Nas reclaimed his title as one of the GOATS, with new music this year. His album King’s Disease executive-produced by Hit-Boy, debuted as Number 5 on Billboard 200. He is also featured on Public Enemy “Fight The Power: Remix 2020” and Statik Selektah “Keep It Moving” Nas’s conscious lyrics force fans to evaluate life circumstances. All while his gritty flow and realness in lyrics make him relatable.
HBO’s “Between The World And Me,” featured Nas on their soundtrack. The single “Fallen Stars Flying” is quickly gaining traction. The song begins with him reflecting through a reality that can easily be deemed as all too familiar to fans. “On this highly dangerous course between the streets and up north,” he said.
Nas then goes into his version of black America. “We doin’ wrong taking our face off earth. Black victory, I envision Tiffany blue coups. Angels pop out the hood like “poof,” black youth.” The lyrics seem to be structured to unify fans and force them to look at the bigger picture. Labeling black youth as “fallen stars flying” creates an entirely new narrative. To be a “ fallen star flying” is to keep moving through all adversity.
The New York rapper also touches base on mental health awareness. “When you a strong stand-tall soldier. They lean on you, expecting’ you not to fall over. Like you never feel pressure, like you are made of steel. So I absorb your pain.” He said. The effect of being seen as a threat before humans is extremely overwhelming. Trauma can be considered a socially transmitted disease (STD). Meaning the pain of one individual in a community can be felt by all members. According to Mental Health America, “African Americans living below poverty are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress.” 4.8 million Black people have reported mental illness this year.
Nas “Fallen Stars Flying” makes the list as a song that speaks to the culture.
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