Posts Tagged ‘Nas’
Nas Speaks On The Development And Timelessness Of The “Illmatic” LP And More On HuffPost Live (Video)
April 17, 2014
Ever wonder where the term “Illmatic” even came from? If, so you have at least one reason to watch Nas’ interview on HuffPost Live.
Celebrating the week of “Illmatic XX,” Nas stopped by Huffpost Live to look back at his debut opus approaching its Friday anniversary. The Legendary artist, opened up about his mindset heading into the project thinking it would be a big album for the year and 5 years down the line, but never pictured the project to stand the test of time 2 decades later now. While reflecting on his career and the current state of hip-hop, Sincere went on to touch on how his on-wax beef with JAY Z changed the landscape for hip-hop becoming all battle. Continue below to watch the rest of the interview and be sure to look for the premiere of his upcoming documentary “Time Is Illmatic†running at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival now until April 27th in NYC.
– Huffington Post
 MORE: NAS INTERVIEW WITH HUFFPOST LIVE
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Videos | 
Tags: Huffington Post, HUFFPOST LIVE, illmatic, ILLMATIC XX, Nas, Time Is Illmatic | 
No Comments »
Nas – “Time Is Illmatic” (Documentary) [Trailer]
April 12, 2014
It has been 20 years since the release of Nas’ “Illmatic.” Remember when we told you the “Illmatic XX” drops April 15, 2014? Well, a documentary on “Illmatic” and its impact – “Time Is Illmatic” – is debuting at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival’s opening night movie (April 16, 2014).
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: NAS – THE ILLMATIC XX (LINK)
Posted in Film, Hip-Hop, History, Videos | Tags: illmatic, ILLMATIC XX, Nas, Time Is Illmatic, Tribeca, Tribeca Film Festival | 4 Comments »
Nas, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolBoy Q And More Speak On The Influence And Impact Of “Illmatic” 20 Years After Its Release (Video)
April 11, 2014
“I’ll always be a fan and a student of his work.” – Kendrick Lamar on Nas
Good one Google Play.
Check out our special feature with Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and more as they reflect on the twentieth anniversary of “Illmatic.”
Watch this clip: “Illmatic” struggled to sell gold. Struggled… Think about that while you consider what has gone platinum since. Just saying. Wow…
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: NAS – THE ILLMATIC XX (LINK)
Read the rest of this entry »
The Massive Bootlegging Of Nas’s Classic ‘Illmatic’ Album
April 10, 2014
Interesting share from Revolt TV, appropriately timed with the release of “Illmatic XX” – Nas’ 20-year commemoration of his legend-establishing album “Illmatic.” Taking us back to 1994 with talk about the classic’s release, MC Serch and Faith Newman tell us how far bootleggers and music fans would go to get their hands on the eventual G.O.D.MC’s LP.
Newman – a former A&R at Columbia Records and the executive producer responsible for wrapping up “Illmatic” and releasing it to the world ahead of schedule – explained, “We would’ve liked to record more stuff, but we had to get it out in a hurry, because there were so many bootleg copies. Like so many.”
MC Serch goes on to admit, “We were breaking into garages in the Bronx, because counterfeiters had 70,000 cassettes of “Illmatic,” with a drawing of Nas on a cross, crucified…And Donnie Einer, who was the chairman of Columbia, calling me like, ‘Yo, we’re pushing up the release date.'”
These are stories behind the story of an album, that took nearly two years to record, rushed out to beat back the bootleggers already in the marketplace with copies.
Today, leaks and copies (digital quality, of course) in the hands of the masses… well, that’s just what is… but back then when there was barely an Interweb and no mp3’s… This was insane!
READ AND VIEW INTERVIEWS: MASSIVE BOOTLEGGING OF NAS
Posted in Hip-Hop, History | Tags: bootleggers, Faith Newman, illmatic, ILLMATIC XX, MC Serch, Nas, Piracy, Serch | No Comments »
Mobb Deep – “Eye For An Eye†featuring Nas x Raekwon x Ghostface Killah (Alt. Version)
April 9, 2014
Remember when the Mobb was on Hot 97 talking about that cut with Ghostface; that didn’t make the cut to get on “The Infamous” (interview here)? Yes. This it the one. Add Ghostface to the original emcee stew and … flavor! Listen to this alternate version of the Mobb classic “Eye For An Eye†(Your Beef Is Mines) that features Havoc and Prodigy rocking with Nas, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. An “Eye For An Eye  let’s get in this together, son.
MOBB DEEP – EYE FOR EYE FEATURING NAS X RAEKWON X GHOSTFACE KILLAH
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: An Eye For An Eye, Eye For An Eye, Ghostface Killah, MOBB DEEP, Nas, Raekwon | No Comments »
Nas x Q-Tip Rock with The Roots on ‘The Tonight Show’ (Video)
April 8, 2014
If you were to imagine a perfect “Illmatic” 20th anniversary celebratory event, part of it would have to go like this… Nas shows up on The Tonight Show (’cause you know Fallon respects real Hip-Hop)… Oh, Q-Tip is there, too? Cool, cool… Wanna do a set with The World’s Greatest Late Night Band (aka The Roots)… Ummm… Hell yeah, hell yeah. Okay, now imagine that happening. Because it did. Missed it? No, you didn’t. Press play for “One Love” above and enjoy thoroughly! More Nas and Q-Tip after the jump. Yeah, “The World Is Yours.”
