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Hit-Boy Narrates How He was Introduced to Nas Through Frank Ocean: A Story Revealed
Nas and Hit-Boy’s recent partnership has been legendary in the hip-hop industry. In just four years, they have released six albums, with three from the King’s Disease series and three from the Magic series. Their abundant production has received universal praise, especially the featured appearances by 50 Cent and Lil Wayne on Magic 2 and Magic 3.
In a recent interview with Rap Radar, Hit-Boy revealed the surprising origins of this fruitful partnership. According to the producer, he was introduced to Nas by none other than Frank Ocean. The introduction happened back in 2013 when Hit-Boy was working on a demo with Ocean.
“We met originally in like 2013. I did a demo with Frank Ocean and Frank Ocean played it for Nas. Me and Frank had a session of our own, we were just working on music and he did a hook he was like ‘yo I’m about to go work with Nas. I wanna play this hook for him.’ He played it and Nas was rocking with it,” Hit-Boy explained.
Eventually, the track transformed into “Royalty” from Nas’ Lost Tapes 2, but only Frank’s lyrics were kept in the final version.
In a post on Instagram last month, Hit-Boy further discussed his long-held desire to collaborate with Nas. He shared a note from his phone dated September 11th, 2011, where he expressed his wish to produce a Rihanna single and just three songs on a Nas album.
“Fast forward 12 years later and i’m 6 ALBUMS in with the God himself wow. How did we get here?!!,” Hit-Boy wrote.
The story of how Frank Ocean connected Hit-Boy and Nas is a testament to the power of networking and collaboration in the music industry. It also highlights the role of serendipity in shaping the course of music history.
As fans, we can only marvel at the string of albums that this introduction has produced and look forward to more collaborations from these talented artists in the future.
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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
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Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
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