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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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

Dick Cole builds mystery, mood tight on new release “Between the Sheets”

Dick Cole’s latest release, “Between the Sheets” literally invites listeners into the intimacy of a warm music space. The title suggests closeness, openness, and layered storytelling. The record is arresting for its sense of mystery.

With a title that suggests emotion, intimacy, and thought, Between the Sheets seems ready to connect with honesty and atmosphere. There’s no over-complication of the song’s identity by its presence, it starts with its title, which suggests private thoughts, quiet truths, and moments not meant for the public eye.

Dick Cole’s release is open to interpretation, allowing the listener to come to the music where they are emotionally. “Between the Sheets” is a title loaded with emotional possibility, whether heard as romance, confession, longing, or reflection.

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