Mainstage

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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Artist Spotlight

Anna Dahl shares anthemic sentiment in her mesmerizing debut single, “Top-Shelf”

Anna Dahl is an emerging force in the Country/Rock-pop scene, ready to take the spotlight and create a buzz with her dynamic sound. Her debut single, “Top Shelf,” is a clever, guitar-driven mix of sass, soul, and country-rock swagger. Originally from Wisconsin and now based in Los Angeles, Dahl has already acquired valuable performance experience at a young age, demonstrating with this track that she truly commands the stage.

Produced by the talented Don Miggs, whose collaborations with Dolly Parton and Cowboy Mouth speak volumes about his expertise, “Top Shelf” quickly establishes the vibe promised by its title: smooth, refined, and bursting with energy. This song is a vibrant celebration of feminine confidence centered around a fun girls’ night out. It pays tribute to strong women and good music while heralding the beginning of something exciting, making it the perfect anthem to blast through car speakers while heading out with friends.

Beyond its playful nature, “Top Shelf” conveys a powerful message: Anna knows her worth. With the line, “It’s gonna take more than a cheap beer to catch her attention,” she delivers a sentiment that could easily be embroidered on a denim jacket or find a place in the hall of fame of country anthems. It’s not just about having fun; it’s also empowering.

Anna Dahl’s vocal delivery is exceptional, demonstrating both clarity and inherent charisma as she skillfully blends elements of grit and melody. The central hook of the track is undeniably catchy, featuring bold and infectious energy that renders it an ideal addition to any enthusiast’s playlist. If this composition serves as the initial salvo from her upcoming EP, one can anticipate an exciting evolution in her musical narrative. With “Top Shelf,” Anna Dahl delivers an unmistakably assertive message: she’s not here to play small; instead, she aims to make a significant impact while unequivocally showcasing her top-tier talent, possessing a precise understanding of her artistic direction and objectives.

For more information about Anna Dahl, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Anna Dahl’s “Top Shelf“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Anna Dahl | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Munk Duane drops a sonic bang with static truth in his recent release “Falsify”

Boston-based exceptionally talented artist, producer, and composer Munk Duane is a genre-shifting maestro who masterfully showcases his distinctive artistry with passion and soulful synths in his gripping new single, “Falsify.” This track is a pivotal addition to his discography, marking a significant moment as it represents the culmination of a vibe and the final act in a musical journey that has spanned five years, garnered countless accolades, and even earned a Grammy nomination or two along the way.

From the initial pulse of retro-inspired synths to the final echoes of Duane’s evocative vocals, “Falsify” commands attention with its immersive soundscape and unapologetically incisive production. The song features a meticulous blend of lush, sophisticated lyricism and dynamic instrumentation that shines through like a flare amid dark falsehood, drawing listeners into Duane’s slick and razor-sharp songwriting, eliciting a cinematic experience that resonates deeply. Written, performed, and produced entirely by Duane, with mastering completed by Grammy-winning engineer Brian Lucey at Magic Garden in Los Angeles, famous for his work with artists such as Post Malone, The Black Keys, and Mac Miller. The result is an undeniably polished yet emotionally resonant auditory experience that achieves immaculate clarity.

Musically, “Falsify” boldly navigates the fine line between the sultry grooves of ’80s synth-pop and the raw edge of contemporary indie-soul. It honors vintage aesthetics while avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia, effectively channeling influences reminiscent of Prince and The Weeknd, enriched by a politically aware perspective.

However, beneath the sonic sheen lies a fiery core: a lyrical critique of deception delivers a powerful commentary on the manipulative forces at play within media and political spheres. It examines the obfuscation inherent in corrupted narratives, presenting a nuanced protest that is both artful and direct. The lyrics reflect a tempered urgency, akin to a seasoned observer revealing uncomfortable truths.

With “Falsify,” Munk Duane not only closes a significant chapter in his artistic adventure but also incinerates the past, both literally and metaphorically, while delivering this profound track. It’s a fitting conclusion from an artist who maintains a steadfast commitment to authenticity, especially when addressing contentious issues.

For more information about Munk Duane, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Munk Duane’s “Falsify“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Munk Duane | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |