Nas "The Set Up" Prod. Havoc

old boy

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fukk all the backpack critics who encouraged a negative reception to this classic.


While we was gleamin', nikkas was schemin'
Seen the ill Beamers beamin'
Triple-beam and doublin' cream had 'em fiendin'
To get they fingers on the dosa, I called Sosa
"Sosa, these nikkas hit the God, bring the toaster”

How could they front on lyrics like this?


lol we have to separate emotion from this my G, because you're taking a fictional extreme. no one in their right mind ever accused nas of slacking lyrically on his sophomore (or ever). we're talking vocabulary, rhyme schemes, cadences, etc? he was amazing & was still viewed as a lyrical genius by everyone with a modicum of common sense. but you see, preemo, extra p or pete rock was never on god's green earth gonna loop up an old commercial larry smith beat made for whodini and have lauryn hill croon over it son

nas was still the verbal assassin but the direction on the LP was different.... and first you have to start sonically
 

old boy

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Yep..I’m 40 so I’m who you’re taking about lol .

I will say though lyrically I don’t think Nas watered himself down or compromised himself on IWW.

I actually think he got better overall lyrically on IWW especially with storytelling.

As for your last point younger people don’t realize there was as you said a civil war between mainstream and underground hiphop back then.

People like Biggie got sh1t a lot for being too commercial and mainstream.


lol word, biggie got shyt on too, you remember

rockness monstah - "drugs, jewels, and versace, nikkas need therapy." - 1996

you call somebody a versace rapper and it was an insulting term for nikkas like biggie, jigga and (a year later) mase. bad boy vs boot camp clik, literally two different worlds. nas had become a versace rapper
 

Frump

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lol word, biggie got shyt on too, you remember

rockness monstah - "drugs, jewels, and versace, nikkas need therapy." - 1996

you call somebody a versace rapper and it was an insulting term for nikkas like biggie, jigga and (a year later) mase. bad boy vs boot camp clik, literally two different worlds. nas had become a versace rapper

yep and you had groups like the roots dissing Biggie. Nine kinda did too and subbed Nas and the firm as well.
 

Bruce Wayne

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Hold it right there, pull over
That nikka right there inside the Rover
I knew he'd be right here, I told you
Let's get him now, look at him smile, ice Bulova
Polo pullover, big links and rockin' boulders
He's stuntin', after he left my man like that
Without a fair chance to fight back, but I'll be right back
BUT I'LL BE RIGHT BACK!
 
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