new york hip-hop

Jim Jones Discusses Roc-A-Fella Breakup’s Impact On New York Hip-Hop

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During a recent conversation on DJ Self’s Apt. 5H show, Jim Jones spoke candidly of the Roc-A-Fella breakup and how it impacted New York hip-hop. Moreover, he also shared some thoughts alongside Hitmaka, with whom he just made a collaborative album, Back In My Prime. As Jones reveals, the dissolution of the legendary label led to a void within East Coast rap, specifically in NYC, where its artists scrambled to find a new home. Furthermore, the collective had an iron grip on the region that also led it through its arguable commercial and artistic peaks.

However, as impactful as their rise to the top was, their breakup dealt a similarly deep and lasting blow to the scene. Of course, it’s by no means dead, dying, or even close to it, but one can’t help but think back on the glory days. “The confusion at the Roc-A-Fella breakup did a lot of damage for New York music,” Jones remarked. “Remember, Roc-A-Fella had so many different types of music. They had The Diplomats, they had State Property, they had Brooklyn s**t. They really had a strong hold on East Coast music, so when that s**t started to happen…“

Jim Jones Speaks On Roc-A-Fella Breakup

Not only that, but producer Hitmaka brought up that they also tapped into the reggaetón market through their Roc-La-Familia sub label. If you’re interested in what that would result in, check out N.O.R.E.’s 2006 fusion of both worlds, N.O.R.E. y la Familia…Ya Tú Sabe. Not only did they experiment and keep an eye on what was next up, but they established a superstar discography, roster, and business in just a couple of years. After Jay-Z teased retirement, moved onto Def Jam, and he and cofounders Dame Dash and Biggs Burke sold their stake in Roc-A-Fella, the group was no more, splintered into different parts. However, Jay kept most of the money in the pot as CEO and president of Def Jam, which left his cofounders blindsided.

“Yeah, all that, but we were friends,” Dame Dash expressed on The Art Of Dialogue in August of last year. “Like, how would you feel if your brother just betrayed you for money? Would it hurt? That’s the algorithm. It wasn’t surprising ’cause that’s what always happens. We were breaking the algorithm, we were doing it a different way and sticking together, but that’s what always happens. They make one sell out the other, their friend, divide and conquer, that’s a normal story. That was my n***a, like we never argued, nothing. That’s why I didn’t know it was coming. That was some real slick s**t. I was like, ‘That n***a’s cold.’” Regardless of your take, stick around on HNHH for the latest on Jim Jones and the Roc-A-Fella camp.

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Melle Mel Believes Busta Rhymes Is Better Than Jay-Z

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Melle Mel continues his rap hot takes, as he said that Busta Rhymes is better than Jay-Z. Moreover, it seems like those comments came from the same interview in which he said Eminem is only considered a top five rapper because he’s white. Of course, that assessment set the Internet on fire for a bit, but this take seems a bit more nuanced. Furthermore, it sounds as if the Furious Five member spoke primarily of both’s abilities as MCs. At the end of the day, he sided with Busta for his magnanimous stage presence and his intangible yet hard-hitting talent.

“But now my point is, could he go up against Busta Rhymes?” Mel said of Jay-Z referring to Billboard‘s greatest rappers of all time list. “Could Busta take Jay-Z, yes or no? I don’t have no fear of getting on stage with anybody and crossing mics with anybody. Busta’s a hard draw. That would probably be the hardest draw in the game. He got all the intangibles. It’s a certain thing that Busta got that a lot of MCs don’t got. When he comin’ on that stage, if you out in the crowd, you know something is about to happen. It ain’t just the regular run of the mill ‘I can’t wait for him to do so-and-so song. It’s that magnetism. It’s like a different level that all MCs don’t have that he got. I’ll ride with Busta. If you got the list in front of you, where is Busta on that list?

Melle Mell Says Busta Rhymes Is Better Than Jay-Z

“On an overall 360 of an MC: the pen game, the studio game, the rap game, but the stage presence, that’s got to be in the equation,” he continued. “And absolutely, Busta’s stage presence is better than Jay-Z. Absolutely. I mean, it’s no denying that. Did you see where Busta is on that list? 33. Now, it ain’t [32] guys that can take the guy. That’s my point. Now if he’s 33, it’s not [32] guys that’s gonna say, ‘I want Busta, I wanna do the Verzuz.’ Don’t nobody want him. It ain’t gon’ happen. He could call dudes out. It’s not gonna happen. The type of MC that Busta is is more along the lines of what we was trying to do back in the day. You take your lunch pail to work, you go to work, and you work hard.

