Q&A: Hit-Boy on ‘Ni—as in Paris’ Success & His Own Rap Career…
Hit-Boy is living up to his name. The Southern California native (born Chauncey Hollis in Pasadena) co-produced “Ni**as in Paris,” the double-platinum hit from Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne. With another West track (“Way Too Cold”) under his belt, Hit-Boy is juggling various projects including West’s upcoming solo album, a G.O.O.D. Music set, as well as sessions with A$AP Rocky, Nas, Justin Bieber and Big Sean.
Hit-Boy grew up with music. His uncle, Rodney Benford, was a member of Troop, a group that scored two No. 1 R&B hits in 1990 with “Spread My Wings” and “All I Do Is Think of You.” Watching Bow Wow on TV prompted then-13-year-old Chauncey to pen his own raps. However, the fledgling rapper grew more enamored with crafting beats. His first placement, at 20 years old, was the track “Forever” on Jennifer Lopez’s Brave album, and he claimed his second big break collaborating on West’s “Christmas in Harlem” after meeting Kanye’s cousin, Ricky Anderson.
Signed to G.O.O.D. and Universal Music Publishing Group, Hit-Boy boasts a rapidly expanding discography, including tracks by Lil Wayne featuring Eminem (“Drop the World”), Kelly Rowland featuring Big Sean (“Lay It on Me”), Jennifer Hudson (“I Remember Me”), Pusha T (“My God”), Rihanna (“Watch N Learn”) and Joe Jonas (“Lighthouse”). (Read Interview at Billboard…)
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