Hit-Boy Speaks Up In His “Jay-Z Interview”

Is Hit-Boy the heir to The Throne? That’s the question posed by “Jay-Z Interview” the debut song and video from the powerhouse producer who crafted “Niggas In Paris” for Jay-Z and Kanye West (in addition to “Right Here”, Justin Bieber‘s new Believe track with Drake, and hits for Lil Wayne and others). Blaring ’70s soul horns and an insistent groove propel the track as Hit-Boy drops verses recounting the high-flying life of a platinum producer.

It’s only natural to draw comparisons between Hit-Boy’s arrival and that of Kanye West, who knocked out hits for Hova and others before taking the microphone himself (with a wired-shut jaw, nonetheless) to record the similarly soulful “Through The Wire”. West’s presence looms even larger here, though, because Hit-Boy is signed to West’s G.O.O.D. Music arm, which means we might reasonably expect him to step out yet further on G.O.O.D.’s upcoming cast album.

But how well does Hit-Boy stand on his own? He’s a very able rapper, name checking poet Robert Frost, author Edgar Allan Poe, and the Fresh Prince while sneaking in a reassurance that he plays his own drums and basslines. (“Jay-Z Interview” itself, though, contains a beat made by Bink.) Still, it’s too soon to say whether he’s capable enough to stand apart from other producers-turned-rappers like J. Cole (who’s in Jay-Z’s Roc Nation camp), and B.o.B.

The video certainly makes a compelling case, opening with footage of Jay-Z bringing Hit-Boy on-stage during the Watch The Throne tour. “This young man is an incredible producer, a lot of passion. He made one of the most incredible records of all time,” Hova tells the crowd, referring to “Paris”. “Can y’all invite him to the circle? You ready for that Hit-Boy?” The rest of the vid unfolds in a series of candid clips tracking Hit-Boy’s work and travels, in which he is seen cavorting with West, Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky and other collaborators (and clients). It all carries a certain of air of inevitability, as if he’s next in line, and that is exactly the point.

Is he ready to join the circle? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.