DJ Premier Reflects On D&D Studios, Preps New Location & Debut Album

PREMO IS READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A NEW STUDIO IN QUEENS

(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop lost a landmark when it was announced iconic D&D Studios was closing its doors. The location served as the birthplace for tracks by Gang Starr, Notorious B.I.G, Jay Z, Nas, Kanye West, Common, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Joey Bada$$, and many others.

[ALSO READ: If These Walls Could Talk: 10 Unforgettable Moments In D&D Studios]

Legendary producer DJ Premier first began using the studio in 1991, and in 2003 he bought the space from the original owners Douglas Grama and David Lotwin. Premier then renamed the studio HeadQcourter after his late friend Kenneth “HeadQcourterz” Walker.

As Premo continues to take down the soundproofing and in-wall speakers and move his remaining equipment, furniture and hundreds of vinyl records, he can reflect on the memories made at D&D but also look to the future.

“The building was sold in order to change it from commercial business to residential and our leases would not be renewed, so basically that means everybody out!” explains Premier. “It is tough to accept after so many years making that much history there, but life is good and I will continue to make hot music. Passion never leaves your soul and I have a lot of it so I’m ready to continue on.”

One half of the duo PRhyme has relocated HeadQcourterz to KAS Music And Sound at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria, Queens. He is currently working on projects by numerous artists as well as his debut album Last Session @320 set for release later this year. Television and film scoring is also in the works for the veteran musician.

[ALSO READ: DJ Premier To Produce An Entire Album With Loaded Lux]