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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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Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy Explore Life and Love on “Love, Lust, & Wreckage”
“Love, Lust & Wreckage,” the latest single by the acoustic band Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy, is a poignant and emotive journey through the complexities of life and relationships. It promises breathtaking vocal performances against the backdrop of classic Americana instrumentals. With that and a premise surrounding the struggles of navigating a relationship where true love is elusive, we’re eager to see how it holds up.
From the first note, it becomes apparent that the vocals are the crown jewel of “Love, Lust & Wreckage.” The harmonies and individual performances by the band’s vocalists are rich and emotional. The singers skillfully convey the weight of the song’s theme, painting a vivid picture of the internal turmoil that comes with being in a relationship that lacks genuine love. Each vocal nuance adds depth to the narrative, making the listener feel the raw emotions embedded in the lyrics.
The lyrical content of the single delves into the profound struggles of life and relationships. The narrative explores the corrosive effects of being in a relationship where love is not reciprocated fully, emphasizing how such situations can erode one’s sense of self. The themes of love and lust are skillfully woven into the fabric of the song, while the wreckage comes in the aftermath of these loveless relationships.
The instrumentals, true to classic Americana staples, serve as a perfect complement to the powerful vocal performances. The acoustic arrangements provide a rustic and authentic backdrop, allowing the vocals to take center stage. The simplicity of the instrumentals enhances the storytelling aspect of the song, reinforcing the raw and honest emotions being conveyed.
One notable strength of “Love, Lust & Wreckage” lies in its sparse production, a natural choice for an acoustic band. The decision to keep the production minimalistic allows the authenticity of the performances to shine through. The vulnerability in the vocals and the rawness of the lyrics are not overshadowed by excessive instrumentation.
As the single unfolds, it becomes a compelling narrative of resilience and self-discovery in the face of challenging relationships. The vocalists convey a sense of vulnerability and strength simultaneously, adding layers of complexity to the overall theme. The chorus, with its harmonious blend of voices, becomes a powerful refrain that lingers in the listener’s mind, reinforcing the emotional weight of the song.
In conclusion, “Love, Lust & Wreckage” is not just a song; it’s a soul-stirring exploration of the highs and lows of love and life. Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy impress with a performance die-cast in gold and executed to perfection. With tracks like these in their backlog, we’re eager to see what they’ve got in store for us next.
–Sam Winters
Mainstage
A Closer Look at the adidas Yeezy Slide “Salt”
While Yeezy releases wind down, with the adidas label recently announcing that it will halt releases of the Yeezy line in 2023, another Yeezy Slide release has surfaced on the 2024 sneaker calendar. Indulge in a closer look at the Yeezy Slide “Salt,” model slated to drop in 2024.
With optimal comfort at the forefront, the green/gray-hued “Salt” slide is constructed from a single piece of injected EVA foam and boasts a signature wide strap covering most of the footbed. Subtle adidas branding is stamped on the footbed as well, with the model’s signature horizontal grooves along the outsole. The “Salt” colorway is just one slide model that is expected to be released next year. Check out the surfaced photos in the gallery above.
The adidas Yeezy Slide “Salt” runs for $75 USD, and is expected to drop sometime during 2024. Stay tuned for official images and more updates as they surface.
Elsewhere in the footwear world, Satisfy and HOKA have collaborated on a Clifton LS pack for the Fall/Winter 2023 season.
