Nas

AI Biggie Covers Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind,” Twitter Is Divided

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Some of our favourite artists have already dropped off noteworthy new music in 2023. Unfortunately, their releases as of late are chiefly being overshadowed by the songs coming out via artificial intelligence. From hearing Kanye West take on Hit-Boy’s “2 Certified” thanks to technology to heavy hitters like Drake and Michael Jackson covering Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the entertainment has been endless, albeit damaging to the music industry. Earlier this week, a video of the late Biggie Smalls rapping Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” began circulating online, sparking plenty of debate amongst the hip-hop community,

The 1994 cut previously arrived on the New Yorker’s Illmatic album and remains one of the most popular in his discography to this day. Of course, The Notorious B.I.G. lost his life just three years after this, and though he and Nas had plans to collaborate (the latter previously revealed on The Breakfast Club that he “got too high” in the studio for anything to come to fruition), it ultimately never came to be. This is the closest we’ll probably ever to see to a joint effort, and while some users are loving Biggie’s flow on his friend’s song, others are frustrated with AI’s presence in the industry at the moment.

Biggie’s Unofficial “N.Y. State of Mind” Cover

@aiverse2

Ny state or mind 🔥#fyp #ai #aicover #biggie #fypage #nas #fypシ #rap

♬ N.Y. State of Mind – Nas

“This made me realize Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever,” one Twitter user said, markedly praising the 49-year-old. Another, less pleased listener chimed in, “The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is f*cking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone.” Elsewhere, someone argued that the computer-generated audio fails to “capture Big’s essence one bit.”

Apart from the comedic, discourse-causing covers, we’ve also heard brand new lyrics written and beats crafted for Champagne Papi, The Weeknd, and more, rivalling some of their previous releases in the hearts of fans. In wake of this, music labels are beginning to take action in defence of their artists to protect their work and vocals. Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s reactions to the viral Biggie AI cover, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments afterward.

Social Media Reacts

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Nas Admits He “Probably Was A Bad Father” To His Daughter

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Though naturally recluse, Nas opens up to the world whenever he steps into the booth. From the release of Illmatic to recent efforts like the King’s Disease series, Nas drops gems, whether from his own observations of the world around him or his own self-realization. Today, he appeared on the opening track of Swizz Beatz’s Hip-Hop 50 Vol. 2, “Runaway.” The Queensbridge rapper dives into his own experiences of being a parent, specifically when raising his first-born daughter.

On the record, Nas discusses his struggles balancing his life as a rapper and a father to Destiny, who he shares with Carmen Bryan. He reflects on providing Destiny with the financial backing to succeed but ultimately, failed to spend as much time as he should’ve. “Probably was a bad father to my first born/ Love her to death, but I ain’t been home since my first song/ Provided for her, but money can’t replace a father for her,” he raps on the record. Nas previously addressed raising a daughter on 2012’s Life Is Good in the song, “Daughters,” where he similarly reflected on some of the mistakes he made as a parent. 

Nas Reflects On Fatherhood

In addition to Destiny, Nas also shares a 13-year-old son with his ex-wife Kelis. Even though the two had their fair share of public disputes surrounding custody, the rapper expresses his gratitude on “Runaway” for his kids. Still, he admits that he didn’t expect to live long enough to watch them grow. “Plus I got a son, blessed with kids, yeah, man, I adore ’em/ And I was sure I was gonna leave this life too fast/ I got the guardian angels, came down and saved my ass,” he raps on the record.

Swizz Beatz’s Hip-Hop 50 Vol. 2 serves as a tribute to New York’s rap scene and includes appearances from Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Jay Electronica, Bandmanrill, Fivio Foreign, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and more. The project follows the release of DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1. Each of these EPs has been released through Nas’ Mass Appeal imprint. Check out Nas’s new song above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments. 

Swizz Beatz Releases ‘Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2’ Via Mass Appeal

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Today, Grammy Award-winning producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Swizz Beatz, releases his triumphant EP – Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 – via Mass Appeal. The 5-track project marks the second EP in Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. Coming off the first installment of the EP series with DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1, Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is entirely produced by Swizz Beatz. The EP is an ode to New York rap and includes star-studded features from Nas, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jadakiss, Jay Electronica, Benny The Butcher, Fivio Foreign, Scar Lip and Bandmanrill. Fans can also stay tuned for the “Say Less” video featuring Lil Durk & A Boogie wit da Hoodie releasing next week. 

Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is the culmination of Swizz Beatz’s career spanning over two decades and the sound that inspired it. The Verzuz creator first rose to prominence as a Ruff Ryder producing songs for DMX and Eve. The success of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” launched Beatz’s career as a highly sought-after and regarded artist. He’s since gone on to create some of the most prolific songs in Hip Hop, working with JAY-Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Nas, Rakim, Lil Wayne, and many more. Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 will be followed by eight more EPs from iconic figures who’ve had a hand in expanding the culture from the streets of the Bronx to the global community. Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack, distributed via Mass Appeal’s new deal with The Orchard, is the score to the biggest birthday bash ever.

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A portion of all Hip Hop 50 proceeds will be donated to the various charitable organizations, including, the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024. Mass Appeal recently announced Hip Hop 50 partnerships with CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – the official Vodka of #HipHop50, as well as Google Pixel and Sony Music Entertainment. In January, Mass Appeal partnered with Fotografiska to launch Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibition – currently on view in New York City till May 21st before traveling to other locations. Additionally, Mass Appeal has teamed up with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming, as well as Paramount + / Showtime for a premium content partnership with captivating documentaries such as: YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN, SUPREME TEAM and more.

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6 Treys Member Arrested For Allegedly Trying To Avenge Nas Blixky’s Shooting

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Nas Blixky survived a shooting earlier this year, and an alleged member of the 6 Treys gang was arrested by police for recently and reportedly trying to avenge it. Moreover, the rapper fortunately survived, a fate that others in his camp unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see. Furthermore, the New York Daily News reported that 22-year-old Taj Zeigler was arrested and detained at Brooklyn Federal Court on Friday (April 7). According to the charges, Zeigler tried to shoot the person responsible for the attack on Nas on January 28, 2022, just six days after Blixky was shot.

However, his efforts proved unsuccessful, and he hit no such target. To elaborate, Zeigler reportedly belongs to the 6 Treys, an offshoot of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples that Larry Hoover founded in 1960s Chicago. Not only that, but police were able to identify Zeigler (who wore a mask during the shooting) because of footage showing him wearing “black Marmot-brand puffer jacket and two-toned black and grey sneakers.” Through some social media sleuthing, authorities found that said outfit is similar to one he wore in various videos and pictures.

6 Treys Member Arrested For Attempting Revenge For Nas Blixky Shooting

Moreover, his charges include possessing ammunition as a felon, and additional charges are unknown as of writing this article. After Nas Blixky’s shooting, his stepfather told the aforementioned publication that he’d retire from the game. “On Facebook they’re saying he’s dead but he’s still alive,” he stated. “The rapper Nas Blixky is dead. The stage name is gone. Many people want him dead. I told him he’s better than that. You want him dead? He’s dead. He’ll be back with better music and better lyrics.”

Meanwhile, Nas Blixky fought back against these claims in a Complex interview. “I f**k all these n***as’ b***hes. I’m the flyest,” he said. “Sometimes I can get cocky with it, ’cause it’s the n***as that be coming at me. But sometimes I be humble with it, you feel me? ’Cause, just like this, it can be taken from you. I got my cocky s**t out… now it’s time to fall back and lay low. I ain’t never done dissin’.” Furthermore, along with 23 other alleged gang members, he faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, endangerment, and more. For more updates on the Nas Blixky case, stick around on HNHH.

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R-Mean Trades Bars With Nas On “Candle Of The Devil”

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R-Mean isn’t playing around these days. The West Coast rapper continues to apply pressure with each record. Every time he shows out, he proves that he’s one of the fiercest lyricists in the game right now. Over the years, he’s show-and-proved time and time again, from the Mean Monday series, which showcased his consistency, to projects like December’s Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean, a project that found him trading bars with the likes of Jay Critch, BlocBoy JB, and more. 

However, he’s been gearing up for something major in the past few months. With his album M.E.A.N due out later this month, he’s dished out excellent singles. He kicked off the year with “Lonely Day.” Later on, he showcased his versatility when he joined forces for YG on the playful, “Charles Barkley.” Now, he connected with one of his childhood heroes for an incredible collaboration, produced by Scott Storch.

R-Mean & Nas Trade Bars On “Candle Of The Devil”

It truly takes a special type of artist to earn praise from Nas, but evidently, R-Mean proved himself worthy through years of hard work. This week, the two connect on their new collaboration, “Candle Of The Devil.” Scott Storch’s xylophone-heavy production feels like a call back to Nas’ 96 run while the two bring top-tier storytelling and wordplay to the table. R-Mean’s resilience shines as he reflects on spirituality, family, and legacy. Nas follows up with an excellent 16 that showcases his timeless flow and penmanship.

On Instagram, R-Mean detailed how he manifested the collaboration. Back in 2017, he released “Letter To The King,” a tribute to his two idols, Eminem and Nas. Though many of his fans praised the record, he didn’t get any sort of acknowledgment from either rapper, until a few years later. “Several years later, on a random Wednesday, I got a facetime call and when I picked up it was Nas [mind blown emoji] He happened to walk into Cookies on Melrose and my brother @alll___1 played him ‘Letter to the King,’” he wrote on Instagram. “Nas told me ‘that sh*t did something to me right now’ as he pointed to his chest. Three days later we were in the studio at @scottstorchofficial’s house and we created this masterpiece together on the spot!” Check the song above.

Quotable Lyrics
Red wine straight out of Spain, poured from a pitcher
Four hour dinners out with my n***as, pour out some liquor
You was told to accept things you can’t change
I respect that, to me, nothin’ in monolithic
Nobody exempt from who karma visit

Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Third LP ‘I Am’ 24 Years Ago

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Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.

Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.

Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).

This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.

After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.

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Mary J. Blige, Nas, And Chance the Rapper Will Headline Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa 2023

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Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa‘s 2023 lineup has been revealed. The three-day outdoor festival will be headlined by Mary J. Blige, Nas, and Chance The Rapper. Set to take place between July 28 and 30, this year’s festival will feature Grammy Award-winning musician Robert Glasper as the artist-in-residence, as well as special guests De La Soul, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway, and more.

This is by no means Glasper’s first time working with the festival. However, each time he takes the stage, the musician finds a way to reinvent his rich discography.

Other notable acts on the lineup include Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge), Ari Lennox, Cordae, Digable Planets, Big Freedia, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway, Talib Kweli & Malib, PJ Morton, Rapsody, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Smino. View the full lineup below.

The Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa 2023 will be held at the Silverado Resort in Napa, California. The event will also feature curated after parties each night, with sets from 9th Wonder, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more. Not to be confused with their iconic New York installment slated in June, the Napa series is a much more intimate experience compared to the flagship event.

Tickets for Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa 2023 go on sale on Wednesday, April 5, beginning at 9 am local time. For more information, click here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Nas, Mary J. Blige, More Announced For Blue Note Jazz Festival

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Nas, Mary J. Blige, and De La Soul have all been announced as performers at the Blue Note Jazz Festival. The bi-coastal festival announced the lineup by way of instagram. The hip-hop heavy hitters are just a few of the exciting performers that have been confirmed to perform. There will also be performances from Chance The Rapper, Cordae, and NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge). Additionally, Dave Chappelle will return to host. This announcement comes just three weeks after the festival announced its east coast lineup, which included artists like the iconic Grace Jones and Robert Glasper.

The Blue Note Jazz Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in both New York City and Napa. It features a wide range of jazz, soul, funk, and blues artists. The festival is named after the legendary New York jazz club, the Blue Note. The club has been a staple of the Greenwich Village music scene since 1981. Likewise, the festival has been become a staple of the jazz scene. The festival usually spans several weeks and showcases both established and up-and-coming artists. It often includes special collaborations and one-of-a-kind performances. The festival has become a must-see event for jazz lovers from all around the world and continues to be a vital platform for the evolution of jazz music.

Blue Note Celebrates Jazz and Hip Hop

The Blue Note Festival is no stranger to icons taking the stage. The 2022 festival featured performances from Rakim, Snoop Dogg, Chaka Khan, and George Clinton. “The intimate festival boasts a lineup of cultural icons, all in tune to celebrate the influence of jazz on hip-hop for the past 50 years,” the festival’s official Instagram wrote. Certainly, the festival has become the best place for music fans to appreciate legendary artists of both genres. As the festival itself says, it’s a “who’s who of music culture.”

The 2023 Blue Note Jazz Festival will take place in both New York City and Napa, California. The first round of performances will take place throughout June in New York at the titular club and other popular venues. Subsequently, the second lineup of performers will take the stage in Napa July 28, 29, and 30 at the Silverado Resort. Tickets can be purchased for the event this Friday on the festival’s official website. Will you be attending the Blue Note Jazz Festival? Additionally, who are you most excited to see take the stage? Sound off in the comments below!