FEATURE: Nu Jerzey Devil, Changing Lanes

Nu Jerzey Devil's not riding shotgun anymore. With his latest single "Different Girls feat. Lil Wayne" in rotation, the producer/rapper is gearing up for just as much time in the foreground as he spends behind the scenes making beats.  XXLMag.com recently caught up with NJD to talk about his music, his bond with Game, wild times in Compton, and wild Norwegian girls.

XXLMag.com: How has it been producing for Black Wall Street? Any different from when you’re working on beats for yourself?

NJD: It’s been really good. They’ve gotten me to where I’m at, so I can’t complain. That’s my family. But it’s definitely different at times. When I’m producing for Game and them, they want that dark, grimy sound that you hear in the streets. For me, it all depends on my mood. I might get drunk and want to make some crazy strip club shit. I’m unpredictable like that. That’s what music is about.

XXL: What was it like living in Compton with Game a few years back?

NJD: Shit, that was probably the worst time of my life. Shootouts like everyday. It was terrible. But I don’t regret it and I wouldn’t take it back for anything in the world. I was going through a tough time when I came out of my little Darkchild contract and Game took me in and embraced me. At that point it was either stay in Jersey and not accomplish anything or go to Compton and hopefully come out with something positive.

XXL: What’s the craziest thing that ever happened over there?

NJD: I brought my brother over to visit and he’s a big pothead from Jersey. He had heard about the kush over there and so the first thing he does is go to the corner store to get a Dutch. Suddenly I hear all these gun shots and I when I go outside I see him scattering on the ground. Luckily one of my friends had pushed him down. But when I noticed it affecting my family I was like, 'wow, this is really serious.'

XXL: How was Game as a roommate?

NJD: He was cool. Game’s a normal dude. A lot of people don’t know him, so they’ve always got something to say. But with me, he always kept me close and took care of me. We’d go play ball, chill and play video games, hit up the mall. Aside from all the shootouts, he’s a regular guy and I’m thankful to him for taking me under his wing.

XXL: You guys were recently on tour in Europe. What were the some of best cities you visited when you were over there?

NJD: Ah man. The fans showed us a lot of love in Zurich, Switzerland. I don’t know if it was the shirt I wore that said “I love Zurich,” though. Nah, just kidding, they showed a lot of love out there. But for the women, I’m hands down sold on Oslo, Norway. That was one of the wildest nights. If I had to be anywhere in the whole world right now I’d say Oslo, Norway. All of Black Wall Street can vouch for that.

XXL: Speaking of which, how are the stocks on Black Wall Street performing these days?

NJD: Lovely. I’m here and I’m making it. It’s been nothing but a blessing.- Damian Ghigliotty