Neef Buck returns to Delaware to release album
Neef Buck, aka Young Neef (born Hanif Muhammad), has been a force in the hip-hop industry for nearly 20 years.
Hailing from the mean streets of Philly, his lyrical ability would help him become a critical part of Jay-Z and Roca-A-Fella Records’ domination at the start new millennium. Neef Buck and Young Chris, who have been friends since the age of 12, eventually became the Grammy Award-nominated rap duo Young Gunz. From there they became part of Philadelphia’s greatest crew, State Property.
After officially signing to Roc-A-Fella, the Young Gunz would go on to release their debut album, “Tough Luv” in 2004, which propelled Chris and Neef to superstar status led by the single “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.” In 2005, the duo released their second (and final) project under Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, “Brothers from Another,” which took the No. 15 spot in its first week on Billboard.
The Young Gunz garnered respect from the streets as well as the music industry.
Today, Neef's streetwise lyrical genius can be heard from his own record label, GIFI Records, where he's preparing to release the eighth chapter of his street-legendary mixtape series, “Forever Do Me.” The project features his longtime partner Young Chris, as well as appearances by Jadakiss, Trae Tha Truth, Raheem Devaughn and Jahlil Beats. Some of the original State Property crew even came together on a reunion track titled “Game of Thrones.”
Today, Neef will make his way down to the Christiana Mall to meet with his Delaware fans at the R U Villa store, where he will also debut his Forever Do Me clothing line. After the meet-and-greet, Neef will head to Euphoria Taproom in Bear for a concert and release party.
We reminisced about old times while getting his fans ready for what’s to come.
Q: Your new project, “Forever Do Me 8” is an album instead of a mixtape, like the rest. Why did you choose to make it a full album?
A: I feel like mixtapes can be a little sloppier. Some people hear mixtape and think you’re automatically rapping on someone else’s beats, or the songs are not put together as thoughtfully. This project is all original work and isn’t free like most mixtapes. Even though it’s not on a major record label, this still has that same quality.
Q: So let’s take it back a little bit. What made you call it “Forever Do Me 8” in the first place?
A: Well, I had come across a beat back in the day when I was doing mixtapes. The sample sounded like it was saying ‘forever do me’ in the background. Even though it wasn’t really saying that, I made the song and just ran with it. It also is part of who I am as a person. Even when State Property was together I always was sort of the black sheep. When everybody wanted to go left I was going right. I’ve just always did my own thing and have been a leader, not a follower.
Q: What was one of the hard lessons you learned coming from the streets to the music industry?
A: I think early on I missed a lot of opportunities because I didn’t understand how to separate the streets from the industry. For instance, when State Property first got put together Beans [Beanie Sigel] was already recording his album “The Reason.” Dame [Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash] was telling me I need to be around when some of this stuff was being laid down in the studio. That’s how a lot of people end up featured on tracks. But me growing up in the streets, I just didn’t hang with dudes from other parts of the city that I didn’t know. I think Chris embraced it a little more than me. If you notice I’m only on the State Property album once and I never was featured on any of Beanie Sigel’s albums. But at the end of the day, I have no regrets, I have just always been in my own lane.
Q: When you went in to do this project, what was your goal at the time it was completed?
A: I wanted to make sure I had fun and kept it real to who I am. I also wanted to make sure I had that right-now beats with those right-now hooks. The project itself takes you through different stages. The beginning is more fun turn up, then it goes to some tracks for the ladies and then to a dark place with tracks like “Streets Ain’t for Everybody.” I basically wanted to make sure my fans could relate to it and understand my life and all the trials and tribulations.
Q: What is your relationship like with Delaware since we are so close?
A: I love Delaware! Delaware has always supported me and the Young Gunz, in general, from day one. When I come down here it’s always a lot of love from the fans and they make me feel right at home. Every time I come through they know my projects word for word. I love the ladies out there and I rock with all the real brothers too. That’s why I wanted to do the meet and greet so I can interact with all the fans, shake some hands and kiss some babies!
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Forever Do Me Apparel pop-up shop and meet and greet
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: R U Villa at Christiana Mall, Newark
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Forever Do Me 8” album release party
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 21, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
WHERE: Euphoria Taproom, 144 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear
MORE INFO: Ladies free until 10:30 p.m.