DOWNLOAD: NAS F/ Q-TIP & THE ROOTS – ONE LOVE (LIVE ON ‘THE TONIGHT SHOW’)
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: NAS – THE ILLMATIC XX (LINK)
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Music, Performance, Series, Television | Tags: ILLMATIC XX, Jimmy Fallon, Nas, Q-Tip, The Roots, The Tonight Show | No Comments »
HBO: Real Time With Bill Maher Welcomes Nas (Video)
April 8, 2014
I knew Bill Maher would ask Nas about his collaboration record with Jay Z called “Black Republican.” When the song first came out I knew it wasn’t titled properly in my opinion, but if you’re an astute listener then you know that Nas has never said he feels like a “Black Republican.” in the song. While Jay Z was proclaiming to feel like a “Black Republican,” Nas made it clear in the songs chorus that he leans on the side of the “Black Militant” taking over the government. Nas didn’t throw Jay Z under the bus in his explanation to Bill Maher, but he played it off well. I think that maybe Bill Maher asked this question on purpose to see if Nas would throw Jay Z under the bus.
Above: Nas on the 20th anniversary of “Illmatic” (the interview and more). ‘Overtime’ segment after the jump.
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: NAS – THE ILLMATIC XX (LINK)
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Series, Shots, Television | Tags: Bill Maher, illmatic, ILLMATIC XX, Nas, Real Time With Maher | No Comments »
Nas Speaks With Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown University (Video)
March 29, 2014
Hanging out here with us all this time (thank you, thank you) you do realize by now that the terms Hip-Hop and scholar are not mutually exclusive, right? That realization is what will really let you sink your teeth into this incredible happening: Renowned author, sociology scholar, and Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson sat down with Harvard University honoree and god emcee Nas for an 80-minute talk on the current state of Hip-Hop and the culture, on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the classic “Illmatic” LP and much more. The event was moderated by another scholar – James Peterson, Director of Africana studies and associate professor of English at Lehigh University. Music director for the evening… another scholar – DJ, producer, professor and Harvard University Fellow 9th Wonder y’all. C’mon maaannn! Up above. Click play. Go!
Posted in EVENTS, Hip-Hop, Videos | Tags: 9th Wonder, Georgetown University, James Peterson, Michael Eric Dyson, Nas | No Comments »
Nas – “It Ain’t Hard To Tell” (Remix)
March 19, 2014
Many real hip hop heads have heard this Nas remix over the years, but now you can officially own it by downloading it now or when the 20th anniversary album drops. Still Dope.
“The Illmatic XX” double disc re-release will include remixes, unreleased demos and freestyles. Slated for April 15, 2014, the double-disc is available for pre-order on iTunes now. Nas also has a feature-length documentary coming, “Time Is Illmatic,” will cover this Hip-Hop instant classic from conception to finish. The documentary is set to debut at Tribeca Film Festival (also happening April 2014).
DJ Semi x Nas – “Reanimated” (Mixtape)
March 10, 2014
Producer/DJ Semi offers us his mixtape, hosted by Nas, entitled “Reanimated.” Semi reworks the QBoro emcee’s emceeing with new production, guest features, and his turntablism. Guest vocals dropped onto the plate come from the likes of Jay Z, B.I.G., Eminem, J. Cole, Jay Electronica, and Big Punisher. Check it out for the FREE here. Then check after the jump for words from the DJ.
DOWNLOAD: DJ SEMI X NAS – REANIMATED (MIXTAPE)
Nas Speaks On His New Las Vegas Sneaker Store 12AM Run (Video)
March 7, 2014
Nas and partner Nick Sakai on NiceKicks telling us about the 12AM Run… that sneaker spot they are opening in The LINQ (the new Las Vegas dining and entertainment district). Next month, sneaker-heads out West get ready. For now, get up on game. Watch.
9th Wonder At Harvard: “The Hip-Hop Fellow” (Trailer)
March 6, 2014
Slated for release next month, “The Hip-Hop Fellow” is a feature-length film documenting super-producer 9th Wonder’s time as a Harvard University professor, teaching “The Breaks†to a bunch of students of the Cambridge (Massachusetts) institution. 9th Wonder’s contribution is an awesome complement to Harvard’s Hip-Hop Archive (see our post on Nas being honored there). Each and together these are a blessing to the campus community and the world.
The trailer captures commentary and cosigns by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Young Guru, Pete Rock, DJ Premier and more. This documentary is going to be a “don’t miss” to be certain. Watch.
He has the love for it. He has the drive for it. It’s always been in him. He’s the genius behind it. You know, it’s only right.
