10 Songs That Blew My Mind: DJ Mustard

After producing the majority of YG’s debut album My Krazy Lyfe—which peaked at number two on the charts—and at least a dozen singles for other artists in 2014, Mustard’s releasing his first album this summer 10 Summers. “I’m 24 year’s old, and I’m trying to take charge. I don’t wanna have a boss,” DJ Mustard told GQ. “I wanna be the boss.” In anticipation of his new single, we caught up with the hitmaker to learn which songs have blown his mind, from productions by West Coast forefather Dr. Dre to crunk god Lil Jon.

1. Snoop Dogg, “Gin & Juice” Produced by Dr. Dre
“‘Gin & Juice’ was the key to the ignition, that’s the song that made me go, ‘Oh shit, this is it.’ Dr. Dre’s production started me off, because it was the first time I heard something really different. He did stuff no one was thinking of at the time, like putting together two different samples. And the chorus was so catchy. It showed everyone the structure for making real West Coast hip-hop music.”

2. Dr. Dre, “The Next Episode” Produced by Dr. Dre, Mel-Man
“One of my favorites of all time. When it comes on, it sounds like a horror movie, and then Snoop’s verse starts right after—it’s classic. Another reason why that track’s so strong is because I can still play it in my sets today. It’s timeless music. For producers from the West Coast, that’s the song you to try to top. I’m working to be at the level, to make a track lives for 30, 40, or 50 years.”

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