From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search

Justin Gregory Smith (born January 8, 1978), known professionally as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop record producer and DJ. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Blaze attended Rutgers University for three years before dropping out to pursue his musical career.[1][2][3][4] His stage name was inspired by the character Blaze Fielding from the Streets of Rage video game series.[5] Blaze is best known for producing many of rapper Jay-Z's songs on his staple albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album.[6] His production can also be found on Eminem's 2010 album Recovery. He appears in the video for the third single from Recovery entitled "No Love", which he produced. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment.[7] He has also composed soundtracks for video games, and was a character in NBA Street Vol. 2 .[8]

His hometown of Paterson honored him in July 2018 with a key to the city in recognition of his "outstanding cultural contribution" to the city.[9]

Production discography[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "How a Producer for Hip-Hop's Biggest Names Hacked His Way Into the Industry". Retrieved August 22, 2016.
  2. ^ "Learn Straight From Producer Just Blaze (Video) | Rap". Rap Basement. March 22, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  3. ^ "Just Blaze to Give Live Q&A in NYC Tomorrow". Xxlmag.Com. March 22, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  4. ^ "Just Blaze Is Putting Finishing Touches On Eminem's 'Recovery'". VIBE. April 27, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  5. ^ "Hip-Hop Producer Just Blaze On Games, Switch and Crashing E3 With Kanye". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  6. ^ "Crazy for Jay-Z - Bomani Jones". Salon.com. November 6, 2007. Archived from the original on May 4, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  7. ^ Sidman, Amanda P. (November 4, 2010). "BET puts new spin on NYC underground deejay scene in 'Masters of the Mix' with Just Blaze". New York Daily News. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  8. ^ Carter, Shawn (2010). Decoded. Spiegel & Grau. pp. 22. ISBN 978-1-4000-6892-0.
  9. ^ Kuperinsky Amy. "Oh boy: Just Blaze gets key to Paterson, recognition for 'outstanding cultural contribution'", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, August 1, 2018. Accessed August 8, 2019. "The music producer Just Blaze has been the pride of Paterson for a while, but now he has the key to the city.... Earlier this month, Smith collected his latest accolade when Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh presented him with a key to the city 'for outstanding cultural contribution' and the city council passed a resolution recognizing his achievements."

External links[edit]

  • Just Blaze discography at MusicBrainz