Today’s Sounds

I’m still not certain whether Nas’s 10th album title suggests that life in and of itself is good, or if it is rather a reflection of his state of mind. Nearly 20 years deep into defining his legacy, he’s the only legitimate household name in hip hop who continues to broaden listeners’ expectations of his music. “Daughters” finds Nas musing (read: trippin’) on the options open to his 17-year-old girl. Nowhere near ready to be Grampa Jones by 40, Nas tells his young lady the difference between what boys think and men know, in real terms.

Record:

Nas, Life Is Good

 
I’m still not certain whether Nas’s 10th album title suggests that life in and of itself is good, or if it is rather a reflection of his state of mind. Nearly 20 years deep into defining his legacy, he’s the only legitimate household name in hip hop who continues to broaden listeners’ expectations of his music.

“Daughters” finds Nas musing (read: trippin’) on the options open to his 17-year-old girl. Nowhere near ready to be Grampa Jones by 40, Nas tells his young lady the difference between what boys think and men know, in real terms.

But the song is no simple cautionary tale. The hook goes out to the daddies, voicing exactly what our little princesses mean to us, a story as old as life itself, and one that becomes transcendental in the hands of a Gospel-grade lyricist whose message can move a multi-generational crowd.

Given the standard-setting capacity for influence chained to him since the last breath of “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” Nas has no need to exploit anyone else’s myth. Consider his bound-for-glory rap collab with Amy Winehouse, “Cherry Wine,” intricately crafted by producer Salaam Remi, their mutual musical connection. Any slick tongue can fake class or respect, but rarely in any popular genre do artistry, inspiration, invocation and tact gel so evenly as in this unlikely love duet that’s practically an anthem.

As long as their value isn’t overlooked, life moments both positive and negative are good for us. Whatever Nas means, he knows it. Life defines itself.
 

Track:

 
Minimal rockers the XX are back with a new tune, “Angels” — an advance taste of their second album, Coexist, out Sept. 11. They’re at Metropolis July 29.
 

Video:

 
Passion Pit, “I’ll Be Alright”

See a gallery security guard trip out on singing art in this new video, just ahead of the Cambridge, MA band’s third album, Gossamer, out July 24. And hey, they’re at Osheaga this year.
 

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