Nas is a renowned American rapper known for his lyrical ability and storytelling skills. In his song "Black Magic," Nas delves into the concept of power and the societal forces that shape our lives. He explores the themes of manipulation, control, and the allure of power that can lead individuals down a dark path. The song opens with a haunting beat that sets the tone for the eerie and mysterious subject matter. Nas begins by discussing the influences of black magic and how it can corrupt the minds of individuals. He describes how society and the media use these tactics to control the masses, manipulating their thoughts and desires to align with those in power.
He describes how society and the media use these tactics to control the masses, manipulating their thoughts and desires to align with those in power. Throughout the song, Nas incorporates vivid imagery to paint a picture of the hidden forces at play. He references historic figures such as Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's roots and history to combat the effects of black magic manipulation.
Nas – Magic 2
There’s an oft repeated truism about Nas that he peaked too early; scaling the Himalayan heights of genius on ‘Illmatic’, some venture that the Queens rapper spent the subsequent years tracing a path down into the valleys below. Perhaps it’s time to flip that, however – Nas’ current run is not only up there with his best, it represents one of the best rap runs of all time.
Need more evidence? Succinct, tightly wound, and often explosive, ‘Magic 2’ adds further ammunition to his remarkable late career high. Closing the ‘King’s Disease’ trilogy earlier this year, he’s back once more – his fifth album in a little over three years, a bravura feast of word play combined to some of the most effective beats of his career.
Combining once more with Hit-Boy – the studio architect behind his recent golden run – ‘Magic 2’ finds Nas taking the energy of his 90s recordings into a fresh era. ‘Abacadabra’ taps into West Coast funk while Nas expresses that “doo-rag energy”, while the subtle 70s gospel-funk that drives ‘Office Hours’ ranks as an all-time high. The song’s dynamite opening gambit – “hip-hop’s back!” – gives way to incredible flows from the Queens artist, joined by a rejuvenated, bombastic 50 Cent. A true high point.
‘Black Magic’ blows off the dust of Hit-Boy’s sample collection, pivoting between Nas’ dextrous flow and those tumbling notes of piano. ‘Motion’ is sheer boom-bap exploration, illustration that fresh space remains within one of hip-hop’s oldest stylistic traits. “When we failed,” Nas boasts, “we only failed up”.
Yet it’s far from a homage to past glories. ‘Bokeem Woodbine’ is fuelled by Jamaican soundsystem culture, with the album stepping firmly out of the retro playbook. Indeed, a search for unity is a recurring theme on ‘Magic 2’, perhaps reaching its apex on ‘What This All Really Means’ – cross-referencing his upbringing, and the centrality of rap in the Black American experience, it’s a profound statement on the nature of the art, the sound of an artist working long enough to claim his own legacy.
‘Slow It Down’ is dominated by Nas’ mic muscle, giving way to the production crunch that frames ‘Pistols On Your Album Cover’. For an artist in the fourth decade of his career, Nas goes harder than some rappers less than half his age.
Closing with ‘One Mic, One Gun’, Nas spars with 21 Savage – “I got King’s Disease but I move like a knight” – constructing his own lineage in the process. For those who have followed Nas’ recent creative resurgence, ‘Magic 2’ offers more gristle to his mill, amplifying his unmistakable voice to profound levels. As one voice puts it: “When you turn legend you forget there’s no such thing as relevance…”
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
The actual verse on this song is excellent too. As always, Nas’ flow and delivery are immaculate.
Nas also tackles the topic of materialism and its destructive impact on individuals and communities. He criticizes the pursuit of material wealth, as it often comes at the expense of personal values and community connections. He warns against falling into this trap and urges listeners to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their true desires. In "Black Magic," Nas's lyrical prowess shines as he weaves together complex ideas with a captivating flow. His words serve as a call to action, encouraging listeners to be aware of the forces at play in society and to resist the allure of power and materialism. Overall, "Black Magic" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which individuals can be manipulated and controlled in society. Nas's lyrical genius and thought-provoking storytelling make this song a standout in his discography, showcasing his ability to tackle complex themes in a compelling manner..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Secrets of Nas' Black Magic Sample"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Nas black magic sample. I found it to be unoriginal and lacking any real creativity. The beat was generic and almost seemed like a copy of other popular songs in the genre. Additionally, Nas's lyrics felt forced and uninspired. Overall, I expected much more from such a respected artist and was left feeling underwhelmed by this track.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I have been a fan of Nas for years, but his black magic sample just didn't do it for me. The production was lackluster and failed to capture my attention. The lyrics felt repetitive and didn't offer anything new or thought-provoking. I found myself quickly losing interest in the song and couldn't wait for it to end. It's a shame because I have always held Nas in high regard, but this track was a major letdown.
3. Mike - 2/5 - The Nas black magic sample was a miss for me. I didn't feel any connection to the music or the lyrics. It lacked the distinctive quality that I have come to expect from Nas' work. The overall composition didn't seem to come together harmoniously, and it felt disjointed. I appreciate the experimentation, but unfortunately, it just didn't work for me in this case. I hope Nas returns to his signature style in his future releases.
4. Emily - 3/5 - While I didn't dislike the Nas black magic sample, I didn't find it particularly memorable either. The beat was okay, but it didn't stand out or leave a lasting impression on me. Nas' flow was solid as always, but the lyrics didn't resonate with me as much as his previous work. Overall, it was an average track that I could easily forget about in a few days. I hope Nas can come back stronger with his next release.