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Nas Released His First-Ever Single “Halftime” 28 Years Ago

Nas has become such a fixture in the culture that it’s hard to imagine a time where he was a newcomer, forced to win listeners over with a strong first impression. Luckily for both him and the rap game at large, the young Queensbridge emcee came out swinging with “Halftime,” the first official single of his career. Released on this very day in 1992, twenty-eight years ago to be specific, the lyrically-dense track eventually found a home on Nas’ acclaimed debut Illmatic. 

Over a jazzy beat from longtime Nas collaborator Large Professor, the rapper immediately turned heads with a ridiculously sharp flow and impeccable punchlines. “I drop jewels, wear jewels, hope to never run it, with more kicks than a baby in a mother’s stomach,” he raps, with a decidedly old-school flavor to his flow. “Nasty Nas has to rise ‘cause I’m wise / this is exercise til the microphone dies.” All things considered, “Halftime” sparked the beginning of an incredible run, arguably one of the best that rap has ever seen. Be sure to take a moment to reflect on where it all began, and show some love to the one and only Nasty Nas.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Back in ’83 I was an MC sparkin’
But I was too scared to grab the mics in the parks and
Kick my little raps cause I thought ni**as wouldn’t understand
And now in every jam, I’m the fuckin’ man
I rap in front of more ni**as than in the slave ships
I used to watch “CHiPs”, now I load Glock clips

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

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“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”

Morpheus von Dobenhausen

RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.

Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.

“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.

With this first release, RoHaNa confidently joins the scene, thanks to XanadumusiX’s never-ending creative drive, even when things get hard in the winter. This release not only introduces a new artist with significant potential but also showcases a bold artistic direction in which emotion, atmosphere, and story come together to make a lasting impression.

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