I remember hearing ‘One Love’ for the first time and thinking how emotive the melody was only to find out that one of my favourite artists (‘Q-Tip’ from ‘A Tribe Called Quest’) had configured the production. That’s when I started paying real attention and went out to cop Illmatic. At that time, I didn’t know much about that album, but what did get my attention was the clarity of the mix on ‘The World is Yours’ and the beauty of the piano break Pete Rock looped so eloquently over those solid drums, with that horn striking every time the snare drum licked. The next time I truly connected with Nas’ music was back in 1994 when I was over at a friend’s house and he was playing ‘Illmatic’. I wasn’t going to forget that line in a hurry. I mean come on… “Serial killer, who works by the phone book”. He struck me as the stand out MC just because of the sheer audaciousness he had when he attacked the microphone. I myself was a teenager, keenly glued to Yo’ MTV Raps on the regular. I can remember (quite vividly) the first time I heard and saw Nas as a fresh, new and very young MC doing his thing on MC Serch’s ‘Back to the Grill Again’. We’re sure you’ll agree that this is a phenomenal project and ask you to share this with as many hip-hip and good music fans as you can find. Then it happens… The two step inside and “JAZZMATIC” erupts … All you have to do now is… “press play”. Nas and Funky DL are having their picture taken outside the club in an array of spotlights glaring from their vehicles (see artwork). The lights are dim and the hall is filled with smoke, whilst the clinking sound of champagne flutes ambiently gesture in the atmosphere. It’s the late 1930’s and the local jazz club is packed to the brim with people awaiting the rapper Nas and his jazz musicians (orchestrated by Producer Funky DL) along with featured artists to come and play a 10-track set to forever be remembered. Just imagine if this happened and picture the setting…

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