“It’s not like, as time went along, the industry kind of guy, the entrepreneur kind of guy, the guy that can do three or four things, he makin’ all different kind of money,” he concluded. “You know what I mean? And there’s a place for those guys and there is greatness in that. But I’m talking about 24/7, 365 days a year, wake Busta up out his sleep, wake Melle Mel up out his sleep, wake Caz up out his sleep, give this n***a a mic. Something gon’ happen. That’s my opinion of MCing, and my opinion should count more that the guy from the Vibe. ‘Cause there’s no way that Busta Rhymes is 33 in the greatest rappers of all time when, who’s gonna rap with the guy?” Let us know your take in the comments and return to HNHH for more hot takes in the rap game.

Dave East Raps Nas Verse Flawlessly When Asked About The First Verse He Memorized

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Dave East perfectly rapped through a Nas verse when asked about the first verse he ever memorized. During an interview with HipHopDX at the Grammys red carpet, they spoke with the New York rapper about the first verse to live fully in his head- well, other than his own raps. Moreover, the 34-year-old recited the New York legend’s bars on “You Won’t See Me Tonight.” Furthermore, that track features the late Aaliyah and landed on Nas’s 1999 album I Am… A pretty deep cut for many fans, so props to East for the pick and for his memory.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 15: Nas and Dave East attend the Hennessy All-Star Saturday Night with Nas, A$AP Ferg, & Da Baby at The Old Post Office on February 15, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Hennessey)

“Caramel kisses of Jezebel’s sister,” he began. “I feel no guilt when I twist ya. Turn the other cheek when I see the next freak witcha. You got your name on his lease, copy his keys. That’s your lil’ spot where you rest your wig piece. Go ‘head and live baby, I know you his lady. You page me, when you got the day free. But I be out with my peeps in them system Jeeps. You wanna lay up in the sheets of presidential suites.

“Like I’ll massage you while you massage me, mami,” he continued. “But can you hang with a young man who’s doing his thang? Speak up, I wanna know if you can keep up. Timberland boots for girls, with the tree stump. Baggy sweatsuits, mystery what’s underneath them. They for my eyes only, you call me when you lonely. But I like to make the baddest girls wait, I got G baby.”

Meanwhile, Nas wasn’t the only OG that Dave East shouted out at the Grammys red carpet. Also, he spoke excitedly about portraying Method Man again in the upcoming season of Hulu’s series Wu Tang: An American Saga. “It’s the best season,” he told Baller Alert. “I think this the season that the world’s going to be able to identify the most with. I feel like season one and two is, like, stuff you didn’t know about them. You know what I mean? Getting to know their stories. Season three, I’m, like, really Meth. I look like Meth for real, I got the fangs and all that. It’s dope the way RZA did it this season.” Let us know if you’re excited for the show in the comments, and return to HNHH for the latest on Nas and Dave East.

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LL Cool J Speaks On Upcoming Album, Praises Q-Tip’s Production

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LL Cool J recently opened up about his forthcoming album and praised the legendary Q-Tip for his excellent executive production. While the rapper celebrated a big night at the 65th Grammy Awards red carpet, he’s got an even bigger year ahead. Moreover, this new LP from LL will be his first since 2013’s Authentic. “I know all the tricks. I got this covered,” he expressed to E! News. “Look, it was executive produced by Q-Tip. The album I think is really, really special. I think it’s something it’s modern without chasing. It’s a whole new thing. I can’t wait for the people to see it.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Melle Mel, LL Cool J and GloRilla performs during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/FilmMagic)

“I think honestly and sincerely that Q-Tip as a producer is unbelievable and what he did on this record for me, I think is amazing,” he continued. “So the world will decide.” Shortly after the Grammys, the rap pioneer doubled down on his promo via Twitter. “My new album is coming this year,” he wrote earlier today (February 6). Also, he previously teased his next album on his 55th birthday. “I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” the MC tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.” As he also celebrates hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, it’s going to be a big year for the Rock The Bells mogul.

On that note, he hosted a celebration for the genre at the Grammy awards ceremony. Alongside The Roots, with the occasion curated by their drummer and icon Questlove, he blended different eras of hip-hop together. While DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Drama controlled the mixers, hip-hop history unfolded on the Grammys stage. It began with performances from some of its pioneers: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J himself. Then, the show moved through a barrage of rap icons playing some of their biggest hits.

