In what is soon-to-be the home of Full Surface Records, Swizz Beatz’ imprint on J Records, located inside Sony Studios in midtown Manhattan, Swizz invited press, DJs and hip-hop celebs to hear what he’s been up to lately, besides getting back from his honeymoon. While filling their plates and glasses, guests had the privilege to peep an underground, homemade video of his first artist Cassidy freestyle battling Freeway acapella in the studio. Though Freeway definitely held his own, Cassidy’s rhymes were funnier and grimier. Like a battle’s supposed to be. “There’s no beef,” Swizz assured. “We didn’t even start it. They had just come from Hot 97 and came at us.”
But Cassidy wasn’t the hottest rapper in the house. It was Lil’ Kim. In this testosterone-pumpin’ room, Kim was definitely a standout. Also mingling were Sonny and DJ Enuff from Hot 97. Other Full Surface artists other artists include Yung Wun, Bounty Killer, Keith Sweat, Big Tigger from Rap City and Mashonda.