyne, Jadakiss, Nas, and Kelis among others.
The Associated
Press recently identified lyrics directed toward Bronx rapper Fat Joe: "You
thought "Lean Back’ was big in the club/My (album) did 11 mil, your (album)
was a dud."
Maintaining his
innocence in the matter, however, Needlz says the concept behind "Piggybank"
is all 50’s.
"I have nothing
to do with the [lyrics], but I submitted the beat. 50 wrote what he wrote to
it," said Needlz, who is also responsible for the new BET "Rap City"
theme. "He felt however he felt, it’s freedom of speech."
50’s free speech
has compelled Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex to not play "Piggybank" on
his radio show, claiming it might incite fury.
The single is reminiscent
of one of 50’s earlier songs, "How to Rob," which also called out
prominent hip-hop figures, including Jay-Z and DMX.
Needlz says he
plans to continue producing G-Unit tracks despite his impartiality in the situation.
In addition to
"Piggybank," the Michigan native produced Young Buck’s "Bang,
Bang," "Let Me In" and another song titled "Gotta Love My
Style" off 50’s upcoming Valentine’s Day Massacre album.
Needlz is also
behind the Game’s track "Special" featuring Nate Dogg, which appears
on Game’s debut album, The Documentary.
From interning
at Bad Boy Entertainment as part of NYU’s Music Business graduate curriculum,
Needlz hooked up with his future manager and has since produced for artists
like David Banner, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, and Fabolous.