Meanwhile, the newer generations also got their slice of the pie. Following Method Man, Queen Latifah, and Public Enemy, artists like Missy Elliott, Nelly, and Busta Rhymes kept the energy up. Finally, the show rounded out with some big current names like Lil Baby, GloRilla, and Lil Uzi Vert. Between this and more great music from some of the genre’s legends, all we can do is wait patiently and take it all in. As always, log back into HNHH for the latest on LL Cool J, upcoming albums, and the artistry of hip-hop.

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Coldxman Makes His Mark With Debut Album, “Amor Fati”

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New York resident Coldxman just burst onto the scene with his debut album, Amor fati, which translates to “love of fate.” However, this project’s characteristics, vision, and displays of skill seem much more refined that many first releases out there. Of course, that’s due to Coldxman, real name Coleman Hughes, being an accomplished musician and writer before his independent rap debut. Moreover, he’s a talented trombone player and jazz soloist who’s played worldwide with the likes of the Mingus Big Band and Rihanna. Also, he played since he was 3, grew up as a passionate listener and musician, and went to Juilliard on a full scholarship to study jazz.

Moreover, Amor fati roots itself in classic boom-bap rhythms and East Coast flows, which come through clearly and vividly. For example, he’s able to switch between confidence and doubt, anger and tenderness, melodic choruses to rapid-fire verses. Also, given his accomplished background, these songs sit on a foundation of beautiful and crisp instrumentation. Whether it’s sharp drum patters, woozy guitars, colorful brass, or resonant keys, there’s a world to discover in each beat. Some of the album’s best tracks are “What Doesn’t Kill U,” “25,” and “Blasphemy.” While it’s clearly rooted in current sounds and genre styles, what brings everything together is Hughes’s perspective. Even with the quality of the beats and genre fusions, they’re crucially supported by his message.

Throughout this album, the young MC tackles systemic racism, cultural narratives that shift people against each other, and navigating it in a difficult landscape. Overall, it’s a compelling and vivid picture of a creative and thoughtful mind that’s surely got more in store. Still, what did you think of Coldxman’s debut album, Amor fati? However y, let us know in the comments and check out the project’s tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find it in your preferred streaming service. As always, come back to HNHH for the freshest new music each week from current titans and the next generation.

Tracklist
1. 25
2. Straight A’s
3. All To Myself
4. Take
5. Alibi (feat. Estrella)
6. Blasphemy
7. Forward
8. Chinos
9. What Doesn’t Kill U
10. Fruit

Killah Priest Unleashes “Ragnarok” Remix Album

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Already, Killah Priest is off to a prolific start in 2023 with his newest album, Ragnarok Remixes. As the title implies, the project consists of remixes of his 2021 album with Shaka Amazulu The 7th, Ragnarok. In fact, this remix album features Killah Priest’s recently formed supergroup, The HRSMN. Moreover, he joined Kurupt, Canibus, and Ras Kass to form their lyrical troop. While the verses and core tracks keep their essence on this remix album, the beats really come alive. Furthermore, some of its architects are B.S.O.M., Anthai, 4th Disciple, DJ Dave, and many more.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Killah Priest performs onstage during the Meadows Music and Arts Festival – Day 3 at Citi Field on September 17, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Wu-Tang Legacy

However, last we heard from Killah Priest in the headlines came from some controversial comments from N.O.R.E.. The media personality referred to many rappers, including Priest, as Wu-Tang “flunkies.” Also, he reached out to Priest after his comments caught heat in order to make amends. For example, Shyheim, one of the dissed rappers, aimed shots at Noreaga after his assessment. “N***as get drunk and run they mouth, and don’t know what you talkin’ about,” he wrote on his IG page. “I ain’t ever been nobody’s flunky or nonexistent. I am the true and living god. I’m in present time, n***a. F**k outta here.” 

Still, what did you think of Killah Priest’s latest album, the instrumentally dense Ragnarok Remixes? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find the remix collection on your preferred streaming service. Furthermore, check back in with HNHH for the best new mixtapes, singles, and everything in between each week.

