A Lifestyle on Wax: Inside Live and Let Fly by DJ Fresh and The Musalini

In their joint appearance on Sway in the Morning, DJ Fresh and The Musalini showcased more than just their new album Live and Let Fly—they revealed a deep-rooted respect for hip-hop’s legacy, a shared vision for elevating the culture, and a rare cross-coastal chemistry. Representing the Bay Area and Washington Heights, respectively, the duo broke down their process, inspirations, and the intentional steps that led them to create an album recorded entirely on analog tape.

The Musalini, often hailed for his smooth delivery and lifestyle-driven bars, described his come-up in vivid detail. Influenced heavily by the West Coast despite being born and raised in New York, he recalled how Planet Asia once told him, “You remind me of the East Coast Snoop Dogg.” That influence didn’t go unnoticed in his music, which leans into breezy cadences and vivid storytelling. When asked what kept him motivated, Musalini cited tunnel vision and encouragement from legends like Pete Rock and 9th Wonder—artists who not only noticed him but collaborated with him.

Meanwhile, DJ Fresh, a veteran of the Bay Area scene, reflected on his own origins. He shared memories of learning to DJ at age nine in his family’s basement, digging in the crates before internet tutorials or viral moments were part of the journey. By the time he was a teenager, Fresh was already placing in national DJ battles and earning a name for himself. His résumé since includes collaborations with artists ranging from Nas and Wiz Khalifa to Mazi, Jay Stalin, and Larry June. Fresh brings an encyclopedic knowledge of analog sound and hip-hop history to every project, and Live and Let Fly is no exception.

Recording With Intention: Analog Sound, Cinematic Vision

What makes Live and Let Fly stand out isn’t just the lyrical synergy—it’s the technical ambition. The album was recorded entirely on analog tape at San Francisco’s historic Hyde Street Studios, where legends like Tupac and The Beatles have also left their mark. DJ Fresh described the experience as “capturing sonics that digital can’t replicate.” He worked with longtime collaborator CVS, who specializes in tape-based recording, to give the project its textured, vintage sound.

The project’s visual and thematic identity also takes cues from cinematic sources. Inspired by the 1992 album Live and Let Die by Kool G Rap and DJ Polo, as well as the James Bond film of the same name, Fresh and Musalini gave their own spin—rooted in ‘70s blaxploitation aesthetics. “We flipped it to Live and Let Fly because Moose is on some fly stuff,” Fresh explained. The cover art and sonic palette both echo the smooth, gritty blend of luxury and street the duo aims to embody.

Fresh didn’t just send over beats—he sent over full concepts. Tracks were mapped out with prompts, like telling Musalini to write from JFK to LAX or to tell stories about double lives and women with secrets. That creative framework helped build an album that feels cohesive and intentional, rather than a loose collection of collaborations. It’s that kind of structure that both artists credit for the album’s distinct vibe.

Mutual Respect and Right Timing

One of the most telling moments from the interview came when Musalini revealed he’d reached out to DJ Fresh years earlier—and was initially turned down. At the time, Fresh wasn’t in a space to take on new work. But instead of holding a grudge, Musalini stayed consistent. Years later, Fresh heard his album with Cookin’ Soul and reached out. The timing was finally right.

Their mutual respect was evident throughout the conversation. DJ Fresh appreciated Musalini’s steady grind and growth, and Musalini admired Fresh’s creative discipline and expansive catalog. The connection wasn’t just musical—it was philosophical. Both artists spoke on the importance of staying focused, cutting out distractions, and understanding the long game.

Fresh, now over 200 albums deep into his career, explained his mantra: “The long way is the shortcut.” He believes consistency, humility, and patience are more valuable than hype. That same ethos is reflected in Musalini’s approach, who now makes a full-time living off rap after years of side hustles and nine-to-five jobs.

Building for the Women—and for Legacy

While Live and Let Fly is grounded in classic hip-hop sonics, it doesn’t forget the women. Musalini was candid about crafting music with a female audience in mind, citing artists like LL Cool J and others who managed to keep lyrical credibility while connecting with women. “I don’t want to go to underground shows and just be surrounded by dudes,” he joked. “I want it to feel like a vibe.”

That focus was evident at their recent listening session in New York City, which drew a strong female turnout. DJ Fresh and Musalini spoke about creating music that appeals to lifestyle and romance without sacrificing lyrical sharpness. Their goal: timeless, well-rounded records that can be played in both the whip and the wine bar.

The duo’s bond also extends into physical wellness and daily structure. Fresh noted how their work ethic motivates one another—“He’d call me from the gym in the morning, and I’d be like, I’m on my way too.” The routine helps set a mental tone for collaboration, focus, and creative consistency.

DJ Fresh’s Production Legacy and Independent Blueprint

Beyond Live and Let Fly, DJ Fresh’s catalog remains one of the most prolific in hip-hop. With over 200 albums, including The Tonight Show series featuring everyone from Mazi to Jay Stalin to Raekwon, Fresh has carved a lane that blends West Coast soul with global reach. He recounted stories of pressing up his own tapes in the early 2000s, selling out of his trunk, and evolving with every era—from EPS-16 samplers to 84-year-old Hammond organs.

He emphasized that today’s artists have no excuse not to succeed, citing the abundance of tools available. “We have everything in the palm of our hands,” he said. “If you’re not out here at least going in the direction of winning, you just don’t want it.”

Fresh also continues to educate and uplift through his Sound of DJ Fresh Sessions, streamed live on YouTube three times a week. The series lets fans and aspiring producers watch him build beats in real time, using vintage synths and new tech alike. For Fresh, passing on knowledge is as important as stacking accolades.

Destiny Over Hype: The Bigger Picture

Throughout the conversation, both DJ Fresh and The Musalini returned to a core message: success is about timing, energy, and alignment. From early cosigns to late-night writing sessions, everything they’ve achieved feels earned—not handed.

Their project doesn’t chase trends. It leans into craft, concept, and cultural roots. From the analog tape recording to the vinyl giveaways, Live and Let Fly feels like an album built for the long haul—not the algorithm.

As DJ Fresh put it, “It’s not lonely at the top—it’s peaceful.” For him and The Musalini, the view from the summit comes not from shortcuts, but from years of patient, purposeful work. The long way, indeed, is still the fastest route to legacy.