Leftside Happy With Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Take On ‘Phat Punani’
US rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is the latest North American rapper to throw his hat in the Dancehall ring with his new single Punani, which samples Leftside’s 2010 hit Phat Punani.
The controversial character, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, pleaded guilty to racketeering and other offenses in New York in 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison for crimes he carried out while he was a member of a violent gang. He was however, released from prison early due to coronavirus fears and finished his house arrest on August 2, the same day he released the video for his new song. Tekashi has become a force to be reckoned with in the rap world as his Dummy Boy has been certified platinum in America for sales of more than 1 million units.
The Observer spoke with Dr. Evil, whose real name Craig “Leftside” Parks, who shared how he felt about his music being sampled.
“I am very surprised. Never expected it. It’s my biggest song to this day and after recording 10 years ago, to see a rapper on that level gravitate to it is a blessing,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
He added that he was impressed by what was done with the track. He also revealed he wrote, produced, mixed, and mastered the original track.
“I liked how he added his flavour to it, but at the same time he left enough for people to recognise where it’s coming from. The production sick.”
Everything was done above board and permission was sought for the use of the track, he continued.
“A lot of people been messaging me on Instagram saying: “Yow, 6ix9ine teef yuh song.” Well he didn’t. The rapper and I have been in communication about the record since April. The proper negotiations and paperwork was done. It’s not impossible for a big artiste to link another big artist and collaborate.”
He also explained how the track came to be.
“When Tekashi got released from jail, his girlfriend contacted me on Instagram. They asked for a number to call. They called and he said he grew up listening to a lot of my music. He said he remembered a show he attended as a teenager watching me on stage. He said he always loved my music and he had to show homage. Whenever we talk, it’s always a humble approach from him. He has had so many hits and man is very humble.”
For Leftside, the use of his track has given him a boost of confidence about his work.
“It shows that my sound and style of music transcends. My sound always had that organic global impact. I will always be thanks full to God for blessing me. I have been contacted not only by 6ix9ine, but also by Akon, Wyclef, and others. I’ve always stayed in my lane.”
On the heels of this successful track, he will be releasing new music this Friday, August 14, which is the first song to come off his soon to be released album Xcitement on August 14. The first single, Dem Nuh Ready Yet, features Sean Paul.
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