Lungz is set to drop his highly anticipated Dreamkillaz project tomorrow, but before the release we have selected “Gem Class”, which features Joe Budden for the next selection in our RH First Listen Series. The song from the Chicago newcomer embodies the yearning to learn as an MC in the evolving Hip Hop world. Grabbing Joe Budden was the ideal move, as Lungz describes the New Jersey veteran as someone who has seen almost everything the game has to offer from high profile chart toppers, to petty internet stalkers invading his social life. Hit the jump to read Lungz’ account of his time spent in the studio with Joey, as well the specific meaning of the song in his own mind.
RH First Listen: Lungz – “Gem Class” Featuring Joe Budden
[audio: http://rubyhornet.com/media/rh/music/gem_class.mp3|width=180]
RH: When did you write this song, and what was the core inspiration behind the lyrics? Did you and Joey record it together?
Lungz: Yeah man, he had a show in Melrose Park and we hit him up and asked if would lay a verse. He said he’d come after the show, and he came through. I wrote that probably like 2 weeks ago, and basically it’s like I’ve seen all the things he’s done in the game. I’ve seen him be at the top, go underground, but he’s always stayed consistent and kept his fan-base. And being at the point where I’m at in my career, I’m trying to see that too. I want to know what the game is like…So it’s a little more guided towards someone who has been through that, and seen it all from mistakes, rumors, high profile you know all that. So that’s how I went on, and that’s what I thought about because the dude is real.
RH: What does the line “thinking like am I alive here, Joey you been here, I’m just trying to see things clearer” mean to you right now?
Lungz: Yeah man, I was thinking, just like I said in the last question, he’s been there. He’s had high profile music, he’s had people look into his social life, and I’m trying to see if this this is what I am going to face? It’s almost more of question like, ‘if you’ve been there, is this what I’m in for? Let me know.’ It’s just kind of showing my adolescence and my ignorance coming into the game, trying to figure out what’s good with it and how did you handle that, how did you rise from that?
RH: How does this song fit into the overall career of Lungz at this point in time?
Lungz: Right now, I think it is a blessing man. That’s that dude there, that’s Joe Budden. I’m still shocked like, ‘I really got on a track with this dude.’ He’s sitting on the couch writing that s**t. So I think virally it is going to do well, open up a lot of features. This wasn’t a song like, ‘oh we’re just going to go in.’ No, this was real. I feel like I’m going to gain a lot of exposure from it, and what ever happens, happens. I’m going to take it as far as I can.