Music

DJ Paul Explains How Drake’s Mom Helped Him Land A Beat On ‘Scorpion’

Drake’s mom may have a bright future as an A&R. …

While Drake‘s 2018 album Scorpion has a song dedicated to his mom, “Sandra’s Rose,” that many fans appreciate, one of the Toronto rapper’s collaborators recently revealed that fans can thank Ms. Sandra for another fan-favorite track from the album as well. In fact, “Talk Up,” Drake and Jay-Z’s fourth song together, may have had an entirely different beat if not for The Boy’s mother and a chance meeting with her neighbor — a neighbor who turned out to be none other than Memphis rap legend DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia.

Paul recounted the story on the latest episode of his podcast Mafia Radio while conversing with fellow rap pioneer MC Lyte. As he tells it, “I ended up moving into a condo, and when I moved into a condo I end up running into a neighbor of mine that was Drake’s mom. didn’t know who she was, she didn’t know who I was, but she was like ‘he’s such a nice guy.’ She asked the security who I was and then told Drake. Drake hit me on the DM like 3-4 in the morning, ‘Hey man, my mama told me she ran into you, a really nice guy named DJ Paul, but I need some beats.’ I sent him a beat, he ended up putting Jay-Z on it, and ten million copies later we got this.” He emphasized that last point by calling attention to the platinum plaque for Scorpion on the wall behind him.

Does Sandra Rose have a future as an A&R? Probably not, but if there’s any takeaway from the story it’s this: Being a nice person can pay off in unexpected ways… so be nice.

Watch the full interview above.

Artist Spotlight

“Empatia” by Aurien & Jab Vix set the tone for an atmospheric new era

“Empatia,“ the stunning electronic debut of Aurien, in collaboration with Jab Vix, is the start of a new creative universe under Aurien’s newly launched imprint Château Bonheur Musique. The track feels like a doorway into a curated emotional space, built from atmosphere, storytelling, and immersive sound design.

“Empatia” is founded upon a contemporary electronic aesthetics that favors texture. The production is sleek and considered, offering up soft rhythmic pulses within roomy layers that breathe. Working with Jab Vix gives texture and dynamics to Aurien’s perspective and sets the sound for the song. It’s more about feeling the music than looking for peaks of high energy. It builds slowly and invites you to sit in the mood.

A highlight is the “Elegant Mix,” which takes the original and gives it a more subdued, slicker makeover. It allows the heart of the composition to come through more intimately, and this duality reinforces the idea behind Château Bonheur Musique as environment, experience, and feeling. “Empatia” is a debut statement and manifesto for the immersive, emotionally intelligent electronic music that works as effortlessly as it does in shared spaces. It’s a thoughtful direction for Aurien, where sound is not just heard, but lived in.

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Artist Spotlight

Saint Escape injects an attitude into a classic for a new generation on latest release “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”

SAINT ESCAPE takes a classic favorite, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” and gives it a new twist, transforming the iconic hit into an alternative rock statement full of personality and modern flair.

Rather than just repeating a familiar song, Saint Escape offers a bold vision to the track. There’s a touch of “baddiecore-lite” attitude, married with alt-rock vibes, a feeling that seems tailor-made for those who love nostalgia but want something that speaks to today. The result is familiar, yet refreshingly different.

The track establishes its own identity right from the first moments. The alternative rock styling provides a sharper edge to the song’s timeless themes, making for a dynamic listening experience that feels vibrant and contemporary. With confidence in every note, the performance can stand on its own but still respect the legacy of the original.

While acknowledging the song’s emotional and cultural significance, Saint Escape also celebrates a more rebellious aesthetic. The “baddiecore-lite” influence adds an interesting attitude to the track, making it feel fun, confident and effortlessly cool.

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