Tag Archives: Nas

[New] Nas – The Season (prod. by J. Dilla)

Nas
The Season (prod. by J.Dilla)

It may not be Thanksgiving just yet, but the holidays brought out the softer side with a new tune from the Queens emcee, Nas. Apparently ‘Tis “The Season” for the rapper to deliver some new music for our listening enjoyment. Backed by a classic “Gobstopper”-sample  from the legendary J.Dilla, the latest single is a smooth, percussion filled track with a nice jazzy vibe. After previewing this gem last night during Run the Jewels 2 event in Brooklyn, Nas unveiled the full-length studio version today for fans to get into.

Balancing snares and horns with some spoken words, Nas remains humble as he pays homage to the late producer and speaks on not being able to enjoy the spoils of his success. It is good to know that even with all the success, Nas still takes the time to give fans some original, reflective work. Nas also credits his brother The Jungle for his source of inspiration and denies ever getting rhymes from Jay-Z or his protege Jay Electronica. Take a listen to the new single and be sure to stay tuned to hear more.

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[Hip-Hop] Nas – Life’s a Bitch (feat. AZ) (Free n Losh Remix)

Nas
Life's A Bitch feat. AZ (Free n Losh Remix)

Successfully remixing a song from one of the greatest rap albums of all time is no easy task, but Free n Losh prove it is possible with their latest take on Nas‘s classic “Life’s a Bitch.” The talented Canadian production duo replace the original instrumental with a vibrant bass-line, smooth piano and various soul samples. During the legendary chorus, Free n Losh layer a high-pitched portamento synth reminiscent of the G-Funk era. As a result, the song ends up sounding a bit like if the Illmatic anthem had west-coast production, with a splash of young Kanye West‘s soul sample skills. Check it out above and head to their Facebook page for a free download.

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[Hip-Hop] Meek Mill – Maybach Curtains Feat. John Legend, Rick Ross & Nas

With Meek Mill‘s debut album, Dreams & Nightmares, set to drop at the end of the month, we’re finally getting a preview of what to expect from the young MMG representative.  “Maybach Curtains” fits more into the vein of what you might find on one of his boss’ records, but the talented musician is able to adapt seamlessly while crafting a fitting verse of his own.  Of course smooth, exuberant tracks like these are Rick Ross‘ bread and butter (actually bread and butter are his real bread and butter, but you get the point), so you know he had to squeeze in a verse himself (I just shuddered at the thought of Ross squeezing into anything), while bringing longtime collaborators John Legend and Nas along for the ride.  As stated earlier, Meek Mill is able to break out of his shell a bit on this one, toning himself down slightly, while Legend appropriately belts out “Look how far we came” and “Through these Maybach curtain I see how life has changed” during the chorus.  This was definitely one of the most anticipated track off of the album, but I’m sure it’s not the last big single from Meek.  Make sure to check out his Dreams & Nightmares album when it drops on October 30th.

’Meek Mill ft. Nas, John Legend & Rick Ross – Maybach Curtains’
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[Hip-Hop] DJ Khaled – Hip-Hop Feat. Nas, Scarface & DJ Premier (Prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)

When you think of the word “hip-hop,” DJ Khaled is not often the name that first comes to mind.  Conversely, Khaled is what many would often associate with the antithesis of “true” hip-hop and all that is wrong with the genre right now.  Whatever your feelings about Khaled and his contributions to the game, you have to give him props for the special group he’s been able to assemble here.  With legends Nas and Scarface blessing the mic and DJ Premier and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League handling the boards, it’s easy for the listener to be reverted back to the glory days of the 90’s. Both emcees allude to the deceptive and fickle companion that hip hop can be, reflecting on their experiences over the last twenty some odd years, including both the riches of the highs and the struggles of the lows.  It’s an interesting take on the subject, and provides us great insight on the rap careers of two of the greatest to ever grace the mic.

If you’re interested in seeing the process that went behind crafting this wonderful track, peep the “Making Of Hip Hop” video after the jump, and if you enjoyed this, and want to listen to some more heavyweight collaborations, make sure to cop DJ Khaled’s latest project, Kiss The Ring, on August 21st.

’DJ Khaled – Hip Hop Feat. Nas, Scarface & DJ Premier’

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[Hip-Hop] Nas – Bye Baby (Prod. Salaam Remi & Noah “40” Shebib)

Nas blessed us today with another leak from his upcoming album, Life is Good, which is set to drop July 17th. One of the first things I noticed about this track were the production credits, which feature the always legendary 40, most well known for his extensive work with Drake. Rather than the ethereal, trippy sound that 40 often creates, this cut goes more in the soulful direction.  On “Bye Baby,” Nasir discusses his past relationships and drops some knowledge and valuable advice in the realm of romance. Not a particularly dark or profound song, this is perfect for sunny summer activities.

’Bye Baby (Produced by Salaam Remi & 40)’
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Nas – Loco-Motive feat. Large Professor (Produced by No I.D.)

As soon as the beat drops you have to ask yourself if this is 1994 again? Damnit it’s not Illamtic, but the song screams 1990’s hip hop. Void of the electro vibes that’s become a main stay in today’s rap, Loco-Motive is a nostalgic track and plays intentionally so. It only make’s sense with Large Proffessor helping produce this track, the same producer who helped Nas on Illmatic. If Nas’s up coming album Life is Good stays true to this formula then expect it to be mentioned as one of best rap albums this year.

’Loco
Motive feat. Large Professor (Produced by No I.D.)’
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[Hip/Hop Hooray] Damian Marley & Nasir Jones

Nas & Damian Marley – As We Enter

While a bit of this album from Damian Marley and Nas leaked a couple of months back, these two tracks really showcase the power contained in ‘Damian Marley & Nasir Jones ‘. The collaboration of two artists who are both considered one of best in their genre is bound to shake the music world. I can’t wait for the release on 4/10.

Damian Marley & Nasir Jones – As We Enter

’As We Enter’

Damian Marley & Nasir Jones – Strong Will Continue

’Strong Will Continue’
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