New Nas Album: a Literally Ill Review

Nas and the illustrious DJ Premier teamed up for the latest and last Mass Appeal "Legend Has It" series drop, "Light-Years". This follows in the footsteps of recent drops from De La Soul, Slick Rick, Mobb Deep, Raekwon, and more! I've been a big fan of the OGs coming back and dropping bangers. I do my best to avoid other people's critiques, mostly because they seem to rush through to be the first. I understand why, but this is art. Sometimes you gotta let it marinate, n'ah mean?

That's what I've been doing. I just got back from a 10-day trip to Asia (Thailand+Japan) and, you guessed it, all that traveling did me in. Your boy got sick. So, in an attempt to get outta the bed and feel useful I threw on the new album while I attempted to clean up the crib and I let it ride all the way through.

It starts off pretty dope. I love Preemo's production. I wasn't sure what to expect. Are we getting classic Preem? Is he updating his sound? Flipping samples? 

All of the above.

Check it out below while I briefly touch on some of my favorites.

STAND OUT RECORDS (to me)

I enjoyed this album. I'm sure I'll get a few more spins out of it. But these ones specifically stood out to me.

"Welcome to the Underground" for the sheer imagery & wordplay

"Pause Tape" - I used to tape off the radio, not to make beats, but it's something I can relate to and feel like I was there. Salute to the crate diggers and DJs.

"Writers" - I was a big graff head as a kid so hearing him name drop writers like Taki183 and giving the artform its respect is so dope to hear.

"It's Time" - I love the Steve Miller flip. Hella funky. Cadence on point. This is dope.

"My Story Your Story feat. AZ" - AZ is the Man. I love the collab. Love it. 

"Bouquet (to the Ladies)" - Always dope to give flowers and respect where it's due.

Please drop more, Mass Appeal.