By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com

Photo credit: Da Don Digitals

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Hip-Hop has always been at its best when generations don’t compete—they connect.

Few producers embody that bridge like EZ Elpee. Raised in the Bronx and mentored by Lord Finesse and Buckwild, the DJ-turned-producer helped soundtrack New York Hip-Hop with records including Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money,” Nas and the Bravehearts’ “Oochie Wally” and G. Dep’s “Special Delivery.” His work didn’t simply survive its era—it became part of the culture’s vocabulary.

John Jigg$ grew up speaking that language.

Raised on Long Island with formative time spent in the Bronx, Jigg$ started rhyming at 12 and eventually built an independent catalog that includes Twin Cannons, Teflon John, Jigganometry, The Madness and S.O.U.L. His cinematic approach, lyrical consistency and collaborations with Benny the Butcher, Ras Kass, PMD, Keith Murray, Grand Daddy I.U. and others established him as a formidable underground presence.

Now the MC who grew up on EZ’s production is creating alongside him.

After Jigg$ revisited classic Elpee beats on All Gas No Breaks Vol. 1, the pair turned their chemistry toward something entirely new: their forthcoming collaborative album, STARLIGHT.

Its latest single, “No Acetone,” nearly began as a beat EZ skipped past. Jigg$ made him bring it back, the horns immediately sparked his pen, and the record took shape. Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge veteran Shabaam Sahdeeqadds another dose of lyricism, while Reef Hustle completes the cipher with the hook.

The title says plenty: pure, uncut and undiluted. That same philosophy defines the partnership. EZ doesn’t have to recreate yesterday, and Jigg$ doesn’t have to chase today. Instead, STARLIGHT connects the foundation with the future—two generations meeting on common ground without compromising either one.

No trends. No dilution. No Acetone. Just Hip-Hop.

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Q. You both came through New York Hip-Hop from different angles—EZ as a Bronx-raised DJ turned producer, and Jigg$ moving between Long Island and the Bronx as a young MC. What did that environment teach each of you about the foundation of the culture?

EZ: What it taught me is that you can make your dreams a reality. I just thought DJing was a cool thing to do. I had no idea what it was going to spin off into. Culture is important. No matter what situation or cards have been dealt to you, there’s an opportunity to change your scenery.

Jigg$: For me, growing up in Long Island in a household where it was constantly being played, and having a mother who always sang, music quickly became a part of my everyday life. My time in the Bronx is what made me fall in love with Hip-Hop. Having an older brother who is a DJ and so involved in the culture as a whole taught me the fundamentals and pushed me to begin my own journey, practicing the art.

Q. EZ, from “Get Money” and “Oochie Wally” to “Special Delivery,” your production helped soundtrack multiple eras. When you look back now, what are you proudest of about the fingerprint you’ve left on Hip-Hop?

EZ: I’m proud, first of all, that people are able to appreciate the music that I’ve made. It has always started as an idea. I’m grateful my ideas and the ideas of elite artists were given a listen, and we were able to come up with songs that inspire the culture.

Q. Jigg$, you’ve built your career independently through projects like Twin Cannons, Teflon John, Jigganometry, The Madness, and S.O.U.L. What made EZ the right producer for this next chapter with STARLIGHT?

Jigg$: Each one of these projects, among the others, represents a time and place I was at in life. I’ve been releasing consistently since 2013, and I just felt like it was time for me to elevate—from the lyrics to the production to the overall delivery of the package. Building a bond with a legend like EZ, who has shown so much versatility as a producer over the years, could not have come at a better time. We push each other to get better.

Q. EZ, you’ve said you don’t like sending beats—you want artists to come to the studio and build. What did Jigg$ show you during those early sessions that made you want to create an entire album together?

EZ: Jigg$ wanted to do something different. Persistence overcomes resistance, and for sure, he was persistent.

Q. “No Acetone” literally began with EZ skipping past a beat and Jigg$ making him bring it back. Jigg$, what did you immediately hear in that production that made you know you could cook on it?

Jigg$: It was the horns for me, lol. It just reminded me of the classic Hip-Hop I grew up listening to, but with a bit of a modern twist. Before I knew it, the verse was writing itself. I usually do not have to pick beats. My beats pick me.

Q. Shabaam Sahdeeq adds another layer of lyricism while Reef Hustle completes the record with the hook. How did those pieces come together, and what did each of them bring to “No Acetone”?

Jigg$: Me and Shabaam have a longstanding working relationship and brotherhood. I felt he would be the perfect addition to this record. He delivered the same heartfelt, relatable lyrics that his fans have loved him for over the years. I was also familiar with and a fan of Reef Hustle. So, when EZ brought him in for the hook, he delivered exactly what we needed to make this record a classic.

Q. The title “No Acetone” suggests something pure and undiluted. Was that also a statement about making unapologetic Hip-Hop in an era dominated by algorithms, trends, and content?

Jigg$: We are not here to follow trends. What we represent is the originality and authenticity that made Hip-Hop the biggest music genre in the world. It’s all about sharing your experiences through music and being creative, while also remembering that content is important.

Q. All Gas No Breaks Vol. 1 has Jigg$ attacking classic EZ Elpee production like “Oochie Wally,” “Blood Money,” “Special Delivery,” and “Bad Boyz.” EZ, what was it like hearing those beats through a new pen, and Jigg$, how did you approach records carrying that much history?

Jigg$: It was really a dream come true to be able to remake all of these classics that I grew up on and have the cosign of the actual producer. If you would’ve told me back in the day that I would have this opportunity, I probably would’ve told you that you were crazy. Being that I did get this opportunity, I wanted to make every record memorable.

EZ: It’s been a long time. I haven’t listened to these beats in a long time. Jigg$ gave the songs a new perspective and actually rejuvenated the tracks. I’m appreciative of that.

Q. EZ, your beats have survived decades, been revisited by new generations, and even repurposed by artists like J. Cole. What gives a Hip-Hop record enough character to outlive the era that created it?

EZ: I would say the music brings out a genuine feeling. The feeling resonates with my soul and others.

Q. Jigg$ came up listening to the generation EZ helped soundtrack, yet STARLIGHT finds you creating together as peers. What turned mutual respect into genuine chemistry between you?

Jigg$: Growing up listening to a lot of his classic production, I’d already gained some respect for EZ. But then, when I got in the studio with him and heard his newer production, I grew even more respect for his versatility. Being able to hold on to the core elements of Hip-Hop and still remain current is not always an easy task. As far as EZ’s respect for me, I think that came with time—watching my work ethic as well as my versatility as an MC.

Q. With Hip-Hop constantly debating old school versus new school, what does STARLIGHT prove about honoring the foundation while still pushing the music forward?

EZ: We don’t have to sacrifice to keep up with things going on in today’s culture. It’s music with no limits or limitations.

Jigg$: I agree. We really just got in the studio and had fun. We made the music that felt good at the time, and I think that comes across on this project. With both of our backgrounds and experience in this game, those core elements are always going to be there.