Nas' New Album Magic makes Hip-Hop Feel Pure Again.

Whenever Nas decides to drop an album the world stands still for the generation he represents. Nas for many is old school and he is pure Hip-Hop to others. But where all generations of thought will come to one conclusion on Nas, is that he loves the culture and you can hear it within his music. With a renewed sound and a Grammy win documented on his legacy, Nas continues to do what OGs are supposed to and that is to be truthful without regret in all his moves.

The new music shows more of his perspective as a man that lives and has lived many lives in his time. The scary thing is that in this crazy world where we never know when time may stop for any of us, the moments to teach, and to be taught are becoming more necessary as the days seem to move on. So in today's era of music where music is always given to the youth it is good to see someone that upholds the culture to a high level still making moves to show the world how special Hip-Hop is by giving needed messages in the music. Where Hip-Hop has went into the shake your ass and get high emotional era, Nas teams up with Hit-Boy again to release another great release that talks about the truth of Nas' legacy and how he is inspired by the doubt that was put on his name for years in the game.

Magic is 9 tracks of lyrics and musical scripture meant to feed the mind while Hit-Boy produces the sound that gives the rhythm of life to the heart and ear of the listener. With lines like "...feeding the buzz till KD3 comes out..." It seems like Nas and Hit-Boy are making the statement of "Keeping Real Hip-Hop Alive", while using skits from conversations of people sating Nas killed Hip-Hop by him proclaiming Hip-Hop is Dead. In my opinion this is where we grow from the death of Hip-Hop talk to now how do we nurture the genre and culture to keep moving it forward?

Nas used Magic in my opinion to once again show us how to be a master while mastering his craft. With the "Video Music Box" documentary out now on Showtime, Mass Appeal Records putting out music and podcasts, The Bridge, and putting out music we have seen Nas more now than ever before. With investments and media putting him in the public eye, Nas is becoming one of the true monuments of Hip-Hop Culture, Music Culture and more importantly Life's Process to teach all people especially from the inner city that the world IS yours and you have the power to make it into whatever you choose through inspiration and finding your purpose. Hit-Boy delivers masterfully in the music and with quotes like Nas and Hit-Boy are the new Gangstarr there is a lot to focus on and to look forward to on King's Disease 3. With all the talk of who can beat who on a Verzuz stage, I will say this for anyone that is seen as untouchable put Nas in there as he adds to masterful catalogue and keeps the culture pure by adding wisdom to the sound that comes out of it year after year with quality music. Magic is out right now on all music platforms, this is one to buy not rent from your phone or computer. Thank us later for this advice.

The Power of 2 part 1(Raekwon the Chef & Ghostface Killah)

This is dedicated to the 2 man team that in the 90s gave us the standard of being part of a powerhouse movement and creating another one inside of it. Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah are the gold standard of being generals that lead armies while being part of a bigger army themselves. I first heard Wu-Tang Clan in 1992 on a Prince Rakeem track. We were all like what the fuck is Wu-Tang Clan and we chilled on the name and wanted to see what is going on. In 1993, Proteck ya Neck dropped on Video Music Box and the world was open to the Wu-Tang movement. Over time the Clan dropped a monster classic album and then the soldiers in the army dropped soldiers who became generals.

In 1995 Only Built for Cuban Linx dropped and Raekwon dropped the album that changed the game as a solo artist. The title alone changed the game by having a feature artist that guest starred another artist. With Ghostface Killah being on his album and bringing a style to compliment the main artist Ghostface cemented himself as a capable artist that deserves to be heard more. 1 year later we received the Ironman album and with the aid of soul samples and 70s movies Ghostface dropped an album that guest starred Raekwon the Chef and Cappadonna (Cappachino). This revolving feature highlighted the classic Hip-Hop proverb "My seeds, Go with his seeds, marry his seeds, that's how we keep Wu-Tang money in the family..." (Ghostface Killah - Glaciers of Ice).

As years have passed and countless of albums have dropped, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah have cemented the value of the 2 man rap team that is what Hip-Hop is starving for with the desire for collaboration albums and the group dynamic in Hip-Hop. When we think of the best Hip-Hop groups, the team of 2 is always of as the best lyrical punchers as a team. We think of EPMD, M.O.P., Smif N Wessun, Eightball & MJG, UGK, Mobb Deep, Outkast and more from the different territories of the Hip-Hop landscape. This Blog is to highlight the greatness Raekwon and Ghostface brings to the culture that the people still want: Great, timeless music connected with memories of music and situations they can relate to in life. Raekwon has given us the streets and the growth of a man that overcame harsh life to be a Don. Ghostface gives us the same but with a different style of presentations. He highlights the soul of the 70s with the street tales of the 80s and 90s with grown man music and wisdom.

To celebrate them we have created a part 1 playlist that is available for all members of Heritage Hip-Hop's website. We created the Power of 2 Playlist featuring a Part 1 based on Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah. This playlist is to remember the sound of Hip-Hop before and to inspire Hip-Hop artists that are leaders in the genre today and tomorrow. Join HeritageHipHop.com and become a member to listen to this playlist. We celebrate our greats by reliving their music and their influence in the genre. From video vames, to movies, comic books, art and so much more. Wu-Tang Clan has changed the world. Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah is no different as they have coined the terms Purple Tape, The Wallobee Champs, and more. Salute to the Generals that took street raps and the lost art of Story rhymes to the next level. Enjoy the playlist and if you like this more will come. Leave a comment, Peace.