– Kendrick Lamar
Nas: 1993 Unreleased Freestyle on the ‘Stretch & Bobbito’ Show
March 5, 2014
Coming up on the tax day deadline of April 15th, Sony Legacy will be releasing “Illmatic XX” to celebrate the 20th anniversary reissue of the Queensbridge emcee’s classic ‘Illmatic’ album. Spotted this Nas freestyle over at Pitchfork from the project that will feature rare remixes, demos, & freestyles like this one from Nas’s October 28th appearance on the legendary ‘Stretch & Bobbito’ show back in 1993. There will also be a full-length documentary on the making of Nas’s classic album called ‘Time Is Illmatic’ that will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 16th.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: 1993, Freestyle, Nas, Stretch & Bobbito, UNRELEASED FREESTYLE | No Comments »
COVER STORY: Hip-Hop At Harvard University With Nas (Video)
January 16, 2014
Queensbridge emcee to Harvard University honoree. Nasir “Nas” Jones, take a bow! Harvard asked the brother to create a Hip-Hop fellowship in Nas’ name 30 years after his rhyming and grinding started. This is happening! Check out what Hip-Hop at Harvard looks like above. Hip-Hop heads, you are going to be SO proud watching this!
“The same youth you want to protect… you need to understand them by understanding the music they listen to.”
– Nas
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Series, Videos | Tags: Akrobatik, Ammunition, Boston, By Design, Harvard University, Hip-Hop Archive, HipHop, HipHop Archive, Nas, Nasir Jones, Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship, The Hip-Hop Archive | 2 Comments »
News From A3C: A Nas x DJ Premier LP Is On The Way! (Video)
October 8, 2013
DJ Premier chats with WM40A about Jay Z’s “Pound Cake” verse (we’ve posted on that joint and remixes like the one The L.O.X. did on here), his beatmaking, and a long hoped for collabo LP with Nas at the A3C music festival in Atlanta. Really hope you made it out to some of A3C at least, or got to experience it somehow (shared videos, Instagram/Twitter feeds… something). Great event… for the culture, classic moments, and scoops like this!
DJ Spintelect – “The Best Of Nas” (Mixtape)
August 22, 2013
Loaded with classic to current sh!t. L-R-G brings us “The Best Of Nas” mixtape courtesy DJ Spintelect (Talib Kweli’s tour DJ). Tracklist after the jump. FREE download!
Nas Talks Hip-Hop’s Presence In Fashion & Culture and Gives His Response To Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Control’ Verse (Video)
August 21, 2013
Check out Nas’ response to Kendrick Lamar…
‘My response is “Wow, I love Hip-Hop right now.’
Miss Info, as an adept interviewer, tries to pull more from Nasir on the current “Control” verse controversy. But Nas is appropriately terse. Answers on that topic, and Hip-Hop’s influence and place in fashion and culture, were pointed and polite. You get the feeling that, toward the end of the clip, Nas is more ready to party than to answer more questions. Let’s go, Miss Info!
Posted in EVENTS, Fashion, Hip-Hop, Lifestyle, Opinion, Radio, Videos | Tags: Control, Control Verse, Kendrick Lamar, Miss Info, Nas, Nas talks with Miss Info about Kendrick Lamars control verse | No Comments »
Nas Gets Invited To ‘Cognac’ To Taste & Create Some Hennessy (Video)
August 13, 2013
I almost didn’t post this video because it’s a borderline advertisement for Hennessy & no one cut us a check or sent us a bottle, but I found this video of Nas traveling to France to meet with the founders of Hennessy to be very interesting. Hip Hop turned 40 years old as of August 11, 1973 so it’s only right to put a toast up.
(More clips after the jump.)
Redman – “My 2nd Lighter” (Video)
August 1, 2013
‘When I do shows, tell promoters I need lighters on the rider.’
If you are a Hip-Hop head who might take it personally if someone messed over the classic beat to Nas’ “My 2nd Childhood” with a whack freestyle… Easy! This ain’t that. Redman delivers with his “My 2nd Lighter” reprise! New flows, classic style, over a classic beat make joint worthy. The video properly takes The Funky Doc’s love of the lye and lighters to spark it over the top. Respect to director DJ Scoob Doo, too.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Videos | Tags: DJ Scoob Doo, My 2nd Childhood, My 2nd Lighter, Nas, Redman | No Comments »
Nas Speaks On CNN With Anderson Cooper On The ‘Race And Justice In America II’ Special (Video)
July 25, 2013
Last night CNN’s Anderson Cooper held a special town hall discussion called ‘Race & Justice In America II’ on his Anderson Cooper 360 show & brought along a number of commentators to speak on the issues affecting the country. Nas was the most recognizable voice in the hip hop community who added his valuable 2-cents to the discussion. Check out more from the discussion featuring commentators Charles M Blow, Andre Perry, Michaela Angela Davis, & David Webb below….
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, News, Politics, Videos | Tags: Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, Discussion, Nas, Race, Race And Justice In America 2, Race And Justice In America II, Racism, SOCIAL ISSUE, SOCIAL ISSUES | No Comments »