Tracklist
1. The Ark Before Noah (B.S.O.M. Remix ft. Shaka Amazulu The 7th)
2. B.4.R.C.O.D.3. (Anthai Remix)
3. Day of the Dead (Krohme’s Reprise ft. Blind Orbits)
4. Mind Detect Mind (Cotardz Remix ft. Hus KingPin & Planet Asia)
5. T.E.A. (Willie Maestro Remix ft. Mega-Powers, Pro the Leader, Shaka Amazulu The 7th, Solomon Childs & The Holocaust)
6. Dark Planets (Si Abuelita Remix ft. Thea Van Seijen)
7. Double Couple (Bronze Nazareth Remix)
8. Ragnoros Hammer (DJ Dave Remix)
9. Black Market Rustlers (B.S.O.M. Remix ft. Hell Razah & Timbo King)
10. The Darkness (4th Disciple Remix)
11. “I” (Yodi Remix)
12. M.D.M. (Iron Shiek Hrsmn Remix ft. Hus KingPin, Kurupt, Planet Asia, Ras Kass & HRSMN)

CJ Goes “GANGSTA” On New Song

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Staten Island rapper CJ just dropped his newest single, “GANGSTA.” Moreover, the new track sees CJ in a more introspective, emotive, yet focused state of mind. While his last solo releases were singles, he kept quite busy with features and appearances during 2022.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 22: Rapper CJ performs onstage during Hot 97 Summer Jam 2021 at Met Life Stadium on August 22, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the 26-year-old just inked a new deal with AWAL (SONY) and James Cruz’s Cruz Control. In fact, it marks his artistic independence since the success of his two-times platinum hit, “Whoopty.” Moreover, CJ has a new album on the horizon this year, plus ambitions of Hollywood projects.

This new track is much more low-key than some of his most well-known output. While the drum pattern is recognizable, it also fits the song’s more mellow and understated instrumentation. Little distracts from the Staten Island rapper’s flows and lyrics other than some atmospheric synth pads. Even with a more skeletal set of elements, CJ’s perspective comes through to impress.

Meanwhile, his features on albums like French Montana and DJ Drama’s Coke Boys 6: Money Heist Edition heightened his profile. While the sound of New York drill defined much of his breakout material, it’s clear that he’s moving on to more dynamic approaches. On this song, CJ reflects on his hardened come-up before success and the details of said life that live in his mind. After a lot of hot singles and career maneuvering in the industry, it’s heartening to see a rising rapper take direct control of his work like this.

Still, what do you think of CJ’s newest single, “GANGSTA”? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments and check out some notable lyrics below. Also, if you haven’t heard the song yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service. As always, check back in with HNHH for the best new releases each week.

Quotable Lyrics

How you think it feel everyday you gotta keep it on you?
Waking motherf***ers up you’re tired of n***as sleeping on you
Tryna move onto the better things, move to where the weather change
I know a plug that sent her things how you expect me to stay the same?

LL Cool J Teases New Album In 2023

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As 2023 gears up for new music, many artists are letting us know there’s heat on the way. The latest to do so is LL Cool J, who promised fans a new album in 2023. Moreover, his last studio project was ten years ago, with 2013’s Authentic. Given his classic catalog and incredible impact, he set up big musical expectations for the year.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 07: LL Cool J attends SiriusXM and Pandora Playback with Mount Westmore including E-40, Too Short & Ice Cube at SiriusXM Studios on December 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Furthermore, he tweeted the announcement as part of his 55th birthday celebrations last Friday (January 14). While he didn’t directly acknowledge the big day, he shared a video of DJ Z-Trip gifting him a custom art piece. Also, he shared his big plans for the year and set himself up for a grand return.

“I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” the MC tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.”

Moreover, his previous album Authentic arrived five years after his swan song for Def Jam, Exit 13. While he was on the legendary label, he released a project every two or three years from 1987 to 2008.

Even though excitement is high for a long-awaited return, this isn’t the first time he’s teased it. In fact, he teased the release of G.O.A.T. 2 in various interviews in 2014, a sequel to his eighth studio project. Despite his absence in the music lane, he is still a monumental figure in hip-hop and found success in other lanes such as acting.

In 2018, he founded Rock The Bells, a brand focused on uplifting hip-hop culture and communities. Its namesake is LL’s 1985 hit of the same name. Through original content, business partnerships, merch, and more, they preserve the genre’s history and contributions. Most recently in August of 2022, they held the first Rock The Bells Festival. It featured Rick Ross, Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Scarface, Fat Joe, and many more.

Next, the brand’s eyes are set on the inaugural Hip Hop Experience Cruise to celebrate the art form’s 50-year history. In partnership with Sixthman, the Norwegian Pearl is hosting the cruise from Miami to The Bahamas from November 14th to November 17th this year. Still, performers haven’t been announced, but Trina and Trick Daddy will welcome guests with a concert as part of a kick-off party.

