Legendary lyricism meets vintage production in Nas’s latest project.
Nas has always been one of hip-hop’s most enduring voices, and his passion for the culture remains as vibrant as ever. Even after a career that reached legendary status with albums like Illmatic, he continues to push boundaries while staying true to the essence of the genre.
Since his early successes, Nas has treated subsequent projects as “house money,” yet he consistently delivers quality. Albums like King’s Disease and the Magic series with Hit-Boy have reinforced his ability to adapt while maintaining his signature lyrical prowess.
Now, Nas reunites with DJ Premier, the producer behind some of the most iconic tracks on Illmatic. This collaboration promises a blend of raw lyricism with timeless, vintage-inspired beats, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The new project, Light-Years, captures this dynamic perfectly. Nas’s storytelling remains razor-sharp, and Premier’s production layers cinematic, dramatic elements over hard-hitting boom-bap foundations. The result is a project that feels essential for fans of classic hip-hop.
Light-Years is concise yet powerful, featuring fifteen tracks that showcase Nas’s unmatched flow and precision. Standout songs like “NY State Of Mind Pt. 3” reaffirm why Nas is still considered one of the best lyricists in the game.
The guest list is minimal but meaningful, with appearances from AZ and the Steve Miller Band, each adding unique textures to the record without overshadowing Nas’s commanding presence.
Ultimately, Light-Years is a masterclass in lyricism, production, and artistry. It’s a project that proves Nas and DJ Premier’s creative chemistry is timeless, giving listeners a contemporary classic rooted in hip-hop tradition.
TRACKLIST
1. My Life Is Real (ft. DJ Premier)
2. GiT Ready (ft. DJ Premier)
3. NY State Of Mind Pt. 3 (ft. DJ Premier)
4. Welcome To The Underground (ft. DJ Premier)
5. Madman (ft. DJ Premier)
6. Pause Tapes (ft. DJ Premier)
7. Writers (ft. DJ Premier)
8. Sons (Young Kings) (ft. DJ Premier)
9. It’s Time (ft. DJ Premier & Steve Miller Band)
10. Nasty Esco Nasir (ft. DJ Premier)
11. My Story Your Story (ft. DJ Premier & AZ)
12. Bouquet (To The Ladies) (ft. DJ Premier)
13. Junkie (ft. DJ Premier)
14. Shine Together (ft. DJ Premier)
15. 3rd Childhood (ft. DJ Premier)
STREAM
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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