Nas has always been among rap’s lyrical elite. Over the past few years, has genius has been
recognized by Hip-Hop’s current ruling class.
YMCMB has featured him on both Lil Wayne’s mega-selling The Carter IV and Tyga’s debut studio
album Careless World: Rise of the Last
King. Nicki Minaj kissed him in the video
for “Right By My Side.” Even Waka Flocka
Flame, whose lyrically regressive style would seem to be the polar opposite of what
Nas stands for, names the QB legend in his personal all-time top five. Of all these latter day admirers, only one
has effectively bridged the gap from fan to collaborator: Ricky Ross. Rosay has logged a number of effective collaborations
with the Nas over the last 3 years, none of which have been lackluster. In fact, these two bring out the very best in
each other. Their latest paring, a new
single from Life is Good titled “Accident
Murderers,” continues their winning streak.
Powered by robust church organs and the drum roll from Biz
Markie’s immortal "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz," “Accident
Murderers” represents a clash of musical sensibilities. Its southeastern gospel music meets
Northeastern golden era Hip-Hop. The
lyrics speak on a tragic yet darkly amusing concept I first encountered as New
York State Correction Officer. Stray
bullets often hit unintended targets. This
often results the “wrong people” being killed.
Nevertheless, the shooter will still try to gain cool points by bragging
about these accidental killings as though they were intentional. However, real killers can see through the
subterfuge. Likewise, Nas and Ross ridicule
such posturing. It’s yet another way for
rappers to question one another’s street cred, but if it’s effectively
rendered, who cares? In a way, "Accident Murderers" plays like a loose sequel to "I Gave You Power," covering the same story from a different angle. The song has the immediacy
of church sermon, delivered by one of the greatest rappers ever. Score one more for Nasty Nas and Ricky Rosay.
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