Last night a Kanye-less Jigga Man previewed the pair’s upcoming album, Watch the Throne, for a select industry elite in NYC. Billboard.com was in the building and provided a play-by-play of album details via Twitter. Hit the jump to find out what went down.
“Jay z played 11 songs expected to be on the album, and several more that may or may not appear to select journalists and two contest winners. Studio set up in one of the suites, jay played records from his mac laptop. Roughly 20 people in the room, mostly journalists, including stephen hill of BET and the producer mike dean. Session lasted roughly three hours with jay-Z coming from the yankees game where he was watching derrick jeter try for 3000th hit. Singer and odd future affiliate, frank ocean, appeared on two songs. Beyonce appeared on one, tentatively titled “lift off” #WTT. Kanye west wasn’t there. No release date was given, but Jay-Z said the album was “coming soon” #WTT. Journalists were allowed to take notes and even given notepads, but no tweeting was allowed. One journo removed for live tweeting #WTT. Jay-z said the album came together in three stages, with records made and then scrapped for being too big and calculating #WTT. Version heard tonight was third iteration of the project. Jay-Z said the last four records they recorded made the album feel complete #WTT. Jay-z said two songs already completed for his next solo album, and four concepts banked. Frank ocean appears on one already done. #WTT. After playing the songs w/o comment or introduction, Jay-z hosted an informal conversation w/ the room #WTT. Jay-z said his favorite song from the project changes everyday, but right now “no church” – first song he played – is favorite #WTT. Producer mike dean said q-tip was mixing “that your b*tch” today. Record wasn’t played tonight. #WTT. Jay-z said although he would prefer to release the album w/o a single, they would probably shoot a vid for song w/ beyonce, “lift off” #WTT. Jay-z, who recently passed elvis as male solo artist w/ most no 1 albums (he has 11), joked about going after the beatles record. #WTT. Jay-z talked about the collaborative process. Said it’s always difficult, but respects Kanye’s passion. Jay-z said Kanye told him not to release BP3’s “run this town” – kanye initially convinced it wasn’t a hit based on reaction at bbq. #WTT. Jay-z said wanted to make album for the music, not for sales/hits. Said he’s turned off hearing blatantly commercial/formulaic songs. #WTT. Jay-Z said began recording in england last year, then australia, NY, LA, Paris and NY again. Often in hotel rooms. #WTT. Kanye and Jay-z recorded whole album together, in same rooms. Didn’t want to mail verses back and forth. #WTT. The room tonight featured studio set up, including mics. At least one song played tonight recorded at Tribeca Grand Hotel. #WTT.”
Sounds pretty dope!!!
Photo Spotted: RR
