Ayatollah
Ayatollah is one of those rare producers who has managed to bridge the gap between classic New York hip hop production and today's current flashy style. For those of us who love hip-hop for what it was as well as what it will become, Ayatollah's Debut "Now Playing" is more than just required listening. It is a testament to hot beats, past, present, and future.
With influences such as Marley Marl, 45 King, and Pete Rock, Ayatollah has been able to create a sound steeped in hip hop culture nearly impossible to mimic in today's copycat market of beatmaking. While it's clear that Ayatollah's music speaks volumes, very few have gotten a glimpse into the world of the soft spoken producer through his own eyes. When asked about his current project, Ayatollah comments that, People need to pay close attention to my different sounds and styles. These beats are some of my favorite joints that nobody has heard before. Now Playing is long overdue and cats are going to see whats up with my back catalog of bangers and new cuts as well.
"Now Playing" is the debut CD release from New York hip-hop production icon, Ayatollah. Ayatollah's signature soulful sound played a key part in the beat driven explosion of mid-90's hip-hop, most notably for Mos Def on "Ms. Fatbooty", the lead single from his debut album "Black on Both Sides." Having since produced hits for some of the biggest names in hip-hop today including G-Unit, Ghostface, Rakim, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Tragedy Khadafi, and R.A. the RUGGED MAN, Ayatollah steps away from collaborative efforts on "Now Playing" and redirects attention back to his main craft, the beats. "Now Playing" is an instrumental collection of Ayatollah's favorite compositions, many of which have never been heard before by the public.