For decades, fans have dreamed of it, and now, it's finally here: the collaborative album 'Light-Years' from rap titans Nas and DJ Premier is a reality! This partnership, a cornerstone of hip-hop history, has been a long time coming. Premier, the maestro behind the boards, crafted three of the ten tracks on Nas's groundbreaking 1994 debut, Illmatic. Their combined genius has gifted us countless head-nodding anthems ever since. (Side note: remember that alleged diss from Biggie Smalls aimed at Nas, delivered over a Premier beat? Classic rap drama!)
For what felt like an eternity, Nas and Premier teased a full-length project. Remember that iconic 2006 Scratch magazine cover? The anticipation was palpable. But the album remained elusive... until now.
Last year, on the 30th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas reignited the flame, promising a full-blown collaboration and dropping the single "Define My Name." Then, Nas's Mass Appeal label announced 'Legend Has It...', a series of new albums from legendary rap artists, some released posthumously. Today, this series culminates with 'Light-Years,' the long-awaited Nas/Preemo masterpiece, finally gracing our ears.
And the verdict? It's good! Really good! Hearing Nas's distinctive, gravelly flow dance over Premier's signature crisp, precise instrumentals is a pure joy. But here's where it gets controversial... While the purists might argue that this collaboration would have been even more impactful in, say, 1996, it's still a treat. We do have to endure Nas's "cryptocurrency Scarface" references, which, let's be honest, felt a bit dated even when he first uttered them. Also, "NY State Of Mind Pt. 3" cleverly samples Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" and their original "NY State of Mind," but it might be too clever for some.
However, if you can overlook these minor quirks, the album is a testament to the enduring talent of these two veterans. And here's a detail that hip-hop heads will appreciate: the only guest appearance on the album is AZ, who also had the Illmatic guest spot. Talk about a full-circle moment!
'Light-Years' is out now on Mass Appeal.
What are your thoughts on the album? Do you agree that some of the choices feel a bit off, or are you just thrilled to have new Nas and Premier? Share your opinions in the comments!
