my favorite new NaS song
the certified rap legend silences all critics
Nas’ last album, 2018’s NASIR, was executive produced by Kanye West — and was ethered by fans from the moment of its release. A product of West's infamous Wyoming recording sessions, which produced five consecutive G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam releases — including Pusha T’s Daytona and Teyana Taylor’s K.T.S.E. — NASIR felt hampered by West’s seven-track album blueprint. Mr. Jones has more stories in him than seven songs allow for. There were promising songs like “Simple Things,” but overall the project sounds incomplete.
Nas’ new album, King Disease (Mass Appeal) is executive-produced by Inland Empire, California’s Hit-Boy, and is receiving early rave reviews. King is being championed as Nas’ best album since 2012’s deeply personal Life Is Good.
How did Hit and Esco get it right? Hit allows his soulful, minimalist production to fall back and compliment Nas’ verbal power. Every sonic element is in service to Jones’ messages. The album is lifted by and is aided by genius guest appearances including a reunited The Firm (AZ sounds marvelous on “Full Circle”), Anderson Paak (“All Bad”), Lil Durk (“Til The War Is Won”) and Gap Band legend Charlie Wilson on the captivating “Car 85”.
And LeBron and I have the same favorite song. The album’s closer, “The Cure,” a cinematic retrospective of one of hip-hop’s greatest careers. Nas even addresses former rival, Tupac Shakur in the closing verse:
Cuban link QB chain belong in the MOMA
So boomerang, you salute my twenty-seven summers
Rolls-Royce Brigade just 'cause it go with the moment
Pac saw the chain, got his medallion, I won't
Insinuate imitation 'cause I copied his stomach
mood:
watch out now:
I’m still watching Drake’s new video daily — it keeps my warrior’s spirit up.
you must learn:
The New American Revolution. Curated by Pharrell Williams. (TIME)
How Travis Scott Defied the Rules of Celebrity to Become King of the Youth Words: Gerrick Kennedy (GQ)
Going Deep With Kehlani Words: Gerrick Kennedy (Spin)
The Roots’ Black Thought Announces Solo Deal With Republic, Remembers Malik B and Talks More ‘Natural’ ‘Tonight Show’ Words: A.D. Amorosi (Variety)
Cardi B Talks Police Brutality, COVID-19, and the 2020 Election with Joe Biden (Elle)
Arrests in unsolved murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay (ABC7 News)
Megan Thee Stallion Remains in Control Words: Clover Hope (W)
made you look:
Comfy cozy iconic Cali duo.
playlists:
A few of my TIDAL favorites currently in rotation.
Beats + Rhymes: Pharrell & JAY-Z
Guest Verses: JAY-Z
The Firm Essentials
what more can I say:
Hopped on Zoom to reconnect with the African Giant, Burna Boy, for my #TIDALCheckIn series. Executive produced by Sean “Puffy” Combs, Burna's fifth studio album Twice As Tall is a triumph. Burna even got his early hip-hop inspirations Naughty By Nature on a track — he gets to trade verses with Treach. Check out the full convo below.
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a danyelliott production
Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson
🔥✊🏾🔥