Are you excited for LL Cool J’s new album dropping in 2023? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for updates on hip-hop history and new releases.

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Homeboy Sandman Drops Ethereal Album, “12 Days Of Christmas & Día De Los Reyes”

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Queens rapper Homeboy Sandman just released 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes, his new holiday project. Well, kind of: the theme may be based around Christmastime, but it’s still the same abstract word wizardry you’ve come to expect from him. Moreover, he dropped a single from this album every day leading up to its release starting on December 25th. With tracks like “Eighth Day of Christmas,” he built a concise and laidback collection of interesting beats and flows.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 06: Homeboy Sandman performs at Revolution on July 6, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images)

Each track corresponds to a “day of Christmas”: the first, second, and so on. However, wrapping up the tracklist is “Día de Los Reyes,” referring to the Christian holiday on January 6th. Moreover, it’s a nod to Homeboy’s Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Three Kings’ Day, as it’s known in English, is big in Latin America. So, with that in mind, the 42-year-old gave fans great hip-hop wrapped in a cultural history lesson waiting to be unearthed. Still, even with that extra layer, his style and delivery is too skillful to ignore.

On that note of great hip-hop, the instrumental variety is rich on here despite its narrow theme. While Sandman doesn’t focus on overtly holiday-related topics, each song could be a gift to fans of abstract styles of rap. “Second Day of Christmas,” for example, features a heavy guitar-based beat that slams through the speakers. Meanwhile, the very next track “Third Day of Christmas” is a Madlib-like collection of bustling drums and a heady and sprawling verse. Also, he displays a similar creativity on his album with the Oakstop Alliance, Royalty Summit.

Still, what did you think of Homeboy Sandman’s latest album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, you can check out the project’s tracklist down there as well. Moreover, as always, stay posted to HNHH for more creative releases in the hip-hop realm and beyond.

Tracklist

  1. First Day of Christmas
  2. Second Day of Christmas
  3. Third Day of Christmas
  4. Fourth Day of Christmas
  5. Fifth Day of Christmas
  6. Sixth Day of Christmas
  7. Seventh Day of Christmas
  8. Eighth Day of Christmas
  9. Ninth Day of Christmas
  10. Tenth Day of Christmas
  11. Eleventh Day of Christmas
  12. Twelfth Day of Christmas
  13. Día de Los Reyes

Homeboy Sandman Starts Year With New Song “Eighth Day Of Christmas”

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Homeboy Sandman blessed fans with a single every day in the holiday season, with his latest being “Eighth Day of Christmas.” Moreover, he began on December 25th, and his end goal is his new album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de los Reyes, set to drop on Three Kings Day (January 6th). As such, each day leading up to the 6th brought us a new single off the album from Sandman.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 06: Homeboy Sandman performs at Revolution on July 6, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images)

While a track a day can seem daunting, the Queens MC wrote varied and high-quality tracks for each day. Some of his earlier singles were woozier, more energetic, and laced with spontaneous drums. However, “Eighth Day of Christmas” displayed Homeboy Sandman in a drumless, more reflective state. The beat is based on a smooth, glamorous, and lush sample, with many different instruments elevating the track.

For example, there’s the subtle chunks of electric guitar that give the track a funky feel. Also, the keys go from low bass notes to high-pitched tones with ease, which add some dynamism to the track. There’s not a lot of percussion here, with a light hi-hat and rimshot used as sparse elements. Finally, the deep bass is what grounds the track, balancing out the track’s melodic elements.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old delivers a subtly emphatic performance, despite the track’s low-key and dreamy atmosphere. All of the beat’s elements come through very densely, but Homeboy balanced them with a confident and raspy flow. While there are a few abstract bars here and there, there are also powerfully simple proclamations against traditional success and not getting his due credit.

Furthermore, the flow is consistent, but he spit a lot of internal rhyme schemes and cheeky references. Everything makes for a great performance to ring 2023 in, consistent with his impressive output from last year. For example, he assisted the Oakland-based Oakstop Alliance in their debut album, Royalty Summit.

What did you think of Homeboy Sandman’s newest track, “Eighth Day of Christmas”? Moreover, are you excited for his new album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de los Reyes? Let us know in the comments and check out some standout bars down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest great music drops of the week.

Quotable Lyrics

Laughin’ at the premise that I’m good for one penny,
Peep the independence, y’all gon’ need to come get me,
Example: tell my niece ‘Never need mimic,’
No need to even speak of a